Brachioplasty - Arm Lift
The Arm lift procedure reduces or eliminate the excess of skin from the arms. This skin is often present due to ageing or significant weight loss. If lax, sagging skin is your concern, a Brachioplasty procedure is the most effective solution.
Significant weight loss and the natural aging process can leave women and men with excess upper arm skin that has lost its elasticity and hangs. Arm lift surgery removes the excess skin leaving smooth, slim upper arm contours.
The best candidates for this procedure are non-smokers who are at or near their ideal weight and have maintained that weight for about 6 months.
Get in touch with Dr Ballieux for your Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty : techniques and incisions
Liposuction is used to reduce areas of residual fat. Loose skin is tightened through incisions place along the underside of the upper arm which extend from the inner aspect of the elbow up into the axilla. The incisions are placed in the most inconspicuous line possible, but you will always see them to some extent.
The arm lift surgery can be performed with other procedures as part of a post-weight loss surgical plan.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER BRACHIOPLASTY ?
After the surgery, compression garments will be placed on the arms to decrease the swelling and enhance the contour during the healing process. Compression garments will need to be worn at all times, except when showering or bathing, for about 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on your specific circumstances, there are often no sutures to be removed as dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin.
First 1 to 2 Days
Brachioplasty is mostly performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight hospital care.
Some temporary bruising, swelling, and numbness on treated area can be expected.
You can use medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon to control discomfort, if needed.
4 to 6 Weeks
For at least 4 to 6 weeks, you will be required to wear a compression garment to decrease swelling and limit any strenuous activity.
Fading and flattening of the scars takes 3 months to 1 year depending on a person’s skin type and the care they take during recovery.
Follow-up Appointment
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately 5 days after surgery.
Return to Work
Most patients are ready to return to their everyday activities within 1-2 week, and physical activities are limited for one month or more.
You should limit any strenuous activity during the first two weeks. Thereafter, you can steadily increase your activity level within the limits of discomfort.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Brachiolpasty is a frequently performed procedure after weight loss.
There is a possibility of infection, bleeding, bruising, contour asymmetry, conspicuous scarring, swelling, temporary numbness adjacent to the scars or reaction to anaesthesia.
A comprehensive list of instructions for surgery preparation and post-operative care will be provided. These instructions should be followed carefully for the best possible outcome.
SHOULD I AVOID ANY MEDICATIONS OR FOODS?
Certain over the counter products and prescription medicines can cause complications before and after surgery. Do not take any medication containing or related to aspirin two weeks prior to your procedure. This includes NSAID’S, anti-Inflammatory medications, blood thinning medication. Please see your doctor regarding if and when to cease medication. This is not an all-inclusive list.
Also avoid Vitamin E supplements and red wine. Stop all herbal medications before surgery. The most common herbs used are Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian. They may adversely affect anaesthetic drugs, prolong bleeding and impair healing after surgery.
DOES SMOKING HAVE AN EFFECT ON MY BRACHIoPLASTY ?
Smoking increases the risks of complications significantly and should be ceased 6 to 8 weeks prior to surgery.
HOW MUCH DOES THE BRACHIOPLASTY COST?
Some patients may choose to combine it with others procedures for a more personalised result. Popular complementary procedures include: Thigh Lift|Abdominoplasty|SAFELipo®
All cost includes pre and post-operative appointment and the compression garment.
Brachioplasty : before and after photos
An iPad with before & after pictures to illustrate the results will be available.
Follow @dr.fannyballieux on Instagram to see results photos that our patients send in!
We worked together at the children’s hospital Westmead. Dr Ballieux is a passionate doctor.
Martin Gott
