Brachioplasty – Arm Lift | Poliklinika Sinteza

What kind of procedure is this?

Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper arms, achieving a more toned and slender appearance. Over time, tissue and skin on the inner upper arms can become lax, particularly in individuals who have previously been overweight and lost significant weight. Sometimes, this excess skin can hang loosely and resemble bat wings with arm movement.

Who are the candidates for arm lift surgery?

Candidates for brachioplasty typically include individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise, as well as those whose aging and lack of physical activity have led to lax skin and tissue in the arms. It is important to note that this procedure is not intended for weight loss or to reduce the size of the arms. Ideal candidates should be at or near their ideal body weight and maintain a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can lead to a recurrence of the problem.

What should you know before the procedure?

Preparation for brachioplasty at Poliklinika Sinteza includes a thorough discussion of your overall health, medications you are currently taking, and your lifestyle habits. You will receive detailed instructions on which medications, vitamins, and supplements to stop using before and immediately after the surgery. This primarily includes medications like Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking for two weeks before and after the procedure.

How is the arm lift procedure performed?

The procedure involves making an incision along the inner side of the upper arm, typically from the armpit to the elbow. The surgeon will remove excess fat using liposuction, then remove and tighten excess skin, and finally close the incision with sutures. The incision is usually made on the inner side of the arm, where it is less visible and will fade over time. For patients with minimal excess skin, smaller incisions or several small incisions near the armpit may be used to make the removal of fat and tissue less invasive. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts two to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Recovery and duration

After brachioplasty, patients will experience swelling and bruising, as well as mild discomfort, which is usually managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. It is possible that drainage tubes may be placed at the incision site to collect excess blood and fluids during the first few days post-surgery. Additionally, a compression garment will aid in proper and quicker healing and should be worn 24 hours a day for the first month after the surgery.

Patient experiences

Results of brachioplasty are visible immediately, with further improvement as swelling and bruising subside, which generally takes about two weeks. Most patients who undergo this procedure are very satisfied, noting a significant improvement in the appearance of their arms with minimal visible scarring.

Precautions

While brachioplasty is considered a safe procedure, there are always risks associated with any type of surgery. These include infection, wound complications, bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, loss of sensation, and swelling, as well as scarring. At Poliklinika Sinteza, we strive to prevent and manage these risks effectively. Patients will be informed about possible complications and preventive measures they can take to minimize their risk.

Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment. For more details and information, call us at +385 1 5005 970 or email us at info@sinteza.hr.

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