| Procedure | Lax tissues in the upper arms can be caused by ageing or weight loss. Cosmetic concerns or problems with friction on arm movements can be corrected with a brachioplasty (=arm lift). This operation can remove excess skin, fat, stretchmarks and scars from the upper inner arms. This can be combined with liposuction. |
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| I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. | |
| Scars | Between elbow and axilla, can extend to chest wall after massive weight loss leaves generalised skin redundancy |
| Operation time | 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General > (Local) |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Tourniquet effect, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, paralysis), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy, Cosmetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent weight changes), Seroma, Lymphocele, Lymphoedema, Compartment syndrome, Reduced elbow / shoulder mobility, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Allergic reaction, (General Anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs) |
| N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare | |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 – 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 – 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Garments, Weight loss, Liposuction |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
