Surgical Procedures & Innovations Cosmetic Procedures

Arm (Upper Arm Lift)

Arm lift, or brachioplasty, is used to remove excess skin and fat from underneath the arms. In certain cases, liposuction is used to remove fat before excess skin is cut out. People who have sagging or drooping skin on the upper arms due to weight loss, aging, or genetics are good candidates for arm lift surgery. After brachioplasty, the arms appear significantly more trim, firm, and smooth.

Techniques

An incision is made on the inside of the arm from above the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin is removed and, if needed, fat is suctioned from the arm. Depending on the degree of skin excess, the incision can be made from the elbow to the armpit, or just within the armpit.

Anesthesia

Brachioplasty is performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Before Surgery

• Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks.
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid in healing.

Recovery

• Most patients resume normal activity in 1-2 weeks.
• Full recovery takes several weeks.
• Depending on the extent of skin excess, the scar may be limited to the armpit, or may extend on the inside of the arm from above the elbow to the armpit.

Results

Pre-op

Post-op