Brachioplasty - tightening of the inner upper-arm skin
Brachioplasty, or tightening of the skin on the inner upper arms, is a surgical procedure in which sagging skin, excess fatty tissue and excess skin are removed from the upper arms. The aim of the operation is to improve, firm and harmonise the shape of the upper arms.
Brachioplasty — tightening of the inner upper-arm skin
Brachioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the shape of the upper arms when excess, sagging skin or excess fatty tissue has developed along the inner upper arms. These changes may occur following weight loss, ageing, loss of skin elasticity or due to individual body characteristics.
During the operation, the contour of the upper arm is corrected by removing excess skin and, where necessary, fatty tissue. As a result, the upper arms may appear firmer, smoother and more proportionate to the body’s contours.
What is brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, or upper-arm skin tightening, is a surgical procedure that corrects the inner surface of the upper arm from the armpit towards the elbow. The aim of the operation is to reduce skin sagging and improve the silhouette of the arms.
The procedure is planned individually, taking into account the degree of skin sagging, the amount of fatty tissue, skin elasticity, the patient’s body proportions and the expected result.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses whether brachioplasty, liposuction or a combined approach would be the most suitable method.
What can be corrected with brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty may help in cases of:
sagging upper-arm skin;
excess skin on the inner upper arm;
excess fatty tissue in the upper arms;
loss of upper-arm shape;
loose skin following weight loss;
uneven upper-arm contour;
discomfort caused by excess skin rubbing;
a desire to achieve firmer and more harmonious arm contours.
Who is upper-arm skin tightening suitable for?
Brachioplasty is suitable for patients with pronounced sagging or excess skin on the upper arms that cannot be corrected through physical activity or weight management alone.
The procedure may be particularly relevant following significant weight loss, when the skin is no longer able to contract fully.
It may also be suitable for patients whose upper-arm skin has lost elasticity as a result of ageing.
Suitability for the operation is determined by a plastic surgeon during a consultation after assessing the patient’s health, skin quality and the extent of surgery required.
When is a consultation with a plastic surgeon recommended?
A consultation is recommended when sagging upper-arm skin causes aesthetic concerns, discomfort when choosing clothing or inconvenience in everyday life.
The doctor assesses the condition of the upper arms and explains the possible surgical technique, scar placement, type of anaesthesia, risks and recovery period.
During the consultation, the patient also receives information about preparation for surgery, the required examinations and the postoperative routine.
How is brachioplasty performed?
During brachioplasty, excess skin and, where necessary, excess fatty tissue are removed from the upper-arm area.
The position and length of the incision depend on the degree of skin sagging and the size of the area requiring correction.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually lasts approximately one to one and a half hours.
The exact duration may vary depending on the patient’s anatomy, the extent of the operation and whether the procedure is combined with other methods.
Scars after brachioplasty
Brachioplasty leaves a scar.
The scar is usually positioned along the inner surface of the upper arm so that it is as inconspicuous as possible in everyday positions.
Its appearance changes over time as it gradually matures.
Scar healing varies from person to person and depends on skin characteristics, genetics, postoperative care, compliance with activity restrictions and the individual healing process.
The doctor provides specific recommendations for scar care after surgery.
Recovery after brachioplasty
Swelling, bruising, tightness, sensitivity or discomfort in the upper-arm area may occur after surgery.
These reactions are generally temporary, although the recovery period varies between patients.
During the postoperative period, it is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions, protect the arms, limit physical activity and attend follow-up appointments.
Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, compression garments may need to be worn to help reduce swelling and support tissue healing.
What should be observed after surgery?
After brachioplasty, patients should follow a gentle recovery routine and avoid heavy lifting, intensive arm exercises and physical overexertion.
The wound-healing process should be monitored, and the specialist should be contacted immediately if pronounced pain, increasing swelling, redness, discharge or other unusual symptoms occur.
The exact postoperative restrictions are determined individually according to the extent of the operation and the progress of healing.
Results of brachioplasty
Following brachioplasty, the upper arms may appear firmer, smoother and more proportionate.
The operation helps reduce sagging excess skin and improve the shape of the upper arms, particularly when the amount of excess skin is pronounced.
The final result develops gradually as swelling subsides and the tissues fully heal.
Maintaining a stable body weight, following a healthy lifestyle and observing the doctor’s recommendations after surgery can help preserve the results.
Can brachioplasty be combined with liposuction?
In some cases, brachioplasty may be combined with liposuction when there are localised fatty deposits in the upper arms in addition to excess skin.
However, when pronounced skin sagging is the main concern, liposuction alone usually cannot replace skin-tightening surgery.
The plastic surgeon determines the most suitable solution during the consultation after assessing skin elasticity and the amount of fatty tissue.
Risks and contraindications
Brachioplasty, or tightening of the inner upper-arm skin, is a surgical procedure. A consultation with a plastic surgeon, a health assessment and informed consent are therefore required before surgery.
Although the aim of the operation is to improve and firm the shape of the upper arms, every patient should consider the potential risks, individual healing characteristics and postoperative restrictions.
Swelling, bruising, tightness, sensitivity, temporary discomfort and limited arm movement may occur after brachioplasty. These reactions are generally temporary and gradually subside during the healing process.
Possible risks of brachioplasty include:
bleeding;
infection;
a haematoma or accumulation of fluid in the operated area;
poor or delayed wound healing;
pronounced, thickened or visible scars;
widening of the scars or uneven healing;
changes in skin sensitivity in the upper-arm area;
numbness, tingling or increased sensitivity;
swelling and bruising;
skin or tissue asymmetry;
uneven upper-arm contours;
pain or discomfort after surgery;
wound separation;
a risk of skin necrosis, particularly in cases of impaired healing;
a risk of thrombosis or embolism;
risks associated with anaesthesia;
the need for additional corrective surgery.
Brachioplasty leaves a scar. The scar is generally positioned along the inner surface of the upper arm to make it as discreet as possible. However, its length and visibility depend on the amount of excess skin, the surgical technique used, the patient’s skin characteristics and the healing process.
Scars generally become lighter and less noticeable over time, but they do not disappear completely.
Brachioplasty may be unsuitable or may need to be postponed in cases of:
uncontrolled chronic conditions;
uncontrolled diabetes;
uncontrolled high blood pressure;
blood-clotting disorders;
an increased risk of thrombosis;
an active infection in the body or the area to be operated on;
a history of poor wound healing;
a tendency to develop keloid scars or pronounced scarring;
smoking when it significantly increases the risk of healing complications;
pronounced weight fluctuations;
unstable body weight following weight loss;
pregnancy or the period shortly after childbirth;
serious heart, lung or other general health conditions;
an allergy or hypersensitivity to products used during surgery or anaesthesia;
unrealistic expectations regarding the result.
Particular caution is required for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, as skin quality, tissue elasticity and nutritional status may affect healing.
In such cases, the doctor assesses during the consultation whether the patient’s body weight is stable and whether surgery can be performed safely at that time.
To reduce the risk of complications, patients must inform the doctor before surgery about chronic conditions, medications, dietary supplements, allergies, smoking, previous operations and any history of healing problems.
In some cases, blood tests, additional examinations or consultations with other specialists may be required before the operation.
After surgery, it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions, protect the arms, limit physical activity, avoid lifting heavy objects, wear compression garments if prescribed and attend follow-up appointments.
If increasing pain, rapidly worsening swelling, bleeding, redness, wound discharge, fever or any other unusual deterioration in wellbeing occurs, the doctor should be contacted immediately.
Common myths about brachioplasty
Myth: Excess upper-arm skin can always be corrected through exercise.
Physical activity helps strengthen the muscles and improve body tone, but it cannot always correct pronounced sagging of excess skin. When the skin has lost elasticity, surgical correction may be required.
Myth: Brachioplasty is the same as liposuction.
Brachioplasty and liposuction are not the same procedure. Liposuction reduces the volume of fatty tissue, while brachioplasty removes excess skin and improves the upper-arm contour. In some cases, the two procedures may be combined.
Myth: The full result is visible immediately after surgery.
Initially, the result may be affected by swelling, bruising and the tissue-healing process. The final result develops gradually as the tissues heal and the scars mature.
