If you have excess skin or fat of the upper arms secondary to weight loss, aging, or genetics, you may be a candidate for a brachioplasty, or upper arm lift. Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, as an outpatient in a hospital or surgery center. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision from the elbow into the armpit is required. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible. Sometimes, the area may be treated with Liposuction alone.
Whatever treatment option is recommended. You will have to wear an elastic sleeve for 4 weeks. The sutures are removed at 14 days. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3 to 4 weeks, and Arnica Montana is recommended to help clear the bruising more quickly. The majority of the swelling is gone in 3 months. The scars fade in 6 to 12 months depending on your skin type. Some patients may benefit from lymphatic massage in the postoperative period, to help remove swelling. Depending on the occupation, you can expect to return to work in 2 weeks. You can expect to return to unrestricted activity after 6 weeks.