Here at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we are seeing an amazing increase in the number of people pursuing arm lift surgery, also known as a brachioplasty. A major reason for this burgeoning interest is actually quite understandable and relates to our present epidemic of obesity.
Following a considerable weight gain often involving 50 to 100 lbs. or more, the skin becomes quite stretched out with associated disruption of elastic fibers. If there is a subsequent substantial weight loss, the outcome will be an excess of skin with little elasticity that just hangs down like a hammock or even bat wings. Not a pretty sight!
Arm lift candidate - right side
Arm lift candidate - right side posterior view
Arm Lift Candidate - right side
Arm lift candidate - left side
A brachioplasty is the surgical procedure that is employed to excise the excess skin and recontour the upper arm in order to obtain a more desirable appearance. It typically involves a T-shaped scar extending from the arm pit (axilla) to the elbow but it can be extended onto the forearm if there is excess skin here as well.
The arm lift surgery can be performed both by itself as well as with various other procedures including a breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, and even other massive weight loss corrective procedures such as an abdominoplasty and “belt lipectomy”. Postoperative discomfort is usually fairly mild – more of a tightness sensation. The outcome is usually quite dramatic.
Before arm lift surgery - right side
After surgery
Before arm lift surgery - left side
After surgery
If you would like to obtain additional information on arm lift surgery or on other massive weight loss body contouring surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, and thigh lifts, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona