Brachioplasty is the medical term for an upper arm lift plastic surgery procedure. During brachioplasty plastic surgery excess fat and skin is removed from the upper arm area in order to create a firmer more youthful looking arm contour. A brachioplasty can enhance the appearance of arms that, with age or weight loss, have lost their natural firmness and shape.

A brachioplasty procedure may not be appropriate for people with certain medical or physical conditions. Patients who have had mastectomy surgery may not be able to have a brachioplasty because of the increased risks associated with a procedure of this nature. Patients who have experienced repeated armpit infections or experience excess sweat production may also not be good candidates for brachioplasty cosmetic surgery.

A good candidate for brachioplasty surgery is a patient in good health that has realistic expectations about the procedure and its results. Brachioplasty patients will have a more positive experience with cosmetic surgery if they are fully informed about what to expect before, during and after brachioplasty surgery.

Brachioplasty cosmetic surgery is an outpatient procedure that is done under a general or local anesthetic. The average brachioplasty procedure takes two hours plus time for anesthesia and initial recovery time. Brachioplasty surgery can also be performed in conjunction with a liposuction procedure if the patient and the surgeon have determined that dual surgical procedures are optimal.

During the brachioplasty procedure the surgeon will make zigzag incisions in the skin of the upper arm to excise the excess skin and fat from the area. The skin is then stretched and stitched together. The average time of healing and recovery from brachioplasty surgery is two to six weeks during which time your surgeon may recommend the use of compression garments and may prescribe pain medications. Depending on the technique used during the surgery, drains and/or stitches may need to be removed in the first week or two of recovery. Many patients are able to return to work one to two weeks after their brachioplasty surgery.

Brachioplasty does carry some risks common to all surgical procedures. Complications involving anesthesia, bleeding or blood clots, scarring, nerve damage, and infection are all possible side effects of brachioplasty and virtually any surgical procedure, but are often preventable when proper precautions are taken.

Brachioplasty results are long-lasting and can produce dramatic improvement in the firmness and appearance of the upper arms.