Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery)

Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is performed to reduce and reshape excess or sagging upper arm tissue. Traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery or natural aging can all create excess tissue in upper arms. This type of plastic surgery in Gainesville, FL is suitable for patients who find that sagging skin doesn't seem to be affected by diet or exercise. Other procedures may be combined with brachioplasty to provide optimal results.

Patients who have lost a large amount of weight after pregnancy may combine an arm lift with a mommy makeover. Additionally, Dr. Poser may suggest liposuction or panniculectomy in combination with arm lift surgery. If patients find that they choose long sleeves when going out, and that sagging skin on upper arms has hindered the ability to enjoy activities such as swimming, then brachioplasty in Gainesville may be ideal.

What To Expect During Brachioplasty

Before the arm lift operation, the patient is given anesthesia. Your Gainesville plastic surgeon will then make an incision on the back or inside of the upper arm. The incision will span from the underarm to just above the elbow. The skin and excess fat are trimmed and removed. The remaining skin is then stretched over the patient's arm and stitched into place with sutures. A drain may be inserted at the operation site. Patients will have their upper arms bandaged to promote healing. This operation typically lasts for two hours.

Candidates For Brachioplasty

Patients that are in good health, at a stable weight and experiencing sagging upper arm skin are typical candidates for an arm lift procedure. Patients that have previously had issues healing from other surgeries may be not candidates for brachioplasty as patients won't be eligible for operation if there is a risk of keloid development. Dr. Poser will review patient medical history and instruct patients to stop smoking and stop certain medications or supplements that may interfere with healing after the body cosmetic surgery.

Brachioplasty Recovery

Bruising and swelling around the incision is expected and patients can expect to see a difference in their arms even shortly after the procedure. Sutures are removed five to 14 days after the operation. Patients will need to wear compression garments for a month to minimize swelling and maximize healing. After surgery, patients will need to allow for several weeks of recovery. Patients can return to work after about two weeks and can resume other activities after six weeks. The majority of patients are very pleased with the results of their arm lift in Gainesville, FL.

Is Brachioplasty Permanent?

Dr. Poser will physically remove excess fatty tissue and sagging skin to reduce the size of arms. This removal is permanent but patients should adhere to a healthy lifestyle as this procedure does not prevent tissue from expanding again. Weight gain will cause fat cells to expand, which causes tissue to expand — which diminishes the results of arm lift surgery.

What Are The Risks Of Brachioplasty?

Complications of brachioplasty surgery may include; lymphedema; cellulitis; abscess; wound dehiscence; nerve injury; and hypertrophic scarring. To discuss the risks associated with brachioplasty further, contact our plastic surgery center.