The goal of arm lifting, which is known as a brachioplasty, is to reduce and reshape the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow or some modification thereof.  In the performance of this type of body contouring surgery, the incision(s) can be placed in the armpit if the excess is in the upper one third of the arm.  If not, the incision is placed either on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm depending on the patient's preference.  However, in my opinion, this procedure is indicated when liposuction of the arm has not produced the desired results.  My reason for this mind set is to avoid the operative scars.  If the patient's skin contracts following arm reduction with the removal of fat via liposuctuion, then the scars and potential numbness are averted.  Ideal candidates for arm liposuction and/or arm lifting include healthy individuals with a normal body weight who have upper arm skin laxity or bat wing deformity.

At the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia.  If liposuction is decided on, then a small hole is made just above the elbow and the fat is removed.  Following its removal, a compressive garment is worn for three to five days.  If incisional surgery (brachioplasty) is warranted, the incisions are closed very meticulously and no dressing is applied when you go home. 

One of the tricks of the trade is to wear postoperative tape on the scars to prevent their widening and routine office visits that are included with your surgery to determine if a small amount of steroid should be injected into the scars to prevent their enlargement.  Other techniques used at our clinic to improve the quality of the healing scars is IPL and/or laser treatments.  Regardless, our goal is to produce a smaller and tighter arm for you.  The resuts of these procedures are impressive in a few weeks but the overall results may be six to twelve months in coming.  If you or someone you know is interested in these procedures, please contact us at your convenience.