Arm Lift (Bracheoplasty)

What is an arm lift (Bracheoplasty)?

A Bracheoplasty is a surgical procedure to treat excessive fat and loose skin along the upper arms. It is not used as a substitute for weight loss or exercise.
The procedure reduces and reshapes the upper arms by removing the excess skin and fat from the inner and back part of the upper arm.
Significant upper arm heaviness and tissue laxity may be due to genetic factors, weight loss, or natural aging.

The excessive skin and fat are removed through a longitudinal incision along the inner and back part of the upper arm. This incision usually extends from the underarm area to just above the elbow. The remaining tissues are sewn together to provide a smoother, thinner, and tighter contour of the upper arm.
The final scar is placed along the inner and posterior part of the arm so it is not easily visible with the arm at one’s side.
Care must be taken to ensure that the proper amount if tissue is removed. Excessive tissue removal may result in an abnormal arm contour or excessive tension on the nerves and other important structures in the upper arm. This can lead to functional limitations, pain, or excessive widening of the final scar.

The proper timing of Bracheoplasty surgery depends on the cause of the excess skin and fat along the upper arms.
If it is due to genetic causes or advancing age, it may be performed at anytime the individual’s health permits.
If it is due to weight loss, it is important to wait until the individual has reached their target weight or at least a stable weight. Performing a Bracheoplasty when one is expected to lose more weight may only create the need for additional surgery in the future.

In general, the changes achieved with a Bracheoplasty are expected to be long lasting.
However, subsequent alterations in the fat and skin along the upper arms may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, menopause or other circumstances.
The long upper arm scar will fade and improve over time, but it will never disappear.