An arm lift, also referred to as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to firm and reshape the upper arms. The surgeon may use liposuction to remove excess fat and skin and reposition the remaining skin to tighten it.
An arm lift procedure may be recommended for patients with a lot of loose skin on the arms, or patients with large hanging fat deposits. Loose arm skin (often called "bingo wings") is common after considerable weight loss.
Patients with small amounts of loose skin should not consider surgery as it can leave a big scar. Generally, the surgery is only recommended if the transformation will be dramatic enough to justify the scarring.
Many clinics offer minimally invasive options however, traditionally the surgeon makes an incision in the arm extending from the elbow, up to the armpit. As the scar is on the inside of the arm, it is hidden a lot of the time but may still be seen. Patients should consider whether the benefits of the surgery outweigh the potential scarring.
Recommended for
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Removing loose arm skin and fat deposits
ABOUT ARM LIFT
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Number of days in hospital: 1 - 4 days
Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
The patient might have to stay until the sutures can be removed, and should ask the surgeon. It should be possible to fly home within 7 to 10 days.
Number of trips abroad needed: 1
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After consulting with the surgeon and discussing the desired goals, the surgeon is likely to advise patients to make some minor lifestyle adjustments ahead of the procedure, such as reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking.
The surgeon will make an incision beneath the inner arm, from the elbow to the armpit. By making the incision under the arm, it makes the scarring less noticable once the wound heals after the surgery. After making the incision, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat, before closing the site with sutures.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic with sedation.
Procedure duration
The Arm Lift takes 1 to 3 hours.
HOW IT IS PERFORMED
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BEFORE ARM LIFT ABROAD
Post procedure care
After the procedure, patients are often allowed to return to the hotel. The patient should rest and follow any hygiene instructions from the surgeon. The patient may need to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks after the surgery. Patients should avoid smoking, and any physical activities which will disrupt the healing process.
Possible discomfort
For the first 10 to 14 days after an arm lift, the arms will be quite swollen. Patients may need to wear supportive wraps for up to 6 weeks while the swelling improves. The surgical site can take up to one year to fully heal.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER ARM LIFT
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ARM LIFT
Not recommended for
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Small amounts of loose skin
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Patients who have fluctuating weight
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Potential risks
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Infection
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Tissue necrosis
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Unsightly scarring
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Pain
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Bleeding
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Bruising
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Swelling
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Fluid build-up
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Permanent numbness of the inner arm
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Asymmetry of the arms
Many people who have lost weight or who are unhappy with their appearance choose to have an arm lift to reshape the arm.
The surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the arm, redefining the shape and appearance of the arm.