A brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat underneath the upper arm, and then repositioning the skin to create a more contoured look from the underarm to the elbow. Many factors, including age and genetics, can result in sagging skin under the arms. Significant weight loss can also cause skin to hang from the under arm area. Typically this is skin that has lost its elasticity, and while elastic skin can be toned and contoured through exercise, this non-elastic skin cannot.
During the procedure, an incision is made on the back of the upper arm, where the skin will be sectioned off and removed. The length of the incision will depend on how much skin needs to be removed and the consistency of the tissue. If needed, liposuction can be used to remove excess fatty deposits. The underlying tissue can then be reshaped and secured with internal sutures. The procedure typically lasts between 1-3 hours, depending on the patient and the amount of skin.
Patients who are candidates for brachioplasty surgery should be at a stable weight and in good health. Dr. Self will go over the entire procedure in detail, including your individualized pre-surgery and post-surgery care plan during your consultation. Although everyone heals differently, the recovery time from brachioplasty surgery is relatively quick, and you should be able to resume some activity after a week or so. Dr. Self will advise you on when you can engage in more strenuous activity, including lifting, carrying, and exercise.