Arm Reduction or Brachioplasty

The upper arms are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in weight. After losing weight, the skin and fat of the upper arm can become lax and begin to hang. This results in what many refer to as “bat wings”. This laxity cannot be corrected through exercise.

Many people find this so distressing that they wear long sleeve shirts year round, even in the summer. women are usually so self-conscious that they avoid social events that require dresses that show their arms.

A brachioplasty involves removing this excess skin and restoring the contour of the upper arms. Techniques focus on producing a natural curve to the arm. It is critical to create a natural result that is in proportion to the rest of the body, and not overly thinned.

The incisions are contained within the underarm and the inner arm, and the scar is completely hidden when your arms are at your sides. Newer techniques allow for a “short scar” procedure, allowing removal of excess tissue and a short scar kept within the armpit area.

This procedure is commonly combined with other body contouring procedures.

Do I need to stay in the hospital afterwards?
No. This surgery is usually performed as an ambulatory procedure.

Can this be combined with another procedure?
Yes. Many procedures can be done at the same time. This decision should be made after a discussion with your doctor. Not everyone is a candidate for a combined procedure.

Does this leave a bad scar?
Unfortunately, the scar is visible. No matter what we do to minimize this scar, it is visible from the armpit to the elbow. With the arm against the body, the scar is hidden and cannot be seen from the back.
This scar can remain red for up to one year after surgery. If you are not willing to accept a scar in exchange for better arm contour, then maybe this procedure is not for you.

Can’t I just have liposuction?
In some patients, liposuction of the arms is an option. However, liposuction only removes fat, and does not address the excess skin. In patients with significant sagging of skin on their arms, such as after weight loss, liposuction alone won’t produce the result they are looking for.

What about the new “short-scar” arm lift?
Some people are performing an arm lift technique that uses only incisions in the underarm area, and not along the inner aspect of the arm. While this technique has the advantage of a smaller and more hidden scar, it does limit the amount of correction that can be obtained.
This technique may work for someone that needs only a small arm lift. However, most people who have lost significant weight, will require a traditional arm lift to achieve the improvement they desire.

Will I need drains?
No. Drains are usually not needed after an arm lift.