Brachioplasty aka arm lift

 

Brachioplasty or arm lift
Technically it is called brachioplasty or arm lift. Abroad they talk about Bat wings, that is to say the bat wings that can be seen from behind when the skin of the arms is hanging down as a result of weight loss. This is cosmetic surgery on the arms: removal of excess skin from the upper limbs, remodeling of the skin, and microliposuction or Vaser lipo to retract the skin as much as possible. Muscles and skin of the limbs can sag at any age and for different reasons, but having toned arms is not a utopia. Surgery, in fact, changes their shape and size. [knock]

Aesthetic defects and solutions
Surgeries to firm flabby arms address localized fat accumulations on the upper limbs.

The reasons that lead to undergo brachioplasty operations are mainly related to the need to increase self-confidence when dressing and the removal of an annoying encumbrance when working with the upper limbs. Since these are operations with evident scarring outcomes, motivation is necessary to regain psycho-physical well-being and self-esteem.

The aesthetic defects that insist on the arms concern

skin “hanging” and sagging, marked by the presence of stretch marks for excessive or sudden weight loss
Relaxation of the skin with hanging appearance and “flag” effect
presence of aging furrows in the inner portion of the arm
presence of adipose accumulations
loss of muscle tone
Liposuction, liposuction, liposculpture and lifting are the tools that surgery provides patients to treat the imperfections that affect this area of the body.

Specialist examination
Before the intervention it is essential that the patient undergoes a careful specialist examination to discuss with the doctor his expectations. The plastic surgeon, for his part, will investigate the causes of the imperfection, will explain the most suitable technique for the correction of the defect and will establish the size of skin and fat to be removed, circumscribing the area of the arms to be treated with some drawings. Thanks to the use of photographic material submitted to his attention, the patient will also be able to observe the results of previous operations comparing “before and after” on those who have already undergone the intervention. Finally, a list of medical examinations that the patient should perform before undergoing brachioplasty will be assigned.

Preparation for surgery
Check up: the patient, in preparation for the surgery, should submit to his plastic surgeon a complete blood test, electrocardiogram and urine test (to ascertain the state of health).

It is also recommended to report allergies to antibiotics and medications; avoid taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin, VivinC, Bufferin, Alka-Seltzer) and communicate which pharmacological, homeopathic, estro-progestinic and phytotherapeutic therapies – for any other pathologies – the patient is following.
Smoking patients will have to put aside cigarettes and lighters starting at least 30 days before surgery and for 30 days after. Smoking, in fact, by limiting the flow of blood that irrigates the skin, could hinder the processes of convalescence and healing.

Surgical intervention
The technique of liposuction (liposuction/liposculpture) allows the surgeon not to remove the skin. Incisions of about one centimeter are made in the skin of the arm to insert syringes or small cannulas (joined to a suction device) and remove excess fat. The incisions are then stitched up and leave no visible marks.

Dr. Tommaso Savoia makes incisions along the groove of the biceps muscle in the inner part of the arm, starting before the elbow and extending in a fishtail fashion to the axillary fold, thus obtaining a correct traction and hiding part of the scars inside the axillary fold. Once the excess skin, where necessary, of adipose tissue has been removed, the actual lifting and recomposition of the residual tissues is carried out with the placement of drains and the first basting sutures. The sutures – usually resorbable – are intradermal (the thread runs between the margins of the wound without exiting along its course) in order to minimize the signs. At the end of the intervention (whose duration can vary from one to three hours) a moderately compressive dressing is placed. The operation can be performed under local anesthesia – with more or less deep or total sedation.

Brachioplasty scars
Usually the scars fall on the inner face of the arm, towards the chest, and extend from the axillary fold to a few centimeters above the elbow. The scar has a herringbone shape with the tail inside the axillary fold. They are always visible, it will be necessary to perform checks with the surgeon for guidance in the healing process.

Risks and complications
With regard to risks and complications, in some patients, depending on the characteristics of the skin and its intrinsic ability to regenerate, scarring defects may occur. The patient should be aware that any surgery, including brachioplasty, generates permanent and more or less visible scars. In addition, there may be problems of reduced skin sensitivity, minor bleeding, hematomas, necrosis and general pain to be kept under control with common analgesics.
The classic surgical operation just described can be remedied with the use of laser. The instrument allows to eliminate clusters of cells acting in depth with the procedure of “bombardment”, without causing abrasions on the tissues, but only minimal excoriations that disappear in a short time. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, through a small injection.

Healing time
After surgery is indicated a phase of total rest for at least 3/4 days, with resumption of mild work activity after about a week. Banished for the patient, in the immediate post-operative period, all daily household chores. It is desirable, however, that lymphatic drainage massages begin immediately, twice a week, for about 3 weeks. It is also recommended not to expose oneself to heat sources (sun or tanning lamp) and to preserve the dressing from contact with water. Sports activities can be resumed, with caution, after about a month. On the other hand, gentle walks are allowed and desirable. The final result of the brachioplasty will be appreciable only after a few weeks or months.

Costs
They depend on the surgical procedure used. Prices range from a minimum of 2,000 to a maximum of 5,000 euros.

Healing times

After the surgery, it is mandatory to stay in total rest for at least 3/4 days, with a return to light work after about a week. All activities, in the immediate post-operative, are prohibited. It would be better to start the lymphatic drainage massages immediately, with a cadence of twice a week, for about 3 weeks. It is also recommended not to expose yourself to the sun or tanning lamp and to preserve the medical dressing from the contact with water. Sports activity can be resume, with caution, after about a month. The final result of brachioplasty will be appreciable after a few weeks or months.

Price

The price depends from the surgical procedure used. Prices range from a minimum of 3,000 to a maximum of 5,000 euros.