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

plastic surgery procedure

Aging gracefully is a good thing. However, it does come with its fair share of problems including loose, sagging skin in some areas. Loose skin occurs when the connective tissues that make your skin firm begin to waste away. Drastic weight loss can also leave you with sagging skin that can be very difficult to shed even after spending hours in the gym. No matter the cause of your sagging skin, the good news is that there is a solution thanks to brachioplasty surgery. 

What is Brachioplasty? 

Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is performed by a licensed plastic surgeon. This surgery aims to resize the back part of the arm by removing or reducing extra skin and fat from the area between the armpit and the elbow. 

This surgery is carried out by a certified plastic surgeon and you must take time off work so that you can recover. Several weeks before your arm lift procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will give you a preoperative evaluation. The doctor will make sure that you are ready for surgery by looking at your medical records and your current health status. If you smoke, you can try quitting at least one month before your surgery to avoid complications. 

Here is a typical Brachioplasty procedure that you can expect at the doctor’s office.

1. Anesthesia

The nurse will give you a hospital gown to change into. The doctor will then put you to sleep by administering anesthesia. He can choose sedation or general anesthesia based on your unique condition.  

2. The Incision

The incision pattern and length will be dependent on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Your plastic surgeon will also use his best judgment based on the current practice of cosmetic surgery. Ideally, the incisions will be done in three places which are; the inside of the arm, the back, or a small incision near the armpit. 

3. Reshaping of The Arm

After the incisions are made and the excess fat removed, the surgeon will carry out liposuction to treat your arm. He will then tighten and reshape your arms contour with internal sutures. Finally, the surgeon will smooth the skin and close the incision using either sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. After the surgery is complete, dressings and bandages will be applied on the incisions and the doctor may wrap your arms in an elastic bandage to reduce swelling after the surgery. A small tube can also be inserted under the skin to drain out excess fluid or blood. 

The Recovery Process

You will be given medication to apply topically or to take orally to aid in the healing process. Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to take care of the surgical site and specific signs to look out for that could indicate an infection. Avoid subjecting the surgical incisions to excessive force during the recovery process as it could lead to swelling. You can avoid the gym for at least four to eight weeks after surgery. 

Generally, the results of the Brachioplasty procedure will be long-lasting so long as you keep yourself fit and maintain a healthy weight.