Brachioplasty – When and why is a brachioplasty performed?
With ageing, weight loss or weight fluctuations, it's natural for the upper arms to start loosening, stretching and sagging – sometimes to an extent that compromises quality of life. Sagging shoulders can be mended either by liposuction or by surgery. However, the choice of operation always depends on the individual.
Sagging upper arms, or so-called "bat wings," may seem unnecessarily thick to the person carrying them. They may contain too much fat, skin, or both.
Similarly, the perceived disadvantage may be aesthetic, physical, or both at the same time. For example, after significant weight loss, sagging skin on the upper arms may not flatter the otherwise well-trained appearance that has required so much hard work and sweat. There are many reasons for seeking treatment.
How can drooping upper arms be corrected?
There are two main ways to shape the upper arms: through surgery or liposuction.
Shaping the upper arms with liposuction is a good option when the problem is caused by fat deposits in the upper arms, but the skin is still firm enough to retract after liposuction. This avoids long incisions, and the procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia.
Remarkably loosened skin, on the other hand, requires surgical removal, leaving the patient with long scars on the inside of the upper arm. Unlike liposuction, upper arm lift surgery is often performed under general anaesthesia. The surgical scars are placed on the inner side of the upper arm so that they are as invisible as possible when they fade.
How long does it take to recover from the procedure?
Regardless of which corrective measure is used, the use of support textiles is essential in follow-up care. It is also important to remember to limit excessive movement that strains the surgical site or liposuction site.
After upper arm tightening, you can usually return to office work after a few days with support textiles, but you should wait at least a month before returning to the gym.
The procedures are always planned individually together with a plastic surgeon.
Welcome to my office for further discussion!
Anna Höckerstedt
Plastic surgeon
