body contouring - brachioplasty
Introduction
Brachioplasty, or arm reduction is a surgical procedure designed to remove loose and sagging skin from the upper arm.
A brachioplasty procedure is generally considered following massive weight loss that is greater than 25kg. This can be achieved by diet alone, but generally follows some form of weight reduction surgery such as a “lap band”.
These patients have massive amounts of loose skin, resulting in difficulties with wearing clothes, infections and problems participating in sporting activities.
Often there are a number of areas of skin excess: abdomen and back (bodylift), thighs (medial thigh lift) and breasts (mastopexy, breast reduction). These patients frequently require multiple operations as the risks would be unacceptably high to correct all areas in the one sitting.
The Surgery
The procedure is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. Excess fat is first removed by liposuction, and then excess skin is removed from the arm.
As with all body contouring surgery, a scar is the trade off for an improved contour. The scar following a brachioplasty can extend from the armpit to the elbow depending on the amount and position of skin excess. In general the scar lies in the inner aspect of the arm. Mr. Bloom will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. However scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient.
Complications of brachioplasty include infection, haematoma and seroma (blood or fluid collections under the wound), wound breakdown requiring regular dressings, poor scaring and minor revisional surgery.
After Your Surgery
In most situations you will require at least one night in hospital after your brachioplasty. The length of your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice. Drain tubes are not generally needed.Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.
Mr. Bloom encourages the use of a supporting garment to minimize swelling and optimise healing and contour.