Arm Lift
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty surgery makes the contours of the upper arm slimmer, giving the arms a more youthful appearance and balancing them with the rest of the body. The procedure achieves this by removing excess skin and fat from the upper arm between the shoulder and the elbow.
Procedure
Brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Incisions are placed on the inner aspect of the upper arm running from the armpit out towards the elbow. The exact length of the incision depends on the degree of excess skin and fat. If the client has excess subcutaneous fat, liposuction is combined with the removal of excess skin to provide optimal results.
This is a straightforward surgical procedure that nicely corrects skin and soft tissue excess and restores normal arm dimensions.
Results
Excess skin and fat on the upper arms can be a bothersome problem. Many clients feel they cannot wear any clothing styles that reveal this area. Short-sleeved tops and bathing suits are not preferred options. Clients are unhappy with this deformity, which leads to embarrassment, reduced confidence, and loss of self-esteem.
Depending on the degree of skin and fat excess, some clients may be treated with liposuction alone, although most clients need skin excised as well. The goal of brachioplasty is to restore arm dimensions to the normal range. We don’t want arms to appear disproportionately skinny, and a little skin excess is better than too tight. The healthier the client's lifestyle, the better the long-term brachioplasty results will be. This includes eating a good diet and maintaining a proper weight, exercising to promote good arm muscle bulk and tone, and avoiding excess sun exposure and tobacco products.
Many clients see dramatic results with a brachioplasty. The scar on the inside of the upper arm will fade with time and is hidden when arms are in their normal relaxed position.
After the Surgery
Brachioplasty surgery is not painful and recuperation is fairly straightforward. Each client will be given detailed postoperative instructions and medications to minimize discomfort. Dr. Payne usually calls each client the evening of surgery and the morning following surgery to reinforce instructions and make sure the client is doing well.
Most clients are seen one to two times per week for the first few weeks to provide for careful monitoring and instruction. Clients are followed until they are fully healed and back to normal. It is recommended that clients wear compression garments and elevate their arms for several weeks after surgery to hasten recovery.
Clients may return to work within one to two weeks after surgery and may resume gentle exercise within a few days of surgery and more vigorous activity within a couple of weeks.
