What is a Brachioplasty?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and contour the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or aging, leading to sagging skin in the arm area. During the surgery, an incision is typically made along the underside of the arm, allowing Dr. Henry to remove the excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then tightened and repositioned for a smoother, more toned appearance. The result is slimmer and firmer arms, which can enhance overall body proportions and boost confidence.
Good Candidates
Good Candidates
Healthy Patient
At least 18 years old, fully developed, non-smoker, with minimal to no health issues
Sagging Arm Skin
Patients may have excess skin of their arms or a "bat wing" secondary to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
Excess Arm Fat
Patients may be predisposed to holding excess fat in their arms despite dieting and exercise. Liposuction vs brachioplasty must be considered
Liposuction vs. Brachioplasty
Liposuction
Arm liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from the upper arms, creating a more toned and defined appearance. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have localized fat in the arms but do not have significant skin laxity.
Liposuction and Renuvion
This combined approach begins with liposuction to remove excess fat from the arms, followed by Renuvion skin tightening to enhance skin firmness and elasticity. This combination not only reduces fat but also addresses mild/moderate sagging skin that may be present, offering a more comprehensive solution for arm contouring.
Brachioplasty
This is a surgical procedure aimed at excising excess skin and fat from the upper arms to achieve a smoother and firmer contour. Ideal for individuals with significant skin laxity due to aging or weight loss, this procedure involves making an incision along the inner arm to remove the surplus tissue. Unlike liposuction, which primarily targets fat, brachioplasty focuses on skin removal and reshaping, making it more suitable for those with pronounced sagging.
Recovery and Expectations Following Surgery
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Dr. Henry will be available every step of the way to ensure proper healing and to provide support. Typically, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first few weeks post-surgery.
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Dr. Henry recommends taking at least 2-3 weeks off work, longer for more physically demanding jobs. Light workouts can usually be resumed after 3 weeks, but more strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 6-8 weeks.​
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Patients are encouraged to wear a arm compression garment for 3 weeks full time followed by an additional 3 weeks part time for best results
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Patient's can expect incisions to heal in 4-6 weeks, but the incisions may be red or dark for up 6-12 months, differing for each individual patient.
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Dr Henry likes frequent follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
