The skin on the inside of the arms is very thin and stretchy, so a great deal of loose skin can develop there are massive weight loss. Women find the loose skin very annoying, as it is exposed in almost all summer clothing, and can’t easily be hidden by shapewear.
An arm lift improves the contour of your arms by removing loose, excess skin at the dependent portion of your arm.
A vertical brachioplasty utilizes a long scar passing from your elbow to your armpit. It removes the loose skin at the dependent part of your arm. The scar is placed at the inner aspect of your arm so that it cannot be seen if your arms are by your side. The scar will be visible if you raise or rotate your arms.
An extended brachioplasty is a procedure where the loose skin of the outer chest is removed at the same time as an arm lift being performed. This can help tighten skin that bulges above the bra at the upper back area. Dr Sanki will examine your arms and discuss your goals to determine what style of operation might be appropriate for you.
A horizontal brachioplasty is a simpler alternative for people with loose skin confined to the upper part of their arm. It is generally inadequate for people who have had a massive weight loss. In this operation, a transverse wedge of skin and fat is removed from the armpit area. The scar heals within the natural armpit crease line.
To simulate the result of your arm lift, you can grab the skin of your arm with your other hand. Arms are cylinders of skin and fat wrapped around a layer of muscles attached to the humerus bone. A cylinder that is reduced in only one of its dimensions as is done in an arm lift, will not shrink uniformly. The greatest skin tightening effect will be seen at the inner aspect of the arm. The least effect will be seen at the outer aspect of the arm. For this reason, people with arms that still carry a lot of fat will have tight, but large arms after the surgery.
An alternative to arm lift surgery is liposuction. Liposuction will remove excess fat from the arms but it will not remove or tighten loose skin.
Dr Sanki can guide you about the style of operation required depending on your concerns and the findings of your examination.
The Procedure
Brachioplasty surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.
The duration of the surgery depends on the amount of skin and fat to be removed, and can vary between 2 to 4 hours. During the surgery, liposuction is used to remove fat from the skin to be removed. The skin is then pealed away from the underlying muscles, leaving the important nerves that give movement and sensation to the forearm and hand undamaged. The fascia and skin of the arm is then closed with 3 layers of dissolving stitches.
Surgical drains are rarely used in brachioplasty surgery.
The goals of recovery in hospital are to streamline the patient’s pain relief and assist them in moving.
Recovery from brachioplasty surgery
A garment helps to support the arm wounds by reducing their swelling and limiting their movement. Most people get good comfort from their garment for 3-6 weeks after their surgery. It is possible to go back to desk jobs two weeks after the surgery.
A vertical arm lift results in a fairly prominent, pink scar at the inner or posterior aspect of the arm. In the months to years following surgery, the collagen in these scars is remodelled and degraded, making them softer, flatter and paler.
Plastic surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, unfavourable scarring, and anaesthetic complications. Your surgeon will explain the risks most relevant to you, in the context of your health and the specifics of your surgery.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. The possible risks and complications of brachioplasty include:
1. Anaesthetic risks – complications related to general anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
2. Bleeding (haematoma) – bleeding may occur during or after surgery, occasionally requiring further treatment.
3. Infection – uncommon, but may require antibiotics or further intervention.
4. Delayed wound healing – the long incision along the arm may take time to heal, especially near the armpit crease.
5. Scarring – scars are permanent and placed along the inner arm; some patients may develop thickened, stretched, or widened scars.
6. Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid may build up under the skin and require drainage.
7. Skin or fat necrosis – reduced blood supply can cause small areas of tissue to heal poorly.
8. Numbness or altered sensation – temporary or permanent changes in skin feeling are common along the inner arm or forearm
9. Chronic pain – persistent nerve irritation or discomfort may develop, though it is uncommon.
10. Asymmetry or contour irregularities – differences between arms in shape, tightness, or scar position may occur.
11. Limited arm movement – scar tightness, especially near the armpit, may restrict movement if healing is complicated.
12. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) – rare but serious risks associated with reduced mobility after surgery.
13. Chronic lymphoedema- this is chronic swelling of the forearm, hand and arm.
14. Hand ischaemia- if too much skin is resected, the blood supply to the hand can be compromised and require further surgery to release the arm pressure.
15. Need for revision surgery – additional surgery may be required to refine results or address complications.
It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.
Brachioplasty Examples
