|
Sometimes this becomes so severe that it hangs down creating a “bat’s wing deformity”. In some patients this can even interfere with the use of the arm. The treatment for this is to remove the excess skin and fat (brachioplasty) but not every one is a candidate for surgery.
The operation leaves a scar which may go from the elbow to the armpit. This can be noticeable. Patients should not have the operation unless they feel comfortable with the scar or can wear clothes that hide it. Many patients will need to change clothing styles. Still the removal of the excess skin is worth it for many of the patients.
An arm lift is usually not suitable for patients who have had a mastectomy. The drainage of fluid (lymph) from the arm may already be damaged and surgery can lead to persistent swelling. Patients who have repeated infections in the armpit or suffer form excess sweat formation may also not be candidates for this surgery.
In some obese patients liposuction may be more suitable. Because of the thickness of the whole arm a armlift may not achieve the desired result.
This operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the upper arm. It does not change the texture of the skin but by stretching it, the crepiness is made less noticeable.
Method
The method of surgery is not complicated, the excess skin is marked and then removed. In some patients the fascia or deep layer is held in place with special stitches attached to the fascia of the arm pit or axilla. The incision is placed on the inner and under surface of the arm and often curves or zigzags. It may also curve around the upper part of the arm. Often some fat is suctioned at the same time. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can choose but most patients are happier asleep. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems
All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main specific problem for this operation is the long and sometimes heavy scar.
Postoperative care
The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. | 
