Brachionoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the arm area and causes lifting, tightening, and improving the appearance of the arms. It is mainly aimed at people who have suffered significant weight loss, pregnancy, or due to age there is sagging of the skin. Brachioplasty can also be performed to improve the appearance of the arm after a burn or other injury.
Brachioplasty, or an “arm lift”, aims to improve the appearance of your arms by:
– Reducing fat deposits
– Removing excess skin
– Tightening of supporting tissue
– Sculpting the contour of the arms
Brachioplasty
1-3 hours
Improvement of the appearance of the arms
Arms
Loose skin, excess fat
Removal of excess skin and fat
Local or general anesthesia
2-4 weeks
Slimmer and "tighter" arms
From 1500€
Preoperative instructions include stopping smoking, avoiding anticoagulant medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and performing blood tests to ensure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
The patient lies down on the operating table with the arms in abduction so that the surgeon has easy access to the inner surface of the arm and the axillary region.
The patient is given general anesthesia, which is administered through an intravenous (IV) line in the arm. Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon will begin the surgery.
An incision is made on the inside of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The size of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed. In cases where the sagging is small, the incision may be limited to the armpit area whenever it is reasonably well hidden, or a brachioplasty can be performed without an incision using the Vaser liposuction technique. In cases following massive weight loss, the incision may be extended to the lateral chest wall to combine it with general upper torso tightening.
The surgeon removes excess skin by direct excision and excess fat by liposuction.
The surgeon tightens the underlying supporting tissues using Vaser to create a smoother, more shapely arm.
The surgeon closes the incision with stitches in layers. Usually, absorbable sutures and intradermal sutures are used to make the incision as inconspicuous as possible.
The surgeon dresses the incision with a special compression bandage to help reduce swelling and bruising initially. It is then recommended to wear a compression bandage for up to 4-6 weeks.
The whole brachioplasty procedure usually takes about 2 -3 hours to complete. A more detailed breakdown of each step follows:
For minor problems, the treatment of arm skin laxity can be treated with liposuction, especially Vaser-assisted liposuction, to not only remove fat but also tighten the skin in the area.
This is a milder form of liposuction brachioplasty that uses ultrasound energy to liquefy the fat cells before they are removed and simultaneously tighten the skin. Vaser's high precision helps reduce bleeding and bruising, make fat removal easier and more uniform, and dramatically improve the contour of the arm.
Vaser liposuction is particularly suitable for use in mini brachioplasty as it can be performed practically without incisions as only two small tool entry ports of about half a centimetre are needed. However, it can also be used in traditional brachioplasty to help remove excess fat and tighten the underlying tissues.
Vaser liposuction is used in all Brachioplasty cases to achieve the best possible result for the patient. The surgeon will discuss with you the best options based on your needs during the pre-operative consultation.
Some of the advantages of using Vaser liposuction in Brachioplasty are:
- More precise fat removal
- More uniformity in fat removal without unevenness
- Virtually no incisions
- Reduced bleeding and bruising
- Improved arm contour
- Shorter recovery time
Mini brachioplasty, also known as "incision-free brachioplasty" brachioplasty, is a less invasive version of standard brachioplasty. It is usually performed in patients with milder cases of skin laxity and excess fat in the arm
During a mini brachioplasty, the surgeon makes a crescent-shaped incision inside the armpit. The surgeon then uses Vaser liposuction to remove excess fat and tighten the underlying skin and muscle tissue. He then closes the incision with absorbable sutures.
Mini Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intoxication, depending on the patient's needs. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. Most patients can return home on the same day of the procedure.
Recovery from mini brachioplasty is shorter than extended brachioplasty. Typically, patients can return to work and other activities within a week. However, it is important to avoid vigorous physical activity for a few weeks after surgery.
Mini Brachioplasty is a good option for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity and excess fat in the arms
- Are seeking a less invasive procedure than a traditional Brachioplasty
- Want to avoid extensive post-operative scarring as this is hidden in the underarm area
- They wish to have a shorter recovery time
What you can expect during your recovery from Brachioplasty in the following situations
The following may be enclosed in an “accordion” format depending on the layout of the page.
+Pain
You will probably feel mild discomfort after the procedure due to the tightening of the area from the removal of excess skin. This is treated with painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
+Oedema
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. It is most noticeable in the first few days after surgery, but will gradually subside over time.
+Bruising
Bruising may be present after surgery but it is not necessarily that it may be present. It may take 1 to 2 weeks for it to disappear completely.
+Numbness or tingling
You may feel some numbness or tingling in the arm area after surgery caused by swelling and pressure on the nerves. This is temporary and subsides in about 2 weeks.
+Sleeves
The incisions from the brachioplasty will leave scars, which are made on the inner side of the arms to make them as inconspicuous and invisible as possible. At first, they are red and embossed, but after 6 months they fade and smooth out with the surrounding skin.
BEFORE
AFTER
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The first results of brachioplasty are evident immediately after the surgery. The full results are visible once the swelling and bruising has completely subsided.
Most patients are able to return to work within 1 - 2 weeks after surgery. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities for 6 - 8 weeks after surgery.
To maintain the results of brachioplasty, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Here are some tips to help you have a faster recovery at home:
Take painkillers as prescribed. Take the medications as prescribed as prescribed.
It is important to get plenty of rest during the recovery period to speed up healing.
Raising your arms above the level of your heart will help reduce swelling. You can do this by sleeping in a supine position while resting your hands on pillows.
The special compression bandage will help reduce swelling and bruising. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to wear and care for it.
Gently wash your incisions with soap and water 1 - 2 times a day. Dry them with a clean towel. Do not apply ointments or creams to your incisions without talking to your doctor first.
Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous physical activity during the recovery period
Avoid sexual activity for about 2 weeks after surgery.
Eating a healthy diet will help your body heal. Be sure to eat soups (meat soups, chicken soups, fish soups) plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. Staying hydrated is important for wound healing.
Smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications from brachioplasty, such as wound infection and blood clots.
Wear loose clothing. This will help reduce discomfort and aid healing.
Avoid driving until the doctor gives you permission to do so. This usually happens about 2 weeks after surgery.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge from your incisions, contact your doctor immediately.
Whether you should have liposuction instead of brachioplasty depends on your individual needs.
Liposuction is used to remove fat from the arm area but is indicated for minor problems with little to moderate skin laxity and younger people with good skin tone. Conversely, it is not as effective as brachioplasty for tightening loose skin in cases of moderate to severe sagging and poor skin tone.
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the arm area and tightens the underlying tissues. It is more effective than liposuction for improving the appearance of the arms, but it is also a more invasive procedure.
If you have loose skin in addition to excess fat on your arms, then brachioplasty is the best option for you. If you only have excess fat on your arms and your skin is still relatively tight, then liposuction alone may be a good option for you.
It is important to talk to your doctor about your individual needs and goals before deciding whether to choose liposuction or Brachioplasty. Your doctor can help you determine which procedure is right for you or if a combination of the two treatments is needed.
The answer to whether or not you need a brachioplasty depends on several factors, including the severity of your arm problems and your overall health. If you have flabby, sagging arms, here are some key indicators that suggest brachioplasty may be the right option for you:
- Excessive skin laxity: If you have loose, sagging skin on your arms that significantly affects the contour of your arms, Brachioplasty can help remove this excess skin and tighten the underlying tissues, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance to the arms.
- Excess fat: If you have an excessive amount of excess fat in the arms that persists despite diet and exercise, Brachioplasty can help eliminate this fat and restore a more defined shape to the arms.
- Unsatisfactory appearance.
- Realistic expectations and goals: Brachioplasty is not a weight loss solution and should not be considered a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits. If you maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the results of surgery, brachioplasty may be a satisfactory option for addressing arm problems.
The initial results of brachioplasty are visible immediately after surgery, as excess skin and fat have been removed. However, full results will not be apparent until the swelling and bruising have subsided, which usually takes a few weeks.
Here is a general timeline of what you can expect to see after Brachioplasty:
- Immediately after surgery: you will have a bandage on your hands to help control swelling. You will also likely feel some pain, discomfort, and bruising.
- 1-2 weeks after surgery: the swelling and bruising will begin to subside and you may see a more noticeable improvement in the contours of your arms.
- 4-6 weeks after surgery: the swelling and bruising will have mostly subsided and you will be able to see the final results of your brachioplasty.
In some cases, it may take up to 12 months for the full results of your brachioplasty to be visible. This is because everybody reacts differently and it takes time for the skin to fully heal and the scars to fade.
Brachioplasty is not suitable for everyone. There are certain cases in which brachioplasty is contraindicated, such as:
- Weight loss: Weight loss after brachioplasty may compromise the results of the surgery. If you are still losing weight, it is best to wait until your weight has stabilized before considering brachioplasty.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, anemia, and lung disease, may increase the risk of complications from brachioplasty.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Brachioplasty is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Unrealistic expectations: It is important to have realistic expectations about the results of brachioplasty. To make the results last after brachioplasty, be sure to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
The risk of side effects in brachioplasty is real, as with any surgery. Typical side effects of Brachioplasty gradually resolve in the first few weeks after surgery on their own or with medication and include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling in the upper arm
With less frequency, transient complications may also occur, such as:
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Hematoma
Quite rare more serious side effects of Brachioplasty that have been reported in medical practice are
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Poor wound healing
- Necrosis of fatty tissue
- Lymphocele (accumulation of lymphatic fluid)
- Nerve damage that can lead to permanent loss of sensation or muscle function
- Asymmetry of the upper arms
The risk of adverse side effects from brachioplasty can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon and by carefully following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
Although not as common as in other parts of the body, some women may develop cellulite in the arms for genetic (hereditary) and other reasons, including but not limited to increased estrogen levels or excessive fat accumulation. Also, the appearance of stretch marks on the arms is possible due to weight fluctuations over the years.
Brachioplasty cannot treat cellulite or stretch marks, but if the cellulite is in the area of the skin to be removed it is treated indirectly. In minor sagging where no incision is required, Vaser liposuction can be performed and there can be tightening of the area if there is cellulite or stretch marks the texture of the area can be improved.
Brachioplasty is a cosmetic medicine procedure aimed at correcting skin laxity and is not intended for weight loss. It can remove several grams of fat and skin, but will not significantly reduce body weight. Simply, by rebuilding and reorganizing the sagging loose tissues of the arm, brachioplasty will help you achieve a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis is an experienced plastic surgeon, a graduate of the University of Ioannina with a professional career that includes work in several countries, including France, Denmark and Ireland. Specializing in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, he trained in Germany in facial cosmetic surgery. He has performed a variety of procedures including eye surgery, facelift, rhinoplasty, bariatric surgery recovery and body contouring. In addition, he is a member of the "European Board of Plastic Surgery (EBOPRAS)" and is dedicated to patient satisfaction, making him a trusted choice for plastic surgery seekers. His dedication to patient satisfaction, his expertise and his vast experience in the Greek and international arena make him a reliable choice for those looking for plastic surgery.
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