top of page

Arm Contour

Arm contouring, also known as brachioplasty or arm lift surgery, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that restores firmer, more toned, and better-defined arms. It aims to remove excess sagging skin, fat, and tissue from the upper arms. Overall, arm contouring tightens loose skin and underlying tissues using advanced surgical techniques to create more sculpted and proportionate arms.

Generally, patients with significant weight loss or aging-related skin laxity undergo arm contouring surgery procedures. Individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss, aging, or genetic predisposition to loose arm skin can opt for this arm contouring surgery to enhance toned and balanced arm appearance.

studio-portrait-with-women-holding-hands_23-2149628220.jpg

Arm Contouring Surgery Procedure

Brachioplasty surgery usually takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the type of procedure you are looking to undergo. A mini-brachioplasty can take 1-2 hours.

Brachioplasty is usually performed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

 

Complete Brachioplasty: In this type of surgery, an incision is made from the armpit to the elbow, typically along the inner aspect of the arm. The excess skin and fat are removed from the upper arm area to reveal the underlying muscle structure. Then, the remaining skin is repositioned and tightened with sutures. The main goal of the complete arm lift is to provide firmer, more contoured arms and eliminate "bat wing" appearance.

After the surgery, a dressing and compression garment is applied to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

 

Mini Brachioplasty: Mini arm lift is generally performed to address limited excess skin in the upper arm area using a smaller incision, usually confined to the armpit area. The surplus skin is removed, underlying tissues are tightened, and liposuction may often be performed to contour and refine the area.

 

Extended Brachioplasty: It is a comprehensive procedure that addresses not only the upper arms but also extends to the lateral chest wall and upper back area. The excess skin in these regions is corrected and reshaped. This allows improvement of the overall upper body contour and creates smoother transitions between treated areas.

Preparing for Arm Contouring Surgery

Before initiating the arm contouring surgery, the surgeon will advise you to quit smoking and all forms of nicotine/tobacco products, at least two weeks prior to the surgery and continuing after the surgery. All your symptoms and medical history are thoroughly evaluated before undergoing the surgery.

Certain tests prescribed by your surgeon are required, which need to be completed. A comprehensive medical evaluation is conducted prior to surgery. Your surgeon provides specific medications; however, avoid taking aspirins, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that may increase bleeding risk.

It is not advisable to drastically alter your diet before surgery. A well-balanced nutrition plan is recommended to support healing.

You can discuss your goals and concerns with your surgeon to determine the right procedure and prepare for realistic outcomes.

The brachioplasty procedure can often be performed in conjunction with liposuction surgery, which performs body contouring around other areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and back. It can also be combined with other surgical procedures such as breast lift, body lift, or other contouring surgeries.

Arm Contouring Recovery

Arm contouring results can be immediately visible, though initial swelling may obscure final results.

The recovery time depends on the surgical technique(s) performed by the surgeon. It can take at least two to six weeks of recovery time; however, patients are advised to take precautions during this period. Post-surgery, patients are required to take time off from work during the initial recovery phase. It is highly advisable to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous arm movements until fully recovered, or upon doctor's approval.

Patients are requested to refrain from all forms of nicotine and tobacco products even after surgery for an extended period to ensure proper healing.

Arm Contouring Side Effects

Brachioplasty procedure carries certain potential risks and complications. When performed by qualified and board-certified plastic surgeons, the end-results are positive, and the overall success rate is impressive.

However, every surgery has its complications, and arm contouring has notable side-effects, which include infections and blood clots, but these are rare. Infection can usually be treated with antibiotics and proper wound care. Patients are recommended to move around and perform gentle exercises soon after surgery to minimize blood clot risk.

Explore Our Services

  • Is there a Down time?
    No, laser hair removal doesn't usually take any real time off. After laser hair removal, your skin will be red and swollen right away. Even so, most people go back to their normal lives.
  • When will I be able to tell if the laser hair removal worked?
    Most likely, you'll see the effects right away after treatment. The results are different for each subject. The effects depend on the color and thickness of your hair, the area that is treated, the type of laser that is used, and the color of your skin. After the first treatment, you can expect 10–25% less hair. Most people need anywhere from 2 to 6 laser treatments to get rid of the hair. Most people don't see any hair on the treated skin for months or even years after the treatments are done. When hair comes back, there is usually less of it. Most of the hairs are also smaller and lighter in color.
  • How long will laser hair removal's effects last?
    Most people stay hairless for months or even years. When some hair comes back, it will probably be less obvious. A patient may need upkeep laser treatments to keep the area free of hair.
  • What are some possible side effects?
    Most of the time, the side effects are mild and only last for 1 to 3 days. Among these side affects are: Discomfort Swelling Redness
  • When laser hair removal is done by a dermatologist or under the direct guidance of a dermatologist, other side effects are rare. Some other things that could go wrong are:
    Blistering Herpes simplex outbreaks (cold sores) Infections Scarring Skin whitening or darkening Over time, skin color usually goes back to normal. But some changes to skin color last forever. This is why it's important to see a doctor who is good at laser treatments and knows a lot about the face. Also, it's important to do what your doctor tells you. If you follow the advice before and after treatment, you will be much less likely to have side effects.
  • When is it safe to get another laser hair removal treatment?
    This is different for each case. A number of laser treatments are often needed to get rid of hair. Most people can have laser hair removal done every 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to have another treatment. Most people see at least some hair growth. Your doctor will be able to tell you when it is safe to get laser treatments to keep the results.
  • How safe is it to use a laser to get rid of hair?
    Laser hair removal is very safe with no down time and minimal side effects
  • What are indication in males for LHR?
    Laser hair removal can also be used for beard reshapeing and in rare disease such as pilonidal sinus Males are also excellent candidates but require more seesions to see the best results.
bottom of page