Brachioplasty: The Popular Plastic Surgery We Don’t Hear About

There are certain plastic surgery procedures that we know are popular. Breast procedures, facelifts, and eyelid rejuvenation are among those that we hear about quite often. But these aren’t the only surgeries that can help a person feel more satisfied with their appearance. Now that we can see summer on the horizon, many of us are taking stock of those areas that we tend to just hide away rather than address. Here, we will discuss the value of correcting the problem commonly known as “bat wings” with Brachioplasty, the arm lift procedure we don’t often hear about.

Body lift procedures are a relatively new advancement in plastic surgery. In the year 2000, less than 400 arm lift surgeries were conducted, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. From that time to 2018, arm lifts increased by over 5,000%. This jump represents the value of meticulous tissue repositioning after massive weight loss or related to natural aging.

What Is an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty is the surgical technique that sculpts the backs of the arms by removing excess fat and skin. The procedure is tailored to every individual based on the amount of laxity they have. Some arm lifts can be done with limited incisions, while others may need incisions from the armpit to the elbow. Dr. Dahan places arm lift incisions on the underside of the arm. This way, the minor scars that are left cannot be seen unless the arms are lifted.

How is Brachioplasty Performed?

Brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure that is performed in an accredited surgical facility. Anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Before going into the operating room, the surgical staff meets with the patient to review the details of surgery, such as incision length and predicted outcome. In the operating room, after the patient has been anesthetized, Dr. Dahan makes the incision on the underside of the arm. Liposuction, which uses a small hollow tube to remove subcutaneous fat, may be performed to give the arms proportionate contour. Muscle and tissue are then tightened. Excess is trimmed and two new edges are joined with stitches. An arm lift may include internal stitches that will dissolve over time as well as external stitches to close the skin. These may be removed about 10 days after surgery. The arms are dressed and bandaged. The patient is observed in the recovery area until anesthesia begins to wear off. When they are adequately alert, they may be escorted home by a loved one.

Arm Lift Recovery

It is ideal to have someone present with the patient for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Dressings will make it difficult to perform certain tasks. The arms cannot be stretched overhead, in front or to the sides of the body for about 4 weeks. However, by week 2, many normal activities, including going back to work, may be resumed.

Arm lift surgery may be your key to a beautiful summer. To learn more, schedule a consultation in our Reno office.