Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) in Louisville
Brachioplasty
After substantial weight loss, weight gain or simply from the effects of aging, skin on the upper arms can become inelastic, loose and flabby. Arm lifts, also known as brachioplasty, remove that excess skin and fat. Patients who have significant amounts of fat may want to consider combining the procedure with liposuction.
Brachioplasty Procedure Explained
During brachioplasty, an incision is made along the inside of the upper arm; it often spans the underarm to the elbow. Excess fat is removed, either by direct excision or liposuction. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the arm's underlying supportive tissue is tightened using internal absorbable sutures. Skin is then sutured back together; absorbable stitches may or may not be used to close the incision. Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and, depending on the amount of skin and fat that are removed, takes 2 to 4 hours. Patients are able to return home the same day as surgery.
Patients who need only a small amount of skin and fat removed, a minimal-incision Brachoplasty may be performed. A less invasive way to remove excess fat and tissue, it requires only a few small incisions near the underarm.
What are the Risks of Brachioplasty?
In addition to the risks associated with any surgery, those most common risk in associated with brachioplasty include the following:
- Loss of sensation
- Permanent swelling
- Persistent pain
- Fat necrosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Nerve, blood-vessel and/or muscle damage
The scar left by brachioplasty is significant, although it fades over time.
Brachioplasty Recovery
After brachioplasty, patients typically experience swelling and bruising, as well as mild discomfort that can be managed with pain medication. Drainage tubes may be placed at the incision site to collect any excess blood or fluid for the first few days after surgery. Compression bandages are usually worn to promote proper healing. The results of brachioplasty are visible right away, but become more apparent as swelling and bruising subsides, which usually takes 2 weeks.
Contact Us Today
For more information about Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) in Louisville, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
At your request, before and after photos will be available for your specific procedure at your consultation.