Arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that aims to obtain a firmer line by adjusting the loose skin and fat tissue on the inner side of the arm.
Sagging in the inner arm area develops as a result of significant weight loss, aging and decreased skin elasticity. Skin that has lost its elasticity does not tighten with exercise — even when the muscle is worked, the excess skin remains.
The incision scar is the most important topic in this procedure. Removing the excess skin requires an incision running along the inner side of the arm. This scar is unavoidable and must be discussed before a decision is made. The person should clearly consider whether they accept obtaining a firmer contour in exchange for a scar.
If the sagging is limited and skin elasticity is good, liposuction alone may be considered. This distinction is made at the examination.
1. Examination. The amount of excess skin, elasticity and fat tissue are assessed.
2. Planning. The incision is planned, as far as possible, along a line on the inner side of the arm that is less visible from the outside. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin to be removed.
3. Procedure. Excess skin and, if needed, fat tissue are removed; the tissues are reshaped.
4. Follow-up. Use of a compression garment is recommended.
Swelling, tightness and tenderness are expected in the arms in the first days. Keeping the arms above heart level may help reduce swelling.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
A scar running along the inner side of the arm is unavoidable. The scar fades over time but does not disappear. This is the most important topic that must be considered before making a decision.
If skin elasticity is good and the sagging is limited, liposuction may be considered. However, if excess skin predominates, removing fat alone is not sufficient.
Exercise strengthens muscle tissue; however, skin that has lost its elasticity does not tighten with exercise.
Return to daily life generally takes place within a few weeks. Maturation of the scar, however, may take up to a year.
Liposuction reduces excess fat but does not remove loose excess skin. Arm lift (brachioplasty), on the other hand, involves removal of excess skin and leaves a scar. Which one is suitable is determined at the examination according to skin elasticity and the degree of sagging.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
