Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

About the Procedure

An upper arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin on the underside of the upper arm, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance. The skin may begin to naturally sag after weight loss, but may also be caused by aging and genetic factors.

The arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, does not by itself remove fat on the arm. The arm lift tightens up weakened muscles and smoothes out sagging skin. It may be combined with lipectomy, the surgical removal of fat tissue by excision, or liposuction, removal of fat tissue by vacuum, for more pronounced results. For patients looking to slim their arms and whose skin is smooth and forgiving, liposuction alone may produce desired results. A qualified plastic surgeon can help you decide which procedure is right for you.

What to Know Before the Procedure

The arm lift procedure is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure generally takes one to three hours of surgery. The procedure will leave a visible scar from the incisions, which usually run the length of the arm, either on the inner arm or back of the arm. In some cases, the only incision needed will be in the armpit.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will perform any liposuction or lipectomy that is being done. Then, the surgeon will remove any excess skin and put sutures in place to support skin and muscle tissue. When the procedure is finished, the incisions are closed with sutures. Arm lifts are an out-patient procedure, so most patients will be able to return home the same day as the procedure.

What to Know After the Procedure

As with most surgical procedures, there will be some swelling and bruising that may get worse before it gets better. Swelling should clear up in about two weeks. A compression garment may be used to reduce the amount of swelling and support the area. There will also be some pain and discomfort for the first few days. Surgeons can prescribe pain medication to treat this discomfort.

Most people will need two to three weeks off of work to recover from the surgery. It will be important to avoid any strenuous activity for about a month after the procedure, as well as heavy lifting for six weeks. As with all surgical procedures, it is vital to follow the surgeon’s post-operation instructions to ensure proper recovery.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Upper arm lift surgery requires a longer recovery time than many other cosmetic surgery procedures. This should be taken into account when deciding between having the procedure done domestically or internationally. Speak with several doctors to find out their average recovery times for their patients. Also speak with them about whether post-operative care will be necessary, and when speaking to doctors abroad be sure to have a clear understanding of how much time will be required of you to stay abroad.