The brachioplasty , more commonly known as intervention arm lift is a surgical procedure to correct the defects of the upper limbs. Cosmetic surgery of the arms consists in the removal and remodeling of the skin and excess fat localized in the upper limbs following the aging processes or the results of pathological obesity. With the intervention of brachioplasty it is also possible to change the shape and size of the arms.
WHO IS THIS TYPE OF INTERVENTION FOR?
The best candidates for brachioplasty are men and women who after an important and prolonged weight loss (at least 6 months) have an excess of skin and / or adipose tissue at the level of the arms. This type of intervention is also indicated for patients with localized obesity and lipodystrophy of the arms and for those who show early signs of aging.
ARE THERE AGE LIMITS FOR BRACHIOPLASTIC SUBJECT?
There are no age limits for undergoing this type of intervention. Generally, patients who resort to brachioplasty are between the ages of 20 and 60.
WHAT OTHER INTERVENTIONS CAN BE CARRIED OUT TOGETHER WITH BRACHIOPLASTICS
The brachioplasty surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other surgical techniques such as face lift, breast augmentation, mastopexy, thigh lift, tummy tuck, liposuction or other cosmetic surgery.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF THIS TYPE OF INTERVENTION?
Arm lift is a fairly simple cosmetic surgical procedure. When brachioplasty is performed by a plastic surgery specialist within licensed facilities, the results are generally very satisfactory. However, this is a real surgical procedure where complications (bleeding, infection) are rare but can happen and be easily resolved only if the intervention is performed by a specialist in plastic surgery within authorized structures.
To decrease the risk of complications, however, it is important to carefully follow the advice and instructions that the surgeon will give you before and after the operation. Smokers should cut down on cigarette use because smoking can increase the risk of complications and healing delays.
HOW IS THE PRE-OPERATIVE VISIT DONE?
Brachioplasty is a very personalized intervention which, as such, requires an accurate specialist visit. During the first visit, the surgeon will carefully examine the aesthetic and functional alterations of the arms, the quality of the skin, the horizontal and vertical excess skin and the degree of skin laxity. The amount of excess adipose tissue will be determined by the Pinch Test. Since alterations at the level of the arms frequently also involve the lateral surface of the chest, extending beyond the posterior axillary fold, it will be necessary to carefully examine the morphology of the upper part of the trunk .
The surgeon will also have to evaluate the patient’s health conditions to exclude the presence of alterations (high blood pressure, clotting or scarring problems) that could affect the final result of the intervention. Before the brachioplasty surgery, the patient will receive precise instructions on the pre and post-operative feeding, on the intake of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. At the end of the visit, the surgeon will indicate the most appropriate therapeutic strategies, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the different procedures.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS PRACTICED?
Brachioplasty is generally performed under loco-regional anesthesia with sedation (this means that the patient will be awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain) and in a day-hospital regime. Sometimes the surgery can be performed under general anesthesia and with hospitalization of one or two nights.
WHERE ARE THE ENGRAVINGS MADE?
In the most common surgical procedure, consisting of the removal and remodeling of the skin and excess fat, the incisions are made in the biceps and axillary fold so that they are not very visible. If only accumulations of fat are present and it is not necessary to remove excess skin, the surgeon can perform a liposuction of the arms and a liposculpture, without making external skin incisions.
HOW LONG DOES THE INTERVENTION LAST?
The brachioplasty operation lasts 1-2 hours, is completely painless and ends with the application of a bandage and sometimes a small drain.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE COURSE?
In the 48 hours following the brachioplasty operation, the patient must remain at rest with his arms slightly raised. Starting from the third day, he will be able to start a normal life again, avoiding tiring activities, saunas and Turkish baths and exposure to the sun. In the first two days, swelling and bruising may appear around the treated region which will persist for about 1-2 weeks. Hematomas, infections and keloid scars can rarely occur. After 7-10 days the patient will be able to resume their work if not excessively tiring. Starting from the third week, he will be able to gradually start all normal activities again, including sports. The result, appreciable already after the first three weeks,
WHAT TYPE OF RESULT CAN BE OBTAINED?
The result of brachioplasty is generally very good and long-lasting but cannot be said to be permanent as it will always be conditioned by the patient’s lifestyle and the inevitable effects of gravity and aging.
BRACHIOPLASTIC: COSTS
The brachioplasty is a real surgical procedure to be performed in a clinic, and that has a cost on an outpatient of 6000 € , and in running a shelter for a night of 9000 €. There are no brachioplasties with ultra sound or laser. These terminologies sometimes used by some professionals are to be understood due to the fact that sometimes ultrasounds or a laser beam are used during surgery, but it does not substantially change the final result or the results and healing times of brachioplasty.
