Brachioplasty is the surgical removal of loose, hanging posterior arm skin and fat. This outpatient surgical procedure is being performed with increasing frequency due to the number of patients now undergoing weight reduction procedures such as gastric bypass or lap band operations.
The brachioplasty procedure is performed using an incision which typically extends from the axilla area to the inner elbow. The excess and loose posterior arm skin is removed leaving a scar that is easy for the patient to conceal. Liposuction of any excess arm fat is either performed at the same time or at an interval of several months prior to the skin resection.
Post-operatively patients are required to limit their upper extremity activity for 10-14 days and elevate their arms during the first week. Patients usually recover nicely from brachioplasty but to return to full activity many require at least 4-6 weeks.
Massive weight loss patients often combine brachioplasty with other body contouring procedures such as breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction surgeries or liposuction to take maximal advantage of their surgical down time.
