Brachioplasty

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This procedure is done while the patient is under general anaesthesia. The patient is initially marked just before the surgery while in a standing position. Other markings are then done once the patient is asleep and on the operating table. Once this is done, the surgeon will make an incision on the back of your arm or on the under part of your arm. This is all dependent on which part the excessive fat is located and the amount of excessive fat. Once this is done, the surgeon will then tighten and reshape the tissues that are lying inside your arm. If there is fat to be removed or reduced, then the doctor will do this using liposuction. If not, the underlying tissues will be tightened and reshaped. Finally the surgeon will smooth over the skin under your arm and begin to close the incision. The most common way of closing the incisions is by using absorbable sutures which will self dissolve. Alternatively, the surgeon will use stitches that will be removed after one to two weeks after the Brachioplasty. You may not notice the changes immediately after due to swelling, but once the swelling goes down, you will be able to notice the tighter contours and the smoother feel.

Risks and Complications

As with all surgeries, there are risks involved and this one is no different. The risks of Brachioplasty are:

Bleeding: There is risk of bleeding during the surgery and in the post operative period. It is important not to take any aspirin two weeks before the operation as this could lead to bleeding. In the rare case that this occurs there will be a requirement for an operation to drain the excess blood.

Infection: This can occur during or after the surgery and depending on the type of infection, it can either be treated using antibiotics or hospitalization in the more severe cases.
Loss of Feeling: After the surgery, it is common for one to experience loss of sensation in the areas surrounding the operated on area. This will eventually pass, but in rare cases it has been known to last a lifetime.

Skin Irregularities: In rare cases, you may witness irregularities in the skin ranging from depressions and contours in the skin or wrinkling. You may also come across ‘dog ears’ which are irregularities at the end of the incisions. Another skin irregularity will be skin pleating. All these usually disappear with time, but if they don’t, they can be surgically corrected.

Approximately one-third of patients who receive an anaesthetic during surgery will experience “anaesthesia sickness” or post-operative nausea and vomiting (POVN).

Q. Do I qualify for a Brachioplasty?

A.If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight whether through some kind of surgery or a change in your lifestyle, you may find that you have excessive skin under your arms and on the sides of your chest area. This will make you qualify. If you are a thin person and have sagging arms due to old age then this may be the only resort you have.

Q. Will I experience pain after the procedure?

A.There is usually some pain and discomfort after every surgical procedure but for the Brachioplasty, most patients experience some sort of discomfort which is manageable. You will find that you are able to comfortably return to your daily work schedules within a few day of the surgery.