Brachioplasty

Why do patients request a brachioplasty?
The most common reason for asking for a brachioplasty is that patients do not like the appearance of their upper arms. This appearance can be due to excess skin, stretch marks or an excess of fat. These appearances can result from isolated fat deposits and/or weight loss.

Very occasionally people request surgery to the upper arms to correct the effects of previous liposuction on the upper arms.

Are there any reasons not to have a brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty surgery is not a method of weight loss and should not be used as such, it is a method of tightening the skin of the upper arm to give a better contour The best time for surgery is when patients are as close to their ideal weight as possible.

Sometimes previous surgery can be a reason not to have a brachioplasty as can your previous medical history. Patients who smoke are usually not good candidates for surgery.

What does the operation involve?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The skin of the upper arm is tightened by removing a section of skin. The scar is usually hidden in the armpit but often extends down the medial side of the arm towards the elbow. Drains are often used after surgery to prevent fluid collecting under the skin. Liposuction is sometimes performed at the same time as a brachioplasty.

What you need to know

How long does the operation take?
The operation takes from1-3 hours depending on how extensive the operation needs to be.

How long am I in hospital?
The normal length of stay in hospital is 1 night. This can be longer if the drains need to stay in place. However sometimes patients can go home with their drains in.

What happens when I go home?
Patients normally go home in a tight fitting garment, which they are asked to wear night and day for 2 weeks. Patients are reviewed in outpatients 2 weeks after their operation and then approximately 3 months after surgery. Driving is not normally permitted for 7-10 days after surgery and patients should be back to normal activities after 4-6 weeks

How long do I need of work?
This depends on the extent of the operation but usually patients require at least 2 weeks off work.

Will the operation need re-doing in the future?
It is very unusual for a brachioplasty to need repeating but with weight gain and loss the skin may stretch again.

What are the risks and complications of the operation?

Bleeding and haematoma formation
Seroma formation – collections of clear fluid under the skin
Infection, wound breakdown, skin loss (particularly in smokers)
Pain
Scar hypertrophy (thickening), scar stretching
Numbness
Dog-ears – little folds of skin which need adjusting usually under a local anaesthetic.
Venous thrombosis