Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
What is Brachioplasty Surgery?
Brachioplasty (AKA “Arm Lift”) is a procedure to remove excess skin from the upper arm. A brachioplasty can also involve removing excess fat along with the skin. A traditional brachioplasty has a well-healed scar that runs from the armpit to the elbow. An “Extended Brachioplasty” removes skin below the elbow and/or onto the side of the chest if there is extra skin and fat in these locations. A “Mini Brachioplasty” conceals the scar in the axilla, and is used in situations where the excess skin is located close to the armpit only.
How is Brachioplasty Surgery Done?
Traditionally, the surgery involved an incision from the armpit to the elbow with cutting out all of the excess tissue. This technique injured many of the blood vessels, small nerves, and lymphatics leading to increased bruising, swelling, and changes in sensation. Dr. Krochmal utilizes a technique where thorough liposuction is performed to remove the excess fat in the upper arm while preserving the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. In this way, the bruising, swelling, and sensation changes are minimized. The excess skin is carefully marked and removed, and the incision precisely closed to produce a favorable scar.
Scar location is critical in a brachioplasty procedure. Many surgeons place the scar right at the groove by the bicep (very noticeable, and often becomes widened). To prevent the scar in this location, other surgeons may place the scar on the back of the arm at the triceps area (you won’t see it from the front, but everybody will see it when you’re standing in line at your local store’s check-out counter). Dr. Krochmal places the scar in between the bicep groove and the back of the arm, called the “Position of Conversation” (a term coined by Joseph P Hunstad, MD, FACS). This location is ideal in that it has thicker skin to allow for better healing, falls in the shadow of the arm when we are lit from above (almost always), and is against the body most of the time, therefore concealing it well. That’s why most of Dr. Krochmal’s brachioplasty patients go sleeve-LESS after surgery!
Who is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty Surgery?
A good candidate for brachioplasty surgery is anybody who is concerned about excess fat and skin on their arms. If you’re embarrassed to wear short-sleeve shirts, and want to enjoy shopping for clothes again, then consider a brachioplasty!
What is the Recovery for Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Surgery?
The recovery isn’t bad at all. You’ll be a bit sore for a few days and the discomfort is easily controlled with medications. Most patients are out to dinner the following day, and driving after several days. You can shower the next day, but no soaking in water, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 1 month to allow for ideal healing. Dr. Krochmal doesn’t use any compression garments or drains. You’ll just have paper tape on top of your incisions which will be changed periodically to improve the scar appearance.
What About That Scar?
Brachioplasty scars look bad when they are sewn with too much tension. This is usually caused by surgeons trying to take off too much skin and making the arms as tight as possible. The only problem with that is that the skin (and the scar) will want to stretch back out, causing a widened (and ugly) scar. Dr. Krochmal is very careful not to OVERTIGHTEN the arm and sew the incision precisely, therefore producing the best scar possible. Tapes and scar creams also work to improve the scar appearance.
Who is the Best Arm Lift Surgeon in Chicago?
There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility. If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done. Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program. Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you.
And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you. Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach. Do they inspire confidence and trust? Are they calming and reassuring? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work? Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure?
There is no “best brachioplasty surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you. You just may need to consult with several to find the right one. Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your “short list” of Chicago and Hinsdale plastic surgeons to interview. We’re happy to help Shape Your Future!