Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow.
The best candidates for Brachioplasty are those of normal weight who do not plan to have children in the very near future. If you are physically and emotionally healthy, and realistic in your expectations, this procedure may be right for you.
The surgery improves the contour and shape of the upper arms increasing patient confidence and improving self-esteem. Patients who have had a brachioplasty enjoy being able to wear clothes and swimwear that they would have previously been to embarrassed to wear.
There is one long scar extending from the armpit to the inside aspect of the elbow region connected to a short scar placed horizontally in the armpit.
Arm lift incisions run from the elbow to the underarm. They will be visible in short sleeve shirts. The incisions are designed to be towards the back of the arms so they will not be noticeable from the front view.
It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort from the scar line. On discharge from hospital, any discomfort from the wounds can usually be managed with simple tablet type painkillers or Tylenol
You may feel some pain for the first day or two, especially when you move around or cough, as well as some discomfort for a week or more. Medication will be prescribed to lessen the pain.Bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, and a surgical garment will be necessary for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. You can generally return to work with seven to ten days following surgery, provided there is no strenuous activity involved. Any heavy lifting, straining, and overexertion should also be avoided. We will recommend when you can resume your normal activities, based on the extent of your surgery and you lifestyle. It may be six months before your arms achieve their final shape.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as infection or bleeding. Numbness in the arms is possible. Some scars may stay visible. However, most scars gradually fad over the first year. Complications are rare.
Following surgery for the first two weeks postoperatively, you should not lift anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds. Depending on your job you can usually return to work for light duties after 1 week. After your fist wound check you will be given a series of gentle exercises to prevent stiffness in your elbow or weight lifting should be undertaken until 6 weeks following surgery or until you are seen by Dr. Fustok for review.
The visual improvement in the upper arm contour will be immediately apparent following brachioplasty surgery. However, there may be some bruising, swelling and numbness around the wound which may last several weeks. The scars will undergo a natural maturation proves involving a series of color and texture changes over a periods unusually varying from 6 months to 2 years. The final result can usually be judged at around 1 year following surgery. The results of brachioplasty are long lasting but large fluctuations in weight, and the normal age related effects of skin laxity can lead to recurrence of loose skin over time.
These are answers to the most common asked questions. We feel the more informed our patients are the better we feel. This information was not meant to be exhaustive or complete. Dr. Fustok will give you additional information during the consultation and will answer to the best of his knowledge any inquiry. Surgery is an art not an exact science.