Brachioplasty

In Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgery specialist who offers brachioplasty at his practice. In the paragraphs below he describes this procedure and how Scottsdale, Glendale and Phoenix brachioplasty patients have benefited from treatment.

Brachioplasty, also referred to as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and fat deposits in the upper arm. With aging or massive weight loss, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. Surgical removal of excess skin and fat can restore youthful contour to the arm. In patients with mild fat excess and good skin tone, liposuction alone may provide a good improvement.

Brachioplasty: The Options

The brachioplasty is an excellent procedure for patients who are willing to accept the tradeoff of a scar for improvement in contour. While some brachioplasty procedures utilize short scar in the upper arm and underarm, more advanced skin laxity typically requires a longer scar procedure to address it adequately. The incision may be made in the inner arm or along the back of the arm. This approach, along the back of the arm seems to yield the most dramatic improvement in contour over time, but the scar is visible in short sleeve garments. Scarring from brachioplasty procedures can be significant and patients must understand and accept this issue before proceeding with surgery. However, the positive changes in contour are often very dramatic and for many patients are worth the scar.

Brachioplasty: The Procedure

Brachioplasty is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. A drain may be used. Sutures are absorbable and placed under the skin. Patients are on antibiotics for one week after surgery. Pain is well controlled with oral medication. Most patients describe the pain after surgery as moderate. Recovery time varies, but  patients can resume most normal activities within 2 weeks.

Brachioplasty: Major Complications are Rare

All brachioplasty procedures have some degree of risk. While most patients do not have complications, minor complications that do not affect the outcome of a treatment or surgery may occur after some procedures. Major complications are rare. The specific risks and the suitability of a particular procedure are carefully reviewed at your consultation (and preoperative visits if you are having surgery).  Your safety and comfort are our foremost concerns. We will provide additional detailed information for you at each stage of your experience from your initial contact with our office through your procedure and afterwards in an interactive fashion. We will ensure that you feel informed about your treatment options and recovery in advance and can actively and confidently participate in designing your treatment plan. We want you to have the best possible experience and will work with you to make it happen.

In addition to brachioplasty, Dr. Angelchik also performs other body contouring procedures in his Phoenix plastic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats Phoenix liposuction,  tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift and thigh lift patients.