Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery

Arm Lift/Brachioplasty

Weight loss in the arms will thin the fat layer below the skin and allow gravity to pull the skin downward. This creates a vertical looseness on the underside, or triceps muscle side, of the upper arm. Brachioplasty (arm lift) involves removal of this skin from the inner surface of the arm in a long tapered spindle pattern. The incision closure falls on the inside of the arm in the groove between the biceps and triceps muscles. A drain is placed under the skin, entering near the armpit. Compression garments are utilized to smooth the skin and provide pressure around the area to lessen swelling. Surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure (unless other procedures are done at the same time).