Upper Arm Lift
What is it?For who?
The surgery
The risks
The costs
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. At the same time, the deep layers of fat, muscle and bone thin as well. The amount of elastic tissue and collagen present in the dermis (the deep layer of the skin) also decreases. One area where these changes are especially apparent is the upper arm. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, can lift and tighten up loose skin in the upper arms, resulting in a firmer, more youthful contour.
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An arm lift is usually not suitable for patients who have had a mastectomy. The drainage of fluid from the arm may already be damaged, and further surgery can lead to persistent swelling.
Patients who have repeated infections in the armpit, or suffer from excess sweat formation (axillary hidradenitis), may also not be good candidates for this surgery. In some cases the plastic surgeon may suggest that liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.
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The doctor may offer the choice between using a local or general anesthetic; however, most patients are most comfortable with a general anesthetic for this procedure.
The doctor begins by marking the area of excess skin, with the patient either standing or sitting. The anesthesia is administered. Incisions are made on the inner and under surface of the arm, most often in a zigzagged line. The pattern of skin removal usually follows an elliptical or triangular shape. Often some fat is suctioned at the same time. The surgical opening may run from the armpit to as low as the elbow.
While the excess skin and fat is removed, the remaining skin is stretched and sutured into place. Occasionally a drain is used to lead excess fluids from the site of incision, allowing the skin better to adhere to the tissue beneath. The incisions are then bandaged.
An arm lift usually takes about two hours. After a monitored time in the recovery room, patients can usually go home the same day. The procedure most often takes place in a surgical suite.
The patient may experience moderate pain after this procedure. Pain medication, prescribed by the surgeon, can help make the patient more comfortable. After a few days acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen may be all that the patient requires. Aspirin should be avoided as it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
After the procedure the patient will feel groggy. The arm will be placed in a special compression garment to help the newly-sculpted skin adhere to the tissue underneath. The patient will probably have several layers of stitches on the upper arm, possibly with a drain inserted to help the skin to adhere to the underlying tissue. Some of the stitches will be absorbable, and some may have to be removed by during a follow-up visit. After a brief stay in the recovery room, the patient will be allowed to go home.
For the first week following surgery, strenuous activity should be avoided, including bending and lifting. The patient will be able to shower on the third day after surgery. The swelling is mild to moderate, and peaks at two to three days. Any stitches that are not absorbed will be removed after about a week. Some grogginess may persist for five to seven days.
The recovery period after an arm lift generally lasts one to two weeks. The patient will probably be able to return to work in a week, and resume exercise within two weeks. Strenuous workouts and contact sports can be engaged in about four weeks.
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The most common risks associated with this type of surgery include, but are not limited to, a reaction to the anesthesia used, excessive bleeding, infection, visible scarring, possible asymmetry or irregularities, and possible changes in nerve sensation. The surgeon should discuss other possible risks, such as pulmonary embolism due to the freeing of fat or blood clots into the bloodstream.
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Upper arm lift surgery will cost around $2800, but fees vary widely from one geographic location to another.
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