Frustrated with stubborn bingo wings? A brachioplasty is a safe & effective plastic surgery procedure designed to give you the toned, firm arms you've always desired.
A brachioplasty, more commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits on the upper arm. This can be caused by several factors including:
- Age
- Rapid weight loss
- Excess weight gain
- Pregnancy
Performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a brachioplasty can safely and effectively restore a more toned and youthful appearance to your upper arm, dramatically reducing any excess skin or fat.
Whatever your body contouring needs, our Edmonton clinic provides a range of plastic surgery procedures to help you achieve all your aesthetic goals.
What Is A Brachioplasty?
A brachioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce sagging, loose skin, as well as excess fatty tissue of the upper arm. It’s performed primarily to reduce the circumference of the upper arm and tighten the skin, thereby dramatically improving the contour and appearance of the arms.
Why Choose To Have A Brachioplasty?
While exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, it cannot address excess skin that has lost its elasticity. If the underside of your upper arms appear loose, this plastic surgery procedure may be the ideal option for you.
A brachioplasty:
- Eliminates excess and loose skin from the area between the underarm and elbow
- Reshapes your arm for improved contours and smoother skin
- Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance
- Reduces localized pocket of fat in the upper arm region
While a brachioplasty can be done as a stand-alone treatment, it is often combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, which aims to reduce surrounding fat.
How Is A Brachioplasty Performed?
When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a brachioplasty is a safe and effective body contouring procedure that is typically done on an outpatient basis.
4 Steps of a Brachioplasty
1. Anesthesia
During a consultation prior to the plastic surgery, your doctor will recommend the best anesthesia choice for you. This includes intravenous sedation or general anesthetic.
2. Incision
One the anesthetic has been administered, your plastic surgeon will make incisions to the inside or back of your arm. The size will depend on the amount of excess skin.
3. Removing Excess Fat
The fatty deposits are removed with liposuction while the underlying muscle is tightened with stitches to provide a more defined, aesthetically pleasing shape. In addition, any extra skin is cut away.
One the plastic surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches to promote healing.
4. Results
The smoother, tighter contours that result from a brachioplasty will be immediately apparent following the surgery.
As you heal, the appearance of your arm will dramatically improve though it may take a few months for the scars to fade.
Am I A Candidate For A Brachioplasty?
When deciding on an arm lift, it’s important to remember that not all patients are suitable candidates for this plastic surgery treatment which is why you must book a consultation with your doctor before deciding to undergo any procedure.
In general, the best candidates for this body contouring procedure are those:
- Who are within several pounds (i.e. 10%) of their ideal weight
- Whose weight is relatively stable
- Who don’t have any medical conditions that may impair healing or increase the risks of surgery
- That are non-smokers
- Patients who have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
Brachioplasty Risks
The decision to undergo a brachioplasty is very personal and you have to decide whether the benefits will achieve your aesthetic goals and if the potential risks are acceptable. Some of these include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia risks
- Higher chance of developing blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensations of the upper arm
- Damage to deeper structures such as the nerves, blood vessels and/or muscles
The benefits and risks of this body contouring procedure will be fully discussed prior to your consent and it’s important that you address any concerns or questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
Call Today
To find out more about our range of plastic surgery procedures, including the costs and benefits of a brachioplasty, contact Dr. Adil Ladak at 780-407-6691 or through our online contact form.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
