A brachioplasty or arm lift helps to eliminate excess hanging skin in the upper arm, as well as tighten the skin and reduce the circumference of the upper arm through combination liposuction and skin excision. The skin is removed via a lower upper arm incision which classically is located in the mid inner arm between the bicep and the tricep muscles, however this scar is typically prone to widening and relaxation secondary to the thin nature of the skin in this area. Dr. Trussler places the brachioplasty scar at the bottom of the arm which typically involves thicker skin which allows for improved healing and is not visible when the arm is raised to ninety degrees or when down to the side. Dr. Trussler does use liposuction in combination with the excision of skin to help mobilize the excess skin and decrease the fat circumferentially in the upper arm. The lower arm scar typically heals superiorly secondary to the ability to close the region in layers and the skin in this area is thicker which allows for a stronger and thinner scar.
This brachioplasty technique is done in the operating room with general anesthesia and does take approximately 2 hours. It is done as an outpatient procedure though can be combined with other operations. Recovery is about one week with full healing in 2 to 3 months. Scar care is important with this surgery. Prineo tape is used and stays on approximately 3 weeks, which allows the incision to heal with minimal scarring.
Patients who are self-conscious of their arms will typically transition from long sleeves to short or no sleeves just weeks after their procedure.
Patient satisfaction is very high though the scar is the one point to a brachioplasty that does concern patients. This technique will help to decrease the concern regarding the longer term consequences of the longitudinal scar and appreciate tighter and more contoured upper arms.
If you are interested in brachioplasty surgery, contact our office at (512) 450-1077 or fill out our online contact form today.
