Arm Lift

The arm lift or brachioplasty procedure is used to eliminate the condition known as “batwing deformity”, in which there is excess skin and fat under the arms. While the surgery can effectively tighten the skin of the upper arms, if you have had a mastectomy you may not be good candidate for an arm lift.

Liposuction is sometimes used to remove fat from under the arm, before the excess skin is excised. Care must be taken to avoid disturbing deeper layers of fat in order to protect the nerves, glands and veins of the arm.

The arm lift incision runs all the way from the armpit to the elbow on the inside of the arm. Those who are considering brachioplasty must understand that they will be left with long scars on the insides of their arms.

Three layers of sutures are used: a deep layer of dissolving stitches, a middle layer of sutures to close the incision and a top layer of light sutures to create a thin scar.

Following surgery, a dressing is applied and your arms are wrapped in elastic bandages.

Risks include: swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring and numbness which may be permanent. The biggest drawback is the resulting heavy scar that runs down the inside of your arm. Most patients find it necessary to wear long sleeved clothing after surgery to hide the scar.

If the lymphatic vessels are damaged during the operation, permanent swelling will occur. Bruising and swelling will be marked for at least two weeks and you will need painkillers for the first few days. The compression garment you are given must be worn for a week. While most people return to work after a week, you should avoid lifting anything heavy until the incisions are fully healed.