Arm Lift

An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is used to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms in patients who have lost a lot of weight or developed excess loose skin due to aging. Scars are the greatest drawback of this operation. However, done correctly by a skilled plastic surgeon, the scars will positioned to be least noticeable and shouldn't show at all when arms are down.

Suitable candidates for an arm lift

In general, candidates for an arm lift include:

• Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
• Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery

Surgery

An incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.  Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow.

Post Operative Care

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. Your arms should be elevated for a few days, above the heart. Expect a slow return of normal function of the arms and hands over a couple of weeks.