BRACHIOPLASTY (ARM LIFT)
Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure for improving the shape of arms. Arms can sometimes be considered unsightly due to their disproportionate size.
Large arms with loose folds of skin can be secondary to massive weight loss following a diet, exercise or weight loss surgery. The stretched out skin may fail to recoil following weight loss. The resulting deformity with large loose folds of skin may prevent an individual from wearing tight fitting clothes. Brachioplasty helps modify the appearance of the arms such that it is more proportionate to the torso.
Who is a good candidate for brachioplasty?
This includes those who:
1. are bothered about the size of their arms and desire an improvement
2. have realistic expectations about the procedure
3. are non-smokers
4. do not have any significant co-morbid illness
What is done in a brachioplasty consultation?
A brachioplasty consultation helps understand the patient expectations and extent of the arm deformity. The patient can understand the expected treatment outcomes. Patients should come prepared to discuss details of any weight loss treatments and co-morbid illnesses.
In cases of deformity following weight loss surgery, brachioplasty is usually deferred until the weight loss has stabilized. The approval of the primary weight loss surgeon is sometimes obtained before proceeding with brachioplasty. Patients are sometimes put on multivitamin supplementation before taking up for surgery. Any co-existing vitamin deficiency may impair wound healing.
What is done during brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty involves removal of excess skin and soft tissue from inside the arms so that the resulting shape of arms is tight and is more proportionate to the torso. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia.
Depending upon the extent of laxity of the tissue of the arms brachioplasty is broadly of three types. These are:
1. Mini-brachioplasty: In this, the incision is confined to the axilla (armpit). The tissues of the upper arm are tightened with the help of this surgery. The advantage of this procedure is that most of the incision and the scar is hidden inside the fold of axilla. This procedure is beneficial to those with minimal laxity of the upper arms.
2. Standard brachioplasty: In this variant, the incision extends from within the axilla to the elbow along the inside of the arms. This tightens the tissues of the entire arm. Most of the scar lies hidden along the inside of the arms.
3. Extended brachioplasty: This procedure is useful to obtain tightening of the arms and the sides of the torso. The incision extends from the axilla to the side wall of the torso. This procedure is recommended in those with associated severe laxity of the torso.
What does the recovery of brachioplasty involve?
The procedure is carried out as a short stay or day care procedure. Patients can return home accompanied by a relative or a friend after the procedure. Drains may be placed to help remove fluids from collecting at the operated site. They are removed during a post-operative visit. Pain and discomfort are easily managed with the help of pain medications. Sutures are removed at the end of one week. Compression garments help expedite the resolution of the swelling at the operated site. Patients can return to light activities and work at the end of a week. Light exercise which avoids overhead arm movements can be started after one week. There are no restrictions on exercise at the end of six weeks. It is common for some swelling and induration at the operated site. These usually settle without any specific intervention.
What are the other methods to improve the appearance of arms?
Liposuction is a procedure in which fat is aspirated with the help of thin tubes attached to a vacuum producing device. Liposuction is indicated in individuals with fatty deposits and with good skin tone. This is usually seen in younger individuals in whom the skin can retract well to the new dimensions after an evacuation of fatty deposits. Liposuction is performed as a day care procedure under local anesthesia.
What are the advantages of undergoing brachioplasty?
This leads to more beautiful arms which are proportionate to rest of body. It is associated with improved appearance in tight fitting clothes and improved levels of self-confidence.
Large arms with loose folds of skin can be secondary to massive weight loss following a diet, exercise or weight loss surgery. The stretched out skin may fail to recoil following weight loss. The resulting deformity with large loose folds of skin may prevent an individual from wearing tight fitting clothes. Brachioplasty helps modify the appearance of the arms such that it is more proportionate to the torso.
Who is a good candidate for brachioplasty?
This includes those who:
1. are bothered about the size of their arms and desire an improvement
2. have realistic expectations about the procedure
3. are non-smokers
4. do not have any significant co-morbid illness
What is done in a brachioplasty consultation?
A brachioplasty consultation helps understand the patient expectations and extent of the arm deformity. The patient can understand the expected treatment outcomes. Patients should come prepared to discuss details of any weight loss treatments and co-morbid illnesses.
In cases of deformity following weight loss surgery, brachioplasty is usually deferred until the weight loss has stabilized. The approval of the primary weight loss surgeon is sometimes obtained before proceeding with brachioplasty. Patients are sometimes put on multivitamin supplementation before taking up for surgery. Any co-existing vitamin deficiency may impair wound healing.
What is done during brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty involves removal of excess skin and soft tissue from inside the arms so that the resulting shape of arms is tight and is more proportionate to the torso. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia.
Depending upon the extent of laxity of the tissue of the arms brachioplasty is broadly of three types. These are:
1. Mini-brachioplasty: In this, the incision is confined to the axilla (armpit). The tissues of the upper arm are tightened with the help of this surgery. The advantage of this procedure is that most of the incision and the scar is hidden inside the fold of axilla. This procedure is beneficial to those with minimal laxity of the upper arms.
2. Standard brachioplasty: In this variant, the incision extends from within the axilla to the elbow along the inside of the arms. This tightens the tissues of the entire arm. Most of the scar lies hidden along the inside of the arms.
3. Extended brachioplasty: This procedure is useful to obtain tightening of the arms and the sides of the torso. The incision extends from the axilla to the side wall of the torso. This procedure is recommended in those with associated severe laxity of the torso.
What does the recovery of brachioplasty involve?
The procedure is carried out as a short stay or day care procedure. Patients can return home accompanied by a relative or a friend after the procedure. Drains may be placed to help remove fluids from collecting at the operated site. They are removed during a post-operative visit. Pain and discomfort are easily managed with the help of pain medications. Sutures are removed at the end of one week. Compression garments help expedite the resolution of the swelling at the operated site. Patients can return to light activities and work at the end of a week. Light exercise which avoids overhead arm movements can be started after one week. There are no restrictions on exercise at the end of six weeks. It is common for some swelling and induration at the operated site. These usually settle without any specific intervention.
What are the other methods to improve the appearance of arms?
Liposuction is a procedure in which fat is aspirated with the help of thin tubes attached to a vacuum producing device. Liposuction is indicated in individuals with fatty deposits and with good skin tone. This is usually seen in younger individuals in whom the skin can retract well to the new dimensions after an evacuation of fatty deposits. Liposuction is performed as a day care procedure under local anesthesia.
What are the advantages of undergoing brachioplasty?
This leads to more beautiful arms which are proportionate to rest of body. It is associated with improved appearance in tight fitting clothes and improved levels of self-confidence.