What is a Brachioplasty or Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty is the formal name for an arm lift. A brachioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that resculpts the arm and reduces sagging arm skin and unwanted arm fat for the upper arms.

Who Qualifies for Brachioplasty?

A person who is a good candidate for an arm lift is someone who has loose, flabby skin on their upper arms due to aging or rapid weight loss. Often, patients who need an arm lift cannot get rid of arm sagging skin no matter how much they diet or exercise. They may also have stubborn deposits of fat on their arms.

The patient considering an arm lift or arm reduction should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations when it comes to the surgery. Potential brachioplasty patients should refrain from smoking and should maintain a stable weight for 3 months.

Before the Surgery

As with any kind of surgery, all patients will have a formal consultation with Dr. J. Timothy Katzen beforehand. The patient will tell Dr. Katzen what they want to achieve from the brachioplasty, and Dr. Katzen will tell the patient of their options and what they need to do before and after their brachioplasty. For example, Dr. Katzen nearly always tells patients to stop smoking at least three months before the surgery.

Brachioplasty

A typical brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure and lasts from three to four hours. The arm lift is performed using general anesthesia.

During the procedure, Dr. Katzen will remove excess arm skin and fat. Tumescent liposuction is used during this procedure to help enhance your results. After arm liposuction, the arm skin is stretched over the surgical wound and closed with sutures. The sutures are absorbable. Usually Dr. Katzen does not use a drain. The area is then bandaged.

Recovery from Brachioplasty

The patient can go home after a period of rest, but they must have someone else drive them so they can keep their hands elevated and rested.

Learn More about Brachioplasty

If your arms sag or are so flabby that you are hesitant to go sleeveless or even wear short sleeves, a brachioplasty with Dr. Katzen may be the solution. Feel free to visit Dr. Katzen in Beverly Hills to learn more. Contact Dr. Katzen today to schedule your arm lift consultation!