Brachioplasty

Removal of excess skin and fat from the arms

The natural ageing process, with or without weight loss, contributes to a progressive loss of skin elasticity in the inner aspect of the arm and results in inelastic, sagging skin (dermatochalasis), and stretch marks. Moreover, fat deposits may persist.

The brachioplasty procedure (arm lift) is used to correct these irregularities. It is made up of two phases:

  1. liposuction
  2. excision of the excess, loosened skin

Liposuction involves the removal of fat deposits and contouring of fat tissue in the neighbouring area (liposculpture). It also seeks to minimise intra-operative bleeding and leaves lymphatic and blood vessels intact; these structures would be damaged if subjected to a full-thickness excision. Liposuction allows fat removal and skin-only excision.

Skin excision is performed on the inner aspect of the arms and results in a scar running along the inner and posterior margin of the arm, from the underarm to the elbow. A “Z-plasty” is performed on the underarm, which is a technique used to re-create a natural hollow and an uplift in this region, reducing the risk of scar retraction. Prior to careful application of a skin suture, the underlying connective tissue layer is reinforced with a deep suture. The final result will be more stable and skin tension on the scar will be minimal, which is essential to achieve better scar development.

Brachioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia (the patient is asleep) with a one-night hospital stay after surgery.

Careful administration of pain-killers during and after the surgery ensures that post-operative pain and discomfort are kept to a minimum.

Contact Dr. Pierfranco Simone!