Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess sagging skin and fatty tissue from the upper arms. This helps to create an upper arm profile that is smoother, tighter, and more attractive. Your arm lift may involve removing excess sagging or drooping skin, tightening and smoothing underlying supportive tissue, as well as reducing pockets of fat in the upper arm area.

Arm lifts can be helpful for patients who have sagging skin of the upper arms following significant weight loss, or due to heredity or simply growing older. Excess sagging skin can’t be corrected through exercise, so many healthy individuals find that they are good candidates for arm lifts to improve appearance.

This procedure is performed in Kaiser Permanente’s operating suite with either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The incisions that are performed depend on the amount and location of excess skin that will be removed. In general, incisions are on the inside or back of the arm and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. In some cases there is a minimal incision, which is usually near the armpit. After the incision is made, excess fat will be removed or treated with liposuction. Then the underlying tissue can be tightened and reshaped with internal sutures and the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Kaiser Permanente’s plastic surgeon will work closely with you. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and desired outcome. Make sure to address all your questions and concerns. Aspirin, Motrin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some over-the-counter herbal medications must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to surgery. These and other drugs and substances may cause excess bleeding and bruising. You can usually begin taking them again after a week or so. If you are a smoker, it is important to quit at least four weeks prior to surgery and refrain from smoking until four weeks after surgery to ensure your wounds heal properly. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this in detail with you and you will also be given a sheet with a list of common medicines to avoid for a short period. Your plastic surgeon will detail the risks associated with surgery. Plan to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your surgery appointment and stay with you for at least one night following surgery.

Following your surgery, bandages will be applied to your incisions. In addition, you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or need to purchase a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your arms as they heal. A small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care of your incisions and drains, including any medications that you may need to take. We will arrange for your follow-up visit at our Kaiser Permanente office.

Drains are typically removed after one to two weeks. For most plastic surgeries, there are no sutures to remove. It is most common to use absorbable sutures which melt on their own within a few months.

You can shower the day after your procedure but should stay out of the ocean or pool for a week or so, or until your drain has been removed. Moderate swelling and bruising can last up to two weeks, but complete resolution of swelling may take much longer. It is important to avoid strenuous activity for two to three weeks after surgery to avoid bleeding and other complications.

If you had a muscle tightening procedure, you may be asked to avoid heavy lifting for six weeks. Most patients are able to drive after a few days and can return to office work after a week.

You may also be interested in the following procedures Tummy Tuck, Liposuction or Thigh Lift.