Brachioplasty or Arm Lift Surgery in Michigan
An arm lift or brachioplasty is the surgical correction of excess skin to the arms. Over time, with pregnancy, weight loss or even during normal development, excess skin to the upper arms (bat-wings) can develop compelling women to seek correction.
Watch the arm lift procedure video.
What are the incisions used in an arm lift?
The traditional approach to a brachioplasty involves removing excess skin under the arm along its length, which extends from the elbow to the axilla (armpit). The scar is placed along the underside of the arm so that it’s well concealed. In time, many patients have scars that blend and fade beautifully but sometimes the scar can remain red for months and even widen; this potential drawback, however, is more than worth it for the patient who can now fit normally into their clothes!
What type of anesthesia is used?
Brachioplasty is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day – the entire visit usually requires about four hours from the initial registration to your discharge.
Can other procedures be performed with a brachioplasty?
Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and/or liposuction. Other procedures would also include lower body procedures such as buttock or thigh lifts. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined. Ask Dr. Kayser about your options as each patient is unique and expectations will vary upon each patient’s circumstances.
What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients in my practice feel that brachioplasty was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Drains are usually placed but are removed the next day. Most of the swelling is resolved in about 4-6 weeks after surgery and patients are encouraged to wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.
Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Dr. Kayser to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.
