A Patient Guide to Brachioplasty Procedure: What to Expect & Recovery

A Brachioplasty procedure, also known as arm lift surgery, can be a great solution for people looking to change the size and shape of their arms. Before choosing to undergo the procedure, it can help to learn a little bit more about this type of surgery. With this information, you will be able to have a comprehensive conversation with your doctor. You will ask more specific questions and it will ensure that you are making the best medical decisions possible.

What is Brachioplasty surgery?

Brachioplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that changes the shape of the patient’s arm. The surgeon achieves the desired outcome by executing the following steps.

• Reduces excess sagging skin
• Tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue of the arm
• Reduces pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Changes in the shape of your arms occur over time due to fluctuations in weight and heredity. It is important to note that this is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.

Arm lift surgery may be right for you if your upper arms are sagging or appear loose due to excess skin and fat.

Procedure steps

Depending on your plastic surgeon’s training, as well as your ultimate goals for the procedure, there are different ways to approach Brachioplasty surgery. While the preparation and recovery are all the same, no matter which approach is taken, one major detail differs. The placement of the incision can vary.

The typical steps for breast augmentation surgery are the following.

Step #1: Anesthesia

Prior to your procedure, your health care team will show you to the prep room. You will dress in a gown. A doctor will then administer anesthesia that will put you to sleep. This can be administered intravenously or by general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend which type is best for your unique condition. This ensures your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

Step #2: Making the Incision

Incision length during a Brachioplasty procedure depends on many variables. This includes:

• the amount of excess skin to be removed
• the location of the excess skin to be removed
• the best judgment and practice of your plastic surgeon

Incisions are generally placed on one of three places on the arm. Either, on the inside of the arm,  on the back of the arm, or a minimal incision can be made near the armpit. The incision location will depend on the surgeon’s preference.

Step #3: Reshaping the Arm

After the surgeon makes the incision, he or she will remove the excess fat. Your surgeon will either directly excised or treat it with liposuction. Then, your surgeon will tighten the underlying supportive tissue and reshape your arm contour with internal sutures. Finally, your surgeon will smooth the skin over the new shape of your arm.

Step #4: Closing the Incision

After the surgeon reshapes your arm, he or she will close the incisions. He or she may use sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the incisions.

What is recovery like for an arm lift procedure?

Your surgeon may apply dressings or bandages to your incisions. Then, your surgeon will likely wrap your arms in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery. Your surgeon may place a small, thin tube temporarily under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your arm lift surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

Dr. Anthony Berlet can help you achieve your body goals

Dr. Berlet has been serving men and women in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. Along with this caring and attentive staff, Dr. Berlet aims to help patients achieve the best outcomes possible from their cosmetic procedures. If you are interested in a Brachioplasty procedure, reach out to us at Dr. Berlet’s office today to learn more! In the consultation, we will have a detailed conversation about the procedure and your desired outcome. We can help you attain the look you’ve always wanted.