Brachioplasty – Arm Lift

The arms often fall victims of weight loss and aging. The procedure leaves a scar along the inner surface of the arm. Surgeons always take care so that the incision does not continue below the elbow, while on the other side, it assumes a V shape, so as to correct the anterior and posterior angle of the arm pit and preserve the hairs in the area. The scars that remain are nearly always satisfactory and are indiscernible when the arms move, unless they are raised above the head. Using an elastic garment with special armbands for as long as possible improves the scarring.

The procedure is simple, with a mild postoperative course and patients may return to their normal activities on the very next day. The surgery lasts for about 1 hour and is performed with general anesthesia. Patients may be discharged on the same day. Mild painkillers are enough in the immediate postoperative course, while antibiotics are prescribed for four days. The area is redressed on the second postoperative day, while on the fourth, redressing should be followed by a shower, which should be taken daily thereafter. The sutures are removed on the seventh day. The complications are limited and usually involve small splitting of the surgical wound, which heals itself.