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

  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

    Stop smoking

    Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

  • 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.