Upper arm lift (synonyms: arm lift; arm lift; brachioplasty) belongs to the surgical procedures of aesthetic medicine (cosmetic surgery) and is one of the most common cosmetic procedures on the upper extremity. The necessity of upper arm lift is mainly explained by the age-related sagging of the skin or subcutaneous fatty tissue in the area of the lower upper arm. When the arms are lifted horizontally, large hanging skin flaps become visible, which cannot be corrected even by diet, sports or training of the muscles. Causes are:
- Natural aging process with sagging of the skin.
- Congenital weakness of the connective tissue (connective tissue insufficiency).
- Obesity (obesity)
- Severe weight loss
Especially patients with severe weight loss suffer from the excess skin in this area. Surgical upper arm lift is used when liposuction (synonyms: liposuction; liposuction) would not lead to the desired result. Since this is a surgical procedure, written informed consent is required from the patient.
Indications (areas of application)
- Unaesthetic changes (eg, skin sagging) in the area of the upper arm.
Before surgery
Before surgery, an intensive medical history discussion should be conducted that includes the patient’s medical history and motivation for the procedure. The procedure, any side effects, and the consequences of the surgery should be discussed in detail. Note: The requirements of the explanation are stricter than usual, since courts in the field of aesthetic surgery demand a “relentless” explanation. Furthermore, you should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sleeping pills or alcohol for a period of seven to ten days before an upper arm lift. Both acetylsalicylic acid and other painkillers delay blood clotting and can cause unwanted bleeding. Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure to avoid jeopardizing wound healing.
The surgical procedure
Before the actual surgery, the arm is thoroughly examined and the surgical area or incision lines are precisely drawn. Among other specialized techniques, spindle-shaped excision (cutting out a spindle-shaped area of skin or tissue) is the simplest option for upper arm lift. Individual anatomical peculiarities (body features that are different in each person and lead to small changes) require adjustment of the surgical technique, which only an experienced surgeon can decide and perform. In addition, the surgeon takes photographs of the surgical area: for this purpose, the patient stands and holds his arms at a 90° angle to the body. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia (general anesthesia – a combination of sleeping pills, painkillers, and medication to relax the muscles). The patient lies while the arms are at a 90°C angle on sterile arm tables. The incision is usually made in the medial sulcus bicipitalis (furrow formed by the shape of the biceps, which is a natural line; later, the scar runs right here and is less noticeable). In addition to the removal of the excess tissue and skin flaps, combined liposuction may be performed. Nerves, muscles and vessels are spared with the utmost care. In addition, a three-layer suture is recommended. This carefully closes the wound, and the suture in the axilla (armpit) area is not straight but jagged to avoid scar contracture (during the healing process or scar formation, the tissue contracts and this can lead to restricted movement in the shoulder joint). After the suture is closed, a tight dressing is applied. Wound drains are usually placed to drain wound secretions and improve healing. The small drainage tubes can be removed after 2-3 days. In most cases, the scar is 10-16 cm long and will not be visible later when the upper arm is dressed.
After the operation
After surgery, physical exertion, especially fast and stressful movements of the arms, and direct sunlight on the scars should be avoided. The arms are kept slightly elevated (splayed) for the first 3 days to counteract swelling.As a rule, the skin sutures are removed after about two to three weeks, although this depends on the individual wound healing. During the following 4-6 weeks, you will wear a compression bandage both during the day and at night, which supports healing and further optimizes the contour of the upper arms.
Possible complications
- Suture dehiscence – gapping of wound edges that have already been treated by suturing.
- Dog Ears – excess skin that occurs at the surgical scar and is removed for aesthetic reasons in a second operation.
- Postoperative bleeding
- Hematomas (bruises)
- Keloids – increased scarring
- Edema – swelling
- Pain, feeling of tension
- Thrombosis – vascular disease in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vessel.
- Wound healing disorders due to circulatory problems.
- Wound infections
Further notes
- In patients after massive weight loss, brachioplasty combined with liposuction (liposuction) resulted in fewer complications, according to one study. Furthermore, patients were more satisfied with the result than those who had undergone a conventional upper arm lift.
Benefits
Upper arm lift is an effective surgery to remove blemishes in the upper arm area and help you feel better about your body and look beautiful.
