ARM LIFT – BRACHIOPLASTY

DR Andrew j. HAYDUKE

An upper arm lift, or brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm to tighten loose skin and remove fat that often creates a “bat wing” appearance under the upper arms. Removing the excess skin and fat caused by weight loss or natural aging tightens loose skin that extends from the underarm area to the elbow; liposuction is sometimes also used in combination to achieve the best results. Most cases simply require direct excision of the skin and fat and do not even need additional liposuction. Every year, thousands of people undergo successful upper-arm-lift surgery across the world and are pleased with the results.

Figure 1 One popular method is to excise excess skin and fat in a fish type pattern on the inner aspect of the upper arm. This allows Dr. Hayduke to place the final scar in a less conspicuous location, especially when you are walking with your arms down by your sides. The length of the scar varies with the amount of arm sag present.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER AN ARM LIFT

• If your weight is normal or near normal for your height (based on BMI charts), but you feel your arm shape is marred by underarm sag.
• If you have lost a massive amount of weight and are left with excess upper-arm skin and fat that sags downwards and may resemble bat wings when you raise your arms upwards.
• If you are willing to accept a long prominent scar in exchange for shapelier upper arms. Scars are permanent no matter who performs your procedure.

Figure 2 Depending upon the amount and location of your sagging upper arm skin, Dr. Hayduke will custom design the length of your surgical scar. Clients with mild sagging may be candidates for a limited incision “short scar” arm lift.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN UPPER ARM LIFT?

After losing a significant amount of weight and embarking on a program of vigorous exercise, you may find that you still have loose, hanging upper arm skin that resembles bat wings. Although you can improve your upper arm appearance somewhat with exercise, redundant underarm skin may still remain a significant stubborn problem that simply does not improve enough with exercise. The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider an upper arm lift:

• You have lost the weight you desire and exercise regularly, but are still left with redundant sagging underarm skin that just won’t go away.
• You are an adult (over 40 years old) with significant upper arm skin sag simply due to aging.
• Your weight is relatively stable and you are not significantly overweight.
• You are a healthy individual with no medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgery risks.
• You are a nonsmoker.
• You are committed to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

If you are in good general physical and mental health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. During your private consultation with Dr. Hayduke, he will carefully examine and measure your upper arm anatomy and develop a customized surgical plan specifically for you.