AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
As we age, the skin on the arm becomes loose and tends to slip. The procedure by which excess fat and skin are removed from the arms is known as Brachioplasty, giving a more youthful and aesthetic appearance.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BRACHIOPLASTY?
If the excess skin at the level of your arms bothers you, this surgery could help you considerably; likewise, most patients who present significant weight loss are left with enormous excess skin at the arms level, from which they also benefit.
Suppose your problem is only the excess of fat. In that case, the arms are observed with significant fat deposits, but without considerable flaccidity, liposuction of the arms could be enough to solve this alteration.
HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
There are two surgical techniques; in conventional Brachioplasty, the incision extends from the level of the armpit to the elbow on the inside of the arm. It is the technique of choice in patients with large excess skin and previously undergoing surgery for massive weight loss.
The second alternative is the mini-brachioplasty, which uses a smaller incision at the level of the armpit; it applies only to patients with minimal excess skin and fat in the arms; this can be accompanied using devices that release energy to help tighten the skin such as ultrasound, (Vaser, Sonoca) or radiofrequency (Bodytite).
RECOVERY
On the same day of the surgery, the patient is discharged. The patient should stay in the hospital if the Brachioplasty is performed in conjunction with other aesthetic procedures (abdominoplasty, liposuction, etc.). A specific compression garment for the arms, such as a girdle, will be placed to reduce the space between the tissues and promote skin adherence.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS Q&A.
- Pain: There is tolerable and easily controllable pain by medication, which will gradually decrease.
- Swelling: During the first few days afterward, your arms may be swollen, and some bruising is possible. Over the days and weeks, the inflammation will subside.
- Return to activities: If possible, you should remain with your arms close to your body and not perform any type of physical effort that involves the movement of your arms for at least 5 – 7 days. After ten days, patients can gradually return to their daily activities.