Arm Lift / Reduction

Background

Loose skin on the arms which is often associated with excess fat is of concern to most women especially after weight gain or loss. As one ages, the skin on the arms loses its elasticity, and begins to sag or dangle. An arm lift or reduction procedure, otherwise known as a “Brachioplasty,” addresses the excess fat and skin at the arms, reducing the size of your arms while creating a nicer contour.

In those with excess fat at the arms, the surgery begins with liposculpture. Fat is carefully removed to sculpt the arms into a more beautiful appearance. The excess skin is next removed using various techniques. The surgery has a tremendously high success rate. However, one of the greatest drawbacks of the procedure remains the scar on the upper arms. Several techniques are available to reduce the size of the arms while removing the excess skin. In the appropriate candidates, Dr. Sayah’s technique hides the scars in the underarm region such that they are hidden. In others, the scar is placed on the inside of the upper arms such that it is not visible with the arms in repose. Unlike other procedures in plastic surgery, the scars in this particular technique may not be acceptable to some patients. It is for this reason that Dr. Sayah asks to see you a few times prior to surgery in order to discuss the various options and your preferences.

You can perform your regular activities and work until the day of surgery. The day prior to your surgery, Dr. Sayah will mark the surgical incisions to assure your final scar will be well hidden.

Procedure

Dr. Sayah prefers light general anesthesia for his procedures. With this anesthetic technique, you will breathe on your own, completely unaware of the surgery. While you sleep, a local anesthetic is injected into the surgical site to minimize post-surgical pain.

The procedure starts with liposculpture of the arms in those with excess fat. Using a very small narrow cannula or tube, the fat is carefully removed in small pieces to sculpt the arms. Using markings made prior to procedure, incisions are made at the underarms or along the inside of the upper arms to remove the excess skin. The skin is then re-draped and closed. Multiple layers are used to close the skin in order to minimize scarring, and to ensure that the final scar will remain as thin as possible.

Before the completion of the surgery, a long-acting anesthetic is injected into the surgical sites to minimize pain post-operatively. A compression garment is applied to your arms at the completion of the procedure. You are asked to take the binder off every 4 hours until your first visit.

After the Procedure

Following your procedure, you will be asked to walk around the house with assistance. Be careful when getting into and out of bed. Try not to push up with your arms, rather than using your abdominal muscles to get up.

On the day of surgery you should drink fluids; but if you experience discomfort, please advance your diet slowly. Take your medications as prescribed including your antibiotics and pain medicine. You should sleep restfully on this evening.

On first day after surgery Dr. Sayah encourages you to walk around as much as possible, and to not lie in bed for prolonged periods. When in bed, move your calves regularly to keep blood circulating in your legs. Take plenty of deep breaths to maintain your lungs well aerated and to avoid collapse of certain portions of your lungs. Refer to your “general instructions” sheets which were provided to you for further information as necessary. Remember to remove your compression garment (girdle) every 4 hours while you are awake.

During the following week, you are encouraged to walk as much as comfortably possible. The office staff will be contacting you regularly to ensure your comfort, and to answer any questions. In order for the swelling to resolve more rapidly and to improve your final results, we ask that you wear your compression garment (girdle) for 6-8 weeks.