Brachioplasty
Look and feel your very best
What is Arm lift?
Arm lift, arm dermolipectomy, or brachioplasty all refer to the same surgical procedure used to improve the appearance and firmness of the arms in cases of severe flabbiness in the inner area between the elbow and the armpit. This flabbiness can result from an individual’s natural constitution or significant weight loss.
Excess skin on the arms can cause not only social limitations and self-esteem issues but also physical discomfort such as ulcers, chafing, and other problems. We have several approaches to address excess upper arm skin and loose skin, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight and have considerable excess skin, standard brachioplasty surgery may be the most appropriate treatment. This procedure involves making an incision from the elbow region to the armpit to remove a section of skin and fat. The area is then lifted for a tighter appearance.
If your skin has a relatively good tone, a mini arm lift may be an option. The benefit of this procedure is that scarring is hidden entirely within the armpit. Vaser liposuction surgery can also be suitable for some patients, helping to reshape and contour the upper-arm area.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires an overnight hospital stay. It’s important to consider the individual healing process, which varies from patient to patient but usually takes around six weeks.
Stay in hospital
1 day one night
Surgery duration
1 to 2 hours
Anesthesia
General
Price list
We accept payments in Armenian Dram
Procedure types
Traditional brachioplasty
Traditional brachioplasty
This involves removing excess skin from beneath the upper arm. The traditional brachioplasty involves a long scar which will run along the arm from the underarm towards the elbow. If necessary, liposuction will also be undertaken to remove any excess fat. This method is suitable for those who have lots of excess skin which they are wanting to remove. The downside to this procedure is the long, visible scar which runs down the upper arm. However, if you choose to undertake this surgical method, your surgeon will be able to advise you on ways which you can help the scar become less visible over time.
Minimal incision brachioplasty
For those who do not wish to undergo an arm lift because of the long scar, there are other options. Those who have good skin elasticity and who have less excess skin to remove may be suitable for the minimal incision brachioplasty.
This method allows for the incision to take place under the arm, making it much less visible. This option may not be suitable for those who have a large amount of excess skin and those who have poor skin laxity, as you may not be able to remove all the excess skin and will not be able to achieve the best results.
Minimal incision brachioplasty
Extended brachioplasty
Extended brachioplasty
Some people may find the excess skin extends from the arms and is also present on the chest. If this is the case, the extended brachioplasty may be the best method. This involves the same incision as the traditional brachioplasty, with an incision running from the elbow to the underarm. However, the incision for the extended brachioplasty continues under the arm and onto the chest wall to allow for the removal of further excess skin.
What to expect
To minimize the risk of potential complications, we do not recommend brachioplasty for older patients, diabetics, or patients with high blood pressure or heart conditions. It is advisable that the patient be younger or middle-aged and in good medical condition.
For smokers, it is imperative that they stop smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery. This is one of the factors that have a significant impact on the surgery’s outcome and the healing process.
Before any surgical procedure, especially before brachioplasty, patients need to stop using painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Aspirin, Andol, or Acisal, if they usually take them. This is a crucial factor in a patient’s preparation for the surgical procedure, as it prevents possible bleeding and hematomas during and after the procedure. Following this instruction makes the recovery faster and more successful, and the operation’s outcome is improved.
Arm lift procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia and take about two hours. Depending on the individual case, patients may need to stay overnight after the surgery, which will be confirmed before the procedure.
Upon arrival, the nursing team will measure your blood pressure and prepare you for the operation. You will meet with the surgeon, who will review the procedure and address any concerns you may have. Pre-operative photos will be taken, and your arms will be marked for the surgery.
An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, and the surgeon will make an incision either on the inside or back of your arm. The underlying tissues will be tightened and secured with stitches, and liposuction may be used to remove any excess fat. Excess skin will also be removed, and the incisions will be closed with absorbable stitches. Tape will be applied to protect the incisions, and a compression garment will be worn during recovery.
Following the procedure, you will return to your room, where you may be monitored overnight. Once the surgeon and nursing team determine that you are safe to go home, you will be discharged and allowed to leave with a family member or friend.
A member of our nursing team will call you the day after your procedure to ensure that you are feeling well. You will receive information on how to contact your clinic or on-call nursing team if you have any concerns during your recovery, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you are discharged from the hospital, your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions and any necessary medications to take during your recovery. We recommend that you take two weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least six weeks. It is also advised to avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level for 3-4 weeks. For the first week, we suggest that you ask for help with household tasks and childcare if needed.
An appointment will be scheduled for an incision and wound check usually 5-10 days following your arm lift procedure, and any drains, if used, will be removed at this appointment. A follow-up appointment will be arranged with your surgeon after six weeks, at which time you should be able to return to your everyday activities. Your surgeon will advise you on any concerns or questions you may have.
Doctors
Frequently asked questions
After recovering from brachioplasty surgery, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise. If your weight fluctuates, it can affect the results of your arm lift. The results are long-term, although it’s natural to lose some firmness as you age.
In a standard arm lift, the scar is a straight line from the armpit to the elbow. Our surgeons are highly experienced in minimizing scarring, and the scar is placed along the inside of the arm, making it less visible. For the mini arm lift, the scar will be hidden in the armpit. If you have Vaser liposuction surgery, several small incisions are made, resulting in less scarring than standard arm lift surgery.
After about six weeks, the swelling will begin to subside. Over the next few months, you will start to see the final results of your arm lift.
It’s common to experience some pain and discomfort following your surgery. This pain only lasts for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
You can return to your normal routine after around seven days. However, going back to work will depend on your job.
You can resume physical exercise one month after surgery. In the case of contact sports or those involving weightlifting, you must follow the advice of your surgeon.
