What is brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty or arm lift is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the arms and eliminates the so-called bat wing deformity. In some cases where the excess of skin is only minimal and close to the armpit the brachioplasty can be done with an armpit incision only.
In other cases with very moderate sagging of the upper arm, a short arm incision can be used only. However, in the majority of the cases a proper inner arm incision is required along the total length of the arm in order for the deformity to be corrected.

Types of Brachioplasty diagram

In my practice the commonest incision by far is the full length one, as it is required for the deformity to be corrected.

Most types of brachioplasty can and should be supplemented by posterior at least arm liposuction.

Full length brachioplasty diagram

Who is a good candidate for a Brachioplasty?

1. Patients with excessive weight loss
2. Patients with congenital excess of upper arm skin
3. Anyone who is concerned in general about upper arm skin and soft tissue laxity due to age

All patients must be willing to accept an inner arm scar (not visible from behind but visible from the front).

Your bespoke arm lift transformation overview

Consultation and Planning: 45-60 minutes
Surgical procedure: 2 hours on average
Hospital stay: 1 night
Follow up appointments: Every week until healing is complete, then 3 months and 12 months.
Time off work: 1 week
No Driving: 1 week
Exercise and Gym: 4-6 weeks

Consultation and Planning

Once you book your appointment with me, I will see you at your chosen time in my clinic. Your consultation will last 45-60 minutes. During this time, I will listen to your wishes, examine you, access any medical conditions you may have and focus on your specific issues of concern. Your tissues will be assessed and eventually a bespoke thigh arm plan will be presented to you.
The consultation process is the first step, but in my opinion, the most important as it is the cornerstone of your journey.

Surgical Procedure

Your bespoke procedure varies in length. The average is 2.5 hours and is under general anaesthetic. When you wake up in recovery, you will have been fitted with an upper arm garment.
You will stay in the hospital for 1 night.

Aftercare and follow up:

Weekly until you heal completely and then at 3 months and 12 months

Risks

Overall, the arm lift is a safe procedure.
However, it is major surgery and sometimes complete recovery takes longer.

1. Early: Bleeding, infection
2. Intermediate: Seroma, delayed healing
3. Late: Fat necrosis, scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularity
4. Generalised complications like DVT

Photo Gallery

Patient had proper arm-lift and 10cm of skin or 4 inches removed in maximum dimension. Posterior arm liposuction did take place as well. Post-op result at 3 months. The quality of the scar continues to improve with time.

Massive weight loss patient. Arm lift with 14cm or 5.5 inches of skin removed in maximum dimension.
Post-op picture taken at 3 months after surgery. Quality of scar improves with time.

Patient had proper arm-lift and 12c cm of skin or 5 inches removed in maximum dimension. Posterior arm liposuction did take place as well. Post-op result at 3 months. The quality of the scar continues to improve with time.

 

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