One of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures after a major weight loss is brachioplasty, sometimes referred to as an arm reduction or arm reshaping. This is a procedure that removes excess skin from under the arms and reshapes a portion of the upper arm — from the armpit region to the elbow — to restore a more youthful, sculpted appearance. The surgical technique is individually tailored to your specific needs. The end result is a well-defined, trim and toned upper arm that defines your natural shape. Body contouring procedures, such as brachioplasty, are very popular and allow patients to complete their weight loss transformation.
The goal of an arm lift is to result in a toned and tighter upper arm appearance. The length of the incision varies depending on how much skin and fat are to be removed. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat as well if necessary. Patients who have a fairly good skin tone may only require a minor incision. However, patients who have excessively loose, hanging skin will require an incision that may run from the armpit to the elbow. In some patients, the armpit will also need to be addressed and surgically tightened.
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, the arm is protected with a compression garment and drain tubes may be present. Swelling, bruising and some numbness are normal and to be expected. Patients should keep the arm elevated to promote blood circulation and help with swelling. With proper care, the arm will return to normal function after a few weeks.
