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Before and After PhotosFrequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery)?
Upper arm skin is not as elastic as other areas of the body. As we age, it is common to experience varying degrees of drooping (ptosis.) After massive weight loss, this extra sagging can is exacerbated and cause what has been called a “bat wing” appearance from the elbow to the armpit, or axilla. Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) is a surgical procedure intended to remove excess skin and improve the contours of the upper arm and axilla areas.
Prospective patients that are not good candidates for an arm lift include those who have had a mastectomy or conditions involving excess sweat formation. Diabetics and smokers must weigh the increased risk of complications.
How is armlift surgery done?
Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours for both arms. Immediately before surgery, areas of excess skin will be marked with an elliptical shape to provide a surgical blueprint. An incision is made on the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit and sometimes to the outer chest wall if necessary. Loose skin is removed and tissue is rearranged in the axillary areas in order to improve the contour. After the fat and skin is removed and contoured the incision is closed in layers using permanent stitches in the deepest layer with dissolving stitches in the superficial layers.
Recuperation after Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery)
Arm lifts are done on an outpatient basis. A night stay in the hospital is included in your fee, but a majority of patients go home the day of surgery. The incisions will be covered with tissue glue (Dermabond). A compression sleeve will be placed after the first week and you will wear it for about 4 weeks. Swelling and bruising may be evident for the first 3 to 4 weeks and gradually subside over 6 months. Scars will be red at first, and then fade over 2 to 3 months. The ultimate condition of the scars will take up to 24 months.
Other options
Liposuction
A word about financing…
Armlift plastic surgery can be made very affordable through financing options. Yvette would be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.
More information on financial planning and payment options
Facility and Associated Fees
Dr. Peters provides for his patient’s comfort and safety by using Physicians Medical Center in Houma, LA. All procedures are done in their surgery center and recovery and aftercare is on site. The hospital staff is familiar with all the procedures Dr. Peters provides and you can expect excellent care at a reasonable price.
Your surgical fee will include:
- Pre operative lab work
- EKG
- Use of the operating room and supplies
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Anesthesia
- Overnight stay with nursing care
- Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis (to prohibit the formation of blood clots in the legs)
Your fee will not include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Chest X-ray reading(if necessary)
- Additional night in the hospital
- Prescribed medications
- Pathology(for tissue specimens, if necessary)
Insurance Notes
Armlift plastic surgery is generally considered an aesthetic procedure and as such is not covered by insurance. As a massive weight loss patient, your condition may warrant a conversation with your carrier. Yvette will be happy to submit any pre certification required.
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Ask Dr. Peters about Armlift Surgery
Why can’t I just have liposuction?
Liposuction is effective when the skin elasticity is good. A quick way to determine if you may need a Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) is to hold your arm straight out then bend your elbow to 90 degrees. If there is more tissue below the bone in the upper arm (humerus) than there is above the bone, then liposuction will likely not be recommended. Occasionally, I will recommend a staged procedure in which we will do liposuction to thin out the tissues then perform a Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) 6-8 weeks later.
What kind of scars can I expect?
The scars from a Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) vary a great deal. In general, the distal one half of the upper arm incision is most likely to have a raised, thickened scar. Typically, the upper half and axillary incisions heal very well. These scars may require topical treatment such as silicone gel sheeting or possibly injection of steroids to improve their appearance.
What difference does it make that I have had a mastectomy?
Mastectomy, or breast removal, often includes removal of the lymph glands from the axillary areas. These serve to handle waste material not only from the breasts but also from the arms. It is not unusual for mastectomy patients to have swelling problems in their arms (lyphedema) and a surgery such as a Brachioplasty (Armlift Plastic Surgery) will likely exacerbate the problem.
When can I go in the sun?
I suggest protecting the new scars from the sun for at least one year. Ideally, one should wear clothing to cover the scars, but patients usually want to show off their new arms so a good sunscreen will do.
What complications should I be aware of?
Of course all surgeries have potential complications. Patients should be aware that especially in the axillary area--movement and moisture may contribute to problems with wound healing. Hypertophic (raised, thickened) scarring is relatively common, but the overall aesthetic benefits usually outweigh these potential risks for most of the patients we see.
See before and after photos |
