Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:
Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
Tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines
the shape of the upper arm
Reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region
Procedure Time
1 hour
Time to Final Results
Initial Results: Immediate
Final Results: 3 - 6 weeks
Recovery Time
1 - 2 weeks
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Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
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Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.
· Minimal activity for the first 1 week after surgery.
· If asked, drainage amounts should be logged and taken to each postoperative visit for the surgeon to review.
· Leave the surgical compression garment on until instructed otherwise. This will decrease the risk of seroma (collection of fluid) formation in
the postoperative period.
· No HOT or WARM compresses.
· No COLD or ICE compresses to the area.
· You can shower 48 hours. after surgery with assistance.
· Sutures are all absorbable and will not need to be removed. Glue will be removed 2 weeks after surgery.
· Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved by the pain medications.
· Moderate swelling and bruising around the arms.
· There may be some bloody drainage on the dressings.
· Clear liquid oozing from the incision.
· You will follow up with one of the nurses by phone 1-3 days after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during this time and you will see him at your last post-op appointment 2 weeks after surgery.
During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
Call the office if you experience:
· Severe pain not responding to pain medications.
· Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other.
· A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.
· Incisions that appear to be opening or becoming very red, hot to the touch or containing pus.
· A fever.
· Bright red blood in the drains that seem to be clotting.
· Call if you have any questions.