What is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin over the underarm and elbow. It helps in toning your arms and providing an appealing contour to them. Advancing age, weight fluctuations, and genetic factors result in sagging and drooping of the upper arms that can hamper your appearance.
Exercise can only strengthen the underlying muscles of the upper arm, it does not improve the skin laxity or manage the fat deposits underlying weakened tissues. However, Brachioplasty can successfully deal with all these problems and the results of the surgery are long-lasting.
Procedure of Brachioplasty
The common steps involved in brachioplasty are as follows:
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- An incision is made over the skin, the length and pattern of which depends upon the location and amount of excess skin to be removed as well as the judgment of the plastic surgeon.
- In general, incisions are placed on the inner side of the arm or on the back of the arm that may extend from the underarm (axilla) to the elbow.
- During the procedure, the excessive fat is removed through liposuction.
- Internal sutures help in forming new contours by tightening the underlying supportive tissues.
- A small, thin tube is placed under the skin for the drainage of excessive blood or accumulated fluid.
- Finally, the incisions are closed either by sutures, skin adhesives or tapes.
Post-operative Care for Brachioplasty
The basic post-operative instructions after brachioplasty include:
- Keep the incision dry and clean.
- Regular dressing of the incisions to help in healing.
- Regular intake of the prescribed medications.
- Avoid heavy activities, for a specified period during recovery, as recommended by your surgeon.
- Avoid excessive force or motion during the healing of surgical incisions.
Risks & Complications of Brachioplasty
The possible risks and complications associated with brachioplasty include:
- Inauspicious scarring
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Skin loss
- Skin discoloration
- Looseness of skin
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Induced asymmetry
- Persistent pain
- Relentless swelling of the arms
- Poor wound-healing
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Possibility of revision surgery
