BRACHIOPLASTY (ARMS)
Some people feel uncomfortable hugging, saying good-bye by raising their arms, wearing bikinis, and even wearing sleeveless clothes. This is because they have localized fat and/or sagging skin in the region of the triceps muscle in their arms, the one on the back between the shoulder and the elbow.
WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS DONE
Each person may present an amount of localized fat and/or sagging, which influences the surgical technique. Whatever the technique, the surgery aims to reshape the arm, and may result in a more toned appearance, with smooth contours and smoother skin.
When there is excess sagging skin, we opt for the Brachioplasty, also known as a Brachial Lift. The incision is made in the axillary region and extends to the inner face of the arms and may reach just before the elbow. The greater the flaccidity, the bigger the scar.
If necessary, a drain is placed in each arm to collect excess blood and fluid. The underlying supporting tissue is firmed and reshaped with internal sutures. We then close the incisions with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed between 1 and 2 weeks after surgery.
If there is only excess fat, then the indicated surgery is Liposuction. The surgery is performed by loosening and separating the fat in a back and forth motion using thin and medium cannulas. Suction is done with a surgical aspirator connected to the cannula. Access is made through small incisions in the folds of the elbow and armpit, which are sutured after the procedure.
When there is the presence of sagging skin and localized fat, we can jointly use the Brachioplasty and the Liposuction. For both cases, anesthesia options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, according to the size of the surgery.
The procedure must be done in a hospital with intensive care support and lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the technique used and the amount of corrections.
INDICATION
Besides the hereditary factor, localized fat and/or flaccid skin on the arms can be caused by weight fluctuations and the arrival at the third age. It is more common than we imagine, and it even happens to people who have already bet on a routine of physical exercises, good dietary re-education, and who maintain their weight (ideal or close to it).
Sometimes it is only the excess skin that has lost elasticity, or the underlying tissues that have weakened.
Adults of any age and gender who are bothered by localized fat and/or sagging skin on their arms are good candidates for Brachioplasty and/or Liposuction of the arm.
In the case of Liposuction, it highlights the muscles of people practicing physical activities who want defined arms.
PREOPERATIVE
It is essential to consult the SCHEDULED THE SURGERY? page which has a series of questions to talk about during the consultations, to help you with your doubts and where you will find recommendations for the day of the procedure.
If necessary, we ask the patient to purchase compression garments for the arms. They are important to control the edema (swelling due to liquids), keep the tissues together, and help the healing process. Likewise, if it is opportune, we recommend lymphatic drainage sessions.
POSTOPERATIVE
After the surgical procedure, the patient is released after 12 to 24 hours of hospitalization. It is normal in the first days the production of seroma (accumulation of liquids in the operated area), edema (swelling), pain (light to moderate), ecchymoses (purple spot), hypertrophy and hyperchromia of the scar, surface irregularities, etc. As well as it is normal the formation of edemas in the areas that were liposuctioned.
Dressings or bandages can be applied over the incisions and arms, including compression mesh that should be worn for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the surgery. The pain is not usually very bothersome, which can be alleviated with medication. We give special instructions on how to care for the surgical wound and drains (if any), as well as scheduling a date to remove them.
Opt for lighter food on the 1st day (fruit, soup, gelatin, fiber, liquids, etc.). From the 2nd day of the procedure on, you can eat almost anything, but food with a minimum of salt in order not to increase swelling, and mainly protein-based (meat, milk, eggs) and vitamin-based (fruit). Drink plenty of liquids. Do not go on a diet or weight loss regime until you are cleared by your doctor. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, saunas, and steam baths must be avoided during the entire recovery period.
After 3 days, it is already possible to return to normal activities. It is important that the surgical incisions are not submitted to excessive force, trauma or abrupt movement during the healing time. The normal routine, such as work for example and driving again, in approximately 1 or 2 weeks, as long as there is no physical effort. We release more intense physical activities after evaluation.
Do not raise your arms above your shoulders for 3 weeks. Avoid as much as possible exposure of the scars to the sun for at least 2 months. Afterwards, always use sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF (sun protection factor).
After a Brachioplasty, the contour of the arm can be more beautiful and rejuvenated and firmer skin with better healing can be expected between 6 months and 1 year. A little less if it is just a Liposuction. It is important to emphasize that the scars on the arms become more and more discrete as the years go by.