WHAT IS AN Arm Lift (brachioplasty)  (overview)

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance and contour of the upper arm by removing fat and skin from the upper inside part of the arm, from the elbow region to the axilla (arm pit). Over time, the soft tissue in the upper arm becomes lax and may begin to droop and sag, resulting in upper-arm skin that appears to hang. Many people are embarrassed by the appearance of sagging upper arms, and seek treatment to restore a slimmer, more youthful appearance.

 

It is sometimes referred to as a Bat Wing Deformity



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR  brachioplasty?

The arm lift procedure is ideal for a patient who has a significant amount of excess skin or fat in the upper-arm area, that has not responded to weight loss and/or exercise. It is also important that the patient be healthy overall, with no major medical conditions that may be affected by surgery.

The timing for an arm lipectomy procedure is most often planned after the patient’s weight is stable.

Dr. Giuffre advises that the patient comes into the arm lipectomy surgery at a weight that is a “no brainer weight”: a weight that is stable that the patient has maintained for months or years based on their current life style,

 

Then there will be no extra ordinary effort for the patient to maintain this weight after surgery. The surgical result will then be maintained without changing the patient’s lifestyle.


brachioplasty CONSULTATION


Brief summary of what is discussed and process of a consultation for liposuction with Dr. Giuffre

In the consultation with Dr. Giuffre, the arm lipectomy versus the arm liposuction options will be discussed.

Dr. Giuffre will determine which procedure is best for you after a physical exam and a discussion of your goals for surgery.



brachioplasty PROCEDURE

Brachioplasty procedure generally lasts one to two hours depending on the extent of removal required and is performed under a General Anaesthetic.

During the arm lift procedure, Dr. Giuffre will make an incision, often spanning from the underarm to the elbow, along the inside of the upper arm. Next, he will remove excess fat using liposuction, and then trim and tighten the excess skin and suture it into place.  

Once fat is removed and skin is tightened, the incision will be closed with sutures that will be absorbed by the body within a week or two. The incision scar will mature (the scar colour goes from red, to pink, to white, and the scar softens and becomes pliable) which can take 1-2 years

 


RECOVERY AFTER brachioplasty

Before waking from the surgery, Dr. Giuffre will inject a long acting local anesthetic into the arm to decrease any immediate arm discomfort from the surgery. When the freezing wears off, the patient will require postoperative analgesic medication (pain killers) for up to a week. The discomfort typically subsides after the first two to three days following the surgery. Patients taking prescription pain killers should not drive a car, operate machinery, or sign significant documents while taking this medication.

Recovery time ranges from one week to a few weeks. You should limit strenuous activity for at least four-six weeks. Dr. Giuffre will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. 

You will have to arrange a ride and aftercare with a responsible adult. You are not permitted to leave unaccompanied or in a taxi. If your driving distance from Edmonton exceeds 90 minutes, you should make arrangements to stay overnight in Edmonton. The surgical centre does not have an overnight care facility. You will then be seen the following day for dressing removal and assessment by Dr. Giuffre and his staff.

Dr. Giuffre provides his home phone number to his cosmetic patients in case there is a patient concern.  In the rare instance that a patient requires hospitalization, Dr. Giuffre has admitting privileges to all of the major hospitals in Edmonton.

You will be seen the day following surgery by Dr.Giuffre and/or his nursing staff, if there are any future requests for an appointment, they are made directly with Dr. Giuffre's office and an expedited visit is arranged.



brachioplasty RESULTS

Summary of generalized results a patient can expect. Would be good to circle this back to the customization of the treatment and expected results that Dr. G would discuss in a consult.



brachioplasty risks

With any surgery there are surgical and anesthetic risks.



Aside from the rare risks of an anesthetic event, some of the general and specific surgical risks for this procedure would include:

  • Scarring

  • Infection

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Sensation change to the upper inner arm and axilla for up to 3-6months

  • Numbness to the hand in the first week

  • Discomfort

  • Time off work and exercise

  • Bleeding (hematoma)

  • Seroma (fluid collection in the operative site)

  • Tissue loss in patients that smoke

  • Contour asymmetry


This list is not complete.


During the consultation with the patient, Dr. Giuffre will outline and explain each of the risks in detail

 

FAQS

When can an Arm Lipectomy be done?

  • The timing for an arm lipectomy procedure is most often planned after the patient’s weight is stable.

  • Patients have often unsuccessfully tried to improve the arm contour with exercise.

Dr. Giuffre advises that the patient comes into the arm lipectomy surgery at a weight that is a “no brainer weight”: a weight that is stable that the patient has maintained for months or years based on their current life style,

Then there will be no extra ordinary effort for the patient to maintain this weight after surgery. The surgical result with then be maintained without changing the patient’s life style.

Is Arm Lipectomy surgery covered by AHS (Alberta Health Care) if I get a referral from by GP?

The arm lipectomy, or arm liposuction procedures, are considered a cosmetic procedure by AHS, and are therefore not covered even with a referral from the Family Physician.

I am a massive weight loss patient. Can I have an Arm Lipectomy and is it covered by AHS (Alberta Health Care)?

The arm lipectomy or arm liposuction procedures are considered a cosmetic procedure by AHS and are therefore not covered even with a referral from the Family Physician.

Surgery should be deferred until the weight loss has stabilized.