About Brachioplasty
During Brachioplasty, after skin removal is done, the remaining skin will be placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look. In case the undersides of your upper arms are sagging, or you aren’t comfortable with how your body looks, an arm lift may be the right choice for you.
What causes saggy arm skin?
One of the primary causes of saggy arm skin is aging. As skin ages, it loses two crucial proteins manufactured in the dermis — elastin and collagen. Elastin provides skin elasticity, allowing firm skin to bounce back when stretched. Collagen, produced by fibroblasts, helps skin maintain its structure and firmness. Both elastin and collagen production decline as people age.
External factors such as UV exposure, pollutants in the environment, including cigarette smoke, poor nutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption can deteriorate these two proteins over time. Too much sun exposure and not taking care of your skin or health can speed up the process of skin aging, making your skin look saggy and wrinkled at a younger age.
Significant weight gain and/or loss is another common cause of saggy arm skin. Carrying extra weight for an extended period can damage the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin, making it harder for skin to snap back when you lose weight. Sagging skin is more likely to occur when weight loss is rapid, such as after bariatric surgery. Certain medical conditions, such as cutis laxa and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can also cause loose skin, though these are uncommon. Genetics can also play a role in the development of saggy arm skin. Some people may simply have a genetic predisposition to saggy arm skin.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Arm Lift?
You can eat a healthy diet and exercise, but you still may have loose, sagging skin under the arms due to your genetics.
As you age, your skin loses elasticity and tends to sag and droop in women’s upper arms.
If you lose weight, you may wind up with skin hanging on the upper arms.
Also, the ideal candidate should be non-smoking and close to their ideal weight.
What are the benefits of an Arm Lift?
Reduces sagging skin and smooths and tightens supportive tissues under your arms.
Enhances your comfort after you lose a significant amount of weight.
Avoids rashes and inflammation because of extra skin folds that can cause infection.
Reduces hygiene problems.
Enhances self-esteem.
Brachioplasty Side Effects
Trouble with wound healing
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Damage to lymphatic tissue
Damage to nearby nerves
Complications from anesthesia
Pain that doesn't go away
Blood clots
Brachioplasty Recovery
Patients may experience soreness, swelling, and some bruising after undergoing brachioplasty surgery. They should take 1-2 weeks off work to fully recover, but the soreness should go away after the first few days.