“Topical fat reduction at the upper arms is quite difficult, because the fat deposits are genetically determined, and fat does not easily go away with diet and exercise. But even when the fat finally goes away, the skin continues to be sagging, which is an absolute indication for brachioplasty.” says Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis.
Surgery Procedure
After a complete preoperative check-up, the patient should be showered with an antiseptic product and admitted to the hospital or clinic. The planning of the position and extent of the skin incision is done with the patient in an upright position and with the hands in abduction so that the problem is more obvious.
Brachioplasty is a procedure performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the inner surface of the arm and then a special technique is used to remove excess skin along with fatty tissue. The edges of the wound are stitched in such a way that no great tension is exerted on the wound, which can lead to a malformed scar. No drainage is used and a pressure dressing is necessary.
In many cases, in addition to the laxity, excess fat is often present in the arm area, so brachioplasty can be combined with liposuction. Performing classical liposuction in the arm area without simultaneous brachioplasty can lead to loosening and should be avoided as a monotherapy in major problems.
Before – After Results
The result of brachioplasty is immediately visible, while its details are evident after the first 15 days. For the first two weeks, it is recommended to wear a special clothing, like a bolero.
Postoperative Course
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
The postoperative course includes the immobilization of the upper limbs and the restriction of their mobility for a few days.
Suture removal is completed on about day 15. The results are satisfactory for well-informed patients, as there is a significant improvement in the appearance of the arms. Brachioplasty leaves a scar on the medial side of the arms which in some cases may be visible, which should be taken into consideration before deciding on surgery. Of course, even if a scar remains, then special, non-invasive treatments can be applied, mainly with laser to repair the scar.
Bloodless Procedure
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
The term scalpel-free or bloodless brachioplasty refers to the tightening of the arm area without the surgical dermolipectomy that takes place in traditional brachioplasty. The method is performed using the Smartlipo Laser Lipolysis laser and has excellent results in selected patients.
A suitable candidate for lipolysis with the Smartlipo Laser method is one who has excess fat in the arm area without severe sagging. Bloodless brachioplasty is performed under local anesthesia only, a small, invisible hole is made in the back of the arm and through this hole a xylocaine solution is injected into the subcutaneous fat. The laser fiber then enters the subcutaneous tissue and serves a dual purpose. It melts and liquefies the excess fat and through the specific wavelength it achieves tightening and neocollagenesis in the arm area. With this method we can get the results of an arm lift without the hassle of surgery and the scars it leaves.