Upper Arm Lift / Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin on the underside of the upper arm where a loss of elasticity exists. Many patients desire this surgery to complete their weight loss journey. During the consultation, a detailed surgical plan will be created to meets the patient’s aesthetic goals. During arm lift surgery, an incision is made along the inner arm, from the armpit down towards the elbow. Once this incision has been made, liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and loose skin will be trimmed away. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a draining tube may be placed to help control bleeding. In patients with excessive drooping, where there is looseness within the internal tissue structures, a tightening technique will be used internally.
Upper Arm Lift / Brachioplasty Surgeon in Vancouver
The Surgical Experience
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. If this surgery is combined with another body contouring procedure, then the patient may be required to stay overnight in the facility. Following surgery, the arm should be kept elevated to help control swelling and promote circulation. Patients will experience a slow return of normal function. Arm and hand strength, specifically, will be weak for the first several weeks as the internal tissues heal.
Cost
The average cost for an arm lift procedure is between $12,000-$14,000. This price will increase if the surgery is combined with another body contouring procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction or lift?
The decision to perform a skin lift versus liposuction only will depend on the elasticity of the patient’s skin. Patients that have small volumes of fat in their arms may be candidates for liposuction. In patients where there is an excess of loose, hanging skin, the only way to correct this problem is through a brachioplasty procedure.
Will there be a scar?
It’s important that patients understand scarring is a part of this procedure. The scar will extend along the inner arm, from the armpit to the elbow. It is recommended that patients avoid excessive sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the scars are a small trade-off for a new, shapelier arm. Dr. Demianczuk will discuss scar care to help assist in the healing process.
Can I combine this surgery with other procedures?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. An “upper body lift” includes liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast surgery (breast lift). During your consultation, each surgery will be discussed and recommendations will be made on whether these procedures should be done at the same time.
Schedule your consultation
To find out how brachioplasty procedure can help you meet your goals, contact Dr. Demianczuk of Pacific Plastic Surgery.