Brachioplasty
Treatment for: Excess Skin and Fat from the Arms
What is brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is surgery to remove excess skin from the arms.
Who is a candidate?
Patients after massive weight loss who have hanging, redundant skin are candidates. Also individuals who have arms that are disproportionate to the rest of their body. Individuals are asked to stop smoking if they are considering this surgery.
How is brachioplasty done?
In the standard technique, an incision is made along the underarm and down the arm, from the underarm to the elbow. The scar looks like a “T.” Skin and fat are removed. A drain might be placed under the skin, which would be removed about a week after surgery.
Is there an option other than this to contour the arm while limiting the scar?
There are modified techniques. Some patients may be candidates for a technique where the incision is limited to the underarm, which could be well hidden. This is for individuals who have a borderline excess of skin. Some patients may do fine with liposuction alone. Your surgeon will need to discuss your potential options with you, as well as the pros and cons of the different procedures.
Does brachioplasty include liposuction?
Brachioplasty does not include liposuction, but may be combined with liposuction. This will need to be discussed with your surgeon.
Do I stay in the hospital after surgery?
If brachioplasty is combined with other procedures, you may, but if performed alone, it is an outpatient procedure.
What is recovery like after surgery?
You may be able to use your hands, but cannot perform exertional activity with your arms for at least 1 month. You may have compressive dressings around the arm for several weeks. There may be swelling or numbness along the incisions or in the hands that is temporary. Plans for 3 to 4 weeks off of work is reasonable, with more time needed if lifting is required in your job.
What are the risks of surgery?
Possible risks include discomfort, bleeding, infection, scar, difficulty healing. Other risks include numbness and swelling in the hands and arms, that is often temporary. The scar associated with the procedure may be thickened and visible for up to a year after the surgery. For some reason, arms tend to scar more than other areas on the body.
What is the cost of surgery?
Brachioplasty can run from $4000 to $6000, with less cost for lesser procedures. Cost may be higher if brachioplasty is combined with other procedures, like liposuction.
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