Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty)

After losing weight, many women hide their upper arms due to feeling that their upper arms are too big or that the skin hangs and is too loose. Fortunately, there are several effective techniques to reduce the size of the upper arms and to get rid of excess skin including liposuction and arm reduction. The technical name for the arm reduction procedure is called a “brachioplasty.” Liposuction candidates have good skin elasticity and do not typically need skin removed. Arm lift candidates have excessively loose skin in the upper arm or a combination of loose skin and extra fatty tissue making the upper arm seem disproportionate to the rest of the body. Brachioplasty is often used in conjunction with liposuction to create a more attractive upper arm. During your consultation we will determine which type of reduction is best suited for you

Procedure

During liposuction, the excess fat is removed through tiny incisions in the armpit and near the elbow. The process of removing the excess fat actually encourages the skin to shrink to a significant extent and to conform to the new arm contour.

Sometimes a mini-arm reduction can be performed. This is done by making a small incision in the armpit region that may extend a short distance onto the inside of the upper arm. Excess skin and fat are removed and the wound is closed with dissolvable sutures. The benefit of this procedure is obviously less scarring then with a full lift. After significant weight loss, most patients require a full upper arm reduction. This involves an incision that starts in the armpit and extends along the inner arm to the elbow. This type of arm reduction allows for maximum skin tightening.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center. You will be able to go home after the surgery and follow up the next day. Your arms are dressed with cloth and elastic tape. Drains are typically not placed. At the one day post-operative visit, the elastic tape will be removed and a compression garment will be placed. This will be worn for two to four weeks to control swelling and assist in contour improvement.

Recovery

The cloth tape will be removed at one week and the compression garment may have to be worn for up to four weeks.

Pain is typically well controlled on oral pain medications. Expected recovery is between one to two weeks. You will need to limit your arm movement during the first couple of weeks. You can resume light exercise after two weeks and more vigorous exercise after six weeks. It is normal to feel tightness and swelling in your arms and hands. The swelling can actually take up to three months to completely subside.

Some bruising is normal after surgery. This usually goes away in the first few weeks. Your incisions will be noticeable immediately following surgery but they will gradually fade and flatten for up to a year after surgery. You will also have some puckering around the incision, especially the armpit. This will smooth out over a month or two. If your skin has a lot of stretch marks or is extremely thin, this is a sign of poor skin elasticity. Patients with poor skin elasticity may be more prone to widening of the scar after surgery. A small percentage of patients will require a scar revision to improve the appearance of the scars. Your skin will also be firm and numb at the outset. It will soften and normal sensation will return gradually over the following weeks to months.

The human body is normally asymmetrical. It is not possible to create perfect symmetry in the arms through surgery. We will review with you what are reasonable expectations.

Possible Complications

There are potential complications associated with having any surgery including bleeding, prolonged bruising and swelling, infection, temporary or permanent numbness, weakness and unfavorable scarring as previously mentioned. Infection or collections of blood or fluid in the wound may delay recovery and could result in skin loss, fat wasting or pronounced scarring. This could result in the need for additional corrective surgery. The arm skin is stretched during surgery and post-operatively during function. The blood supply to the skin may be compromised or damaged as a result which could lead to wound breakdown or skin necrosis. If this happens and the wound does not heal favorably on its own, a skin graft may be needed. Wound tension could lead to excess or widened scarring later in the post-operative period which requires revision.

Although these complications are relatively rare, wound problems are much more likely with patients who smoke. Therefore, we require patients who use tobacco or nicotine substitute products to completely quit for a minimum of four-to-six weeks before and after arm lift surgery.

Overall, the procedure provides very gratifying results with immediate reduction of the excess skin and fat and improved contour. The type and amount of reduction recommended will be identified at your complimentary consult.