Brachioplasty, otherwise known as an Armlift, is a surgical procedure designed for those with loose skin on their upper arms due to weight loss or aging. Armlifts usually are performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made on the inside of the arm to reduce scar visibility, and the excess skin and fat is removed. An Armlift may be paired with liposuction to refine the result.

An Armlift is a single procedure, although you must return after a week to have stitches removed if they have not been absorbed.

Brachioplasty is a safe procedure with minimal risk when performed properly. However, all surgery carries some risks. These include bleeding, blood clots, severe scarring, accumulation of fluids, nerve damage, infection and complications from anesthesia.

Swelling, pain and bruising are common side effects and not cause for alarm. Medications are administered for pain, which usually subsides after two to five days. Swelling is at its worst several days after the procedure and fades over the following weeks. Each incision will leave a scar that is usually hidden by the body and will fade with time.

Patients can return home the same day but should stay home a minimum of three days and rest for a week. Vigorous activity should be avoided for two weeks.

The procedure provides long-term, dramatic results. Armlifts create a smooth, slim body and create a younger, more athletic appearance.

Your arms will be sore and swollen. Compressive dressings and drains are used for several days. Pain is mild to moderate during this time, and medication will be prescribed. After one week, stitches are removed, and any soreness should be diminished.

Typically, surgery lasts an hour per arm, and you can return home once you have recovered from the anesthesia. Expect a longer treatment time if you have combined Brachioplasty with other procedures.

Healthy patients with excess skin due to weight loss or aging may consider Brachioplasty.

Patients who have had a mastectomy, have had their lymph nodes removed, have repeated underarm infections or sweat excessively should avoid Brachioplasty.

An anesthetic is administered during the treatment, and mild to moderate pain will follow.

Results are long-lasting when not diminished by post-procedural damage due to weight gain and loss.

Thermage™ and Titan™ are non-surgical methods of tightening loose skin. Those with heavy arms due to excess fat should consider liposuction or couple liposuction with Brachioplasty.

More than one surgery should not be necessary, but sometimes revisions are necessary to improve the shape or quality of the scar.

The patient’s individual surgeon will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

Take your prescribed pain medication and get plenty of rest. Avoid aspirin and other anti-coagulant medications, and avoid alcohol while taking pain medication. Stitches that have not been absorbed will need to be removed by your doctor after a week. Light exercise, such as walking, should be performed during the first week to prevent blood clots in the legs, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.