Brachioplasty (Arm Reduction)
GENETICS, AGE OR EXCESSIVE WEIGHT LOSS CAN CAUSE THE SKIN TO LOSE THICKNESS, ELASTICITY AND ADHERENCE TO UNDERLYING TISSUE.
Brachioplasty (Arm Reduction) is a procedure to reshape the upper arm by reducing excess skin and fat. The result is a better proportioned and contoured upper arm.
As with all Body Contouring Surgery, Brachioplasty is not an alternative to weight loss. Liposuction alone can make a modest improvement to the contour of the arm, but when combined with the removal of excess skin, a dramatic change to the arm is apparent.
Genetics, ageing and significant weight loss can cause the skin to become thin and lose elasticity and attachment to the underlying muscle. Gravity pulls the upper arm skin and armpit downwards, creating a flabby appearance. This laxity and loose skin is unresponsive to diet and exercise, and in fact both can adversely worsen the condition.
Brachioplasty removes the flabby skin from the upper arm and lifts the loose arm pit, giving the arm an improved shape. The scar is positioned along the inside of the arm, just below the biceps muscle and up into the arm pit. In instances where there is significant laxity, the scar might also extend onto the side of the chest wall (“L “Brachioplasty).
The benefits of Brachioplasty include:
- Improved shape of the upper arm
- Improved clothing fit
- A more toned and proportionate appearance.
Brachioplasty is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic with a stay of usually 1 to 2 nights. Compression garments are worn for 3 to 6 weeks following surgery to reduce swelling and to encourage the residual skin to tighten.
In the majority of cases brachioplasty offers impressive, long lasting results. The best candidates are healthy men or women with realistic expectations. Arm contours and lines will noticeably improve, and will continue to do so for several weeks until the final result is achieved. Scars can continue to fade for up to 2 years.