Skin gradually loses its elasticity as part of the natural aging process. As a result, the skin settles into folds and wrinkles. The loss of elasticity can lead to hanging skin that may be nicknamed “bat wings” along the arms. Weight loss can emphasize this issue. If you wish you had slimmer and more toned looking upper arms, brachioplasty (also known as an ‘arm lift’) may be the right procedure for you.
Are You a Candidate?
If you are a man or a woman who is self-conscious about the way your arms look, or wearing sleeveless shirts or other clothing that reveals your arms makes you feel uncomfortable, then a brachioplasty may be right for you.
The majority of patients are between the ages of 35 and 65, however patients both younger and older can undergo this procedure. The ideal candidates brachioplasty are nonsmokers in good overall health. They still have some skin elasticity remaining, which helps the skin adjust to its new contours. Even though the best outcomes tend to be on patients who are at or near their ideal weight, this procedure may also be performed on patients who are overweight.
Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
Brachioplasty procedures are performed to remove excess skin and fat deposits from the arms and to reduce a flabby appearance and to leave patients with thinner and more youthful looking arms. Brachioplasty is performed with general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours to perform.
- First, the surgeon will create an incision. Normally, this is located in the armpit, where any scar can be easily hidden. If a more sizable fat deposit or excess skin will be removed from the lower arm, the surgeon may need to create a more extensive incision running along the inside of the arm, from wrist to armpit.
- Next, the excess skin and deposits of fatty tissue will be removed. Most brachioplasty procedures use traditional surgical methods, however liposuction surgery can also be used if large areas of excess fat are being selected for removal.
- The incision is closed with sutures after the excess tissue has been removed and the remaining tissues have been sculpted by the surgeon.