Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that I, as a specialist plastic surgeon, perform for patients seeking to improve the shape and appearance of their upper arms. In this process, we remove excess fat and reconstruct loose and sagging skin to give the arms a younger and firmer appearance. This surgery can have a significant impact on the confidence and comfort of my patients.
Arm lifts have gained considerable popularity over the past few decades. I recommend this procedure for individuals who have a stable body weight, are not significantly overweight, and have tried other methods to shape their arms, as the best results are achieved in such cases. Generally, before recommending surgical treatment, I suggest more conservative methods to my patients.
Most of my patients opt for brachioplasty or arm lift surgery due to significant weight gain or loss that has caused skin stretching or sagging. Exercise usually cannot solve this problem, and weight loss does not eliminate loose skin.
Brachioplasty or Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery aims to remove excess fat and loose or sagging skin from the area extending from the armpit to the wrist. In this surgery, as a specialist plastic surgeon, I create an incision under the arm. The size and location of the incision, as well as the type of surgical technique used, depend on the specific condition of my patient and my preferences.
An arm lift is usually performed bilaterally, meaning I lift both arms in a single surgery. However, in some cases, at the patient’s request, each arm may be lifted separately in two stages.
Candidates for Arm Lift
Some individuals may require brachioplasty surgery. This procedure is suitable for people who have experienced significant weight loss due to surgeries such as gastric sleeve, or those who have had substantial and consistent weight changes, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity. Over time and with aging, the skin loses its flexibility.
Simply losing weight does not eliminate excess skin because fat loss might occur uniformly throughout the body, and targeted exercises alone cannot reduce fat in specific areas. Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery that does not impact an individual’s overall health and cannot replace diet or exercise. However, procedures like brachioplasty can improve a person’s appearance and mental well-being.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, individuals who meet all of the following criteria are suitable candidates for the surgery:
- Patients who do not smoke.
- Individuals who do not have significant excess weight and have a normal BMI.
- People with relatively stable weight who are not currently losing or gaining weight.
- Patients who have realistic expectations and do not expect radical changes in their bodies from the surgery.
- Individuals with loose skin.
Preparation and Steps of Brachioplasty Surgery
Preparation for brachioplasty surgery generally includes specific steps that you need to be ready for.
- Refrain from consuming food and water for 12 hours before the surgery.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications that increase the risk of bleeding prior to the surgery.
- Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of potential complications.
- Inform your specialist surgeon about your medical history and any medications you are taking, even if they seem minor.
- In the final stage before surgery, your anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia, usually through an IV catheter.
Brachioplasty or Arm Lift Surgery Procedure
During the surgery, the patient is under anesthesia and does not feel any pain. In the first stage, the specialist plastic surgeon makes an incision along the inner arm. After removing excess fat, the skin is then sutured. Typically, a drainage tube is placed inside the tissue to drain any fluid. The sutures used in this surgery do not require removal.
After Brachioplasty surgery
After surgery, the patient immediately wakes up in the post-operative care unit. They may feel drowsy, confused, or nauseous. The reduction of fat and loose skin will be immediately noticeable. However, bruising and swelling may take several weeks to subside. Don’t worry, this swelling is temporary and will subside within a week, allowing you to return to your daily routine.
You may also experience post-operative pain. To manage the pain, I will prescribe pain relief medications. Additionally, I will provide follow-up instructions and post-surgery care guidelines, along with information on when you can return to your daily activities.
When to Contact Your Doctor
After the surgery, be sure to contact me if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Significant discomfort
- Heavy bleeding
Please take these symptoms seriously and reach out to me immediately if they occur.
Cost of Arm Lift Surgery
One of the important considerations before undergoing any cosmetic surgery is the cost. Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery costs can vary and are influenced by several factors. The cost of the surgery includes anesthesia fees and operating room expenses but does not cover additional costs such as hospital stays in case of complications, meaning the quoted amount does not represent the full cost of the surgery.
Insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like brachioplasty. In rare cases where the surgery is medically necessary, insurance may cover the costs. For example, if skin folds cause infections or skin tags, insurance might pay for the surgery.
Dr. Amir Daryani, specialist in cosmetic surgery
I’m Dr. Amir Daryani, a specialist in cosmetic surgery, proud to leverage extensive expertise to help my patients regain confidence and enhance their appearance. With advanced technologies and innovative surgical methods, I strive to provide the most effective surgical solutions for my patients’ cosmetic needs.
