How an Arm Lift works

The surgery starts with an incision on the inside or back of the arm, which may span from the underarm to just above the elbow, depending on the amount of correction needed. Excess fat might be directly excised or treated with liposuction. The underlying supportive tissue is then tightened and reshaped, and the skin is smoothed over the new contour. Once the desired shape is achieved, sutures are placed to close the skin. 

Recovery involves some downtime and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Post-surgery, patients must wear compression garments. These are not only for comfort, but also to help minimize swelling and supports the healing tissues. On occasion, temporary tubes might be placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. 

The recovery involves some swelling and bruising, which will diminish over time, revealing smoother, tighter, and more contoured upper arms. Patients are usually advised to keep their arms elevated as much as possible and to avoid straining or lifting heavy objects for several weeks. Most patients can return to work and daily activities within 2 weeks but should avoid vigorous physical activity for at least 6 weeks.

Following a brachioplasty, scars are inevitable. Although they fade overtime, the scars underside or along the back of the arms, sometimes even extending slightly towards the chest will be noticeable in certain clothing, especially short sleeves. It’s vital to weigh this against the transformative results of the procedure. Patients who undergo brachioplasty must accept that this trade-off is worth the immediate improvement in their appearance.