The arm lift or brachioplasty procedure used to eliminate the condition known as batwing deformity, in which there is excess skin and fat under the arms. While the surgery can effectively tighten the skin of the upper arms, if you have had a mastectomy you may not be good candidate for an arm lift: if your lymph glands were damaged during mastectomy surgery, brachioplasty can leave you with permanently swollen arms.

Liposuction is sometimes used to remove fat from under the arm before the excess skin is excised. Care must be taken to avoid disturbing deeper layers of fat in order to protect the nerves, glands and veins of the arm.

The arm lift procedure requires an incision and resultant scar that normally extends from the armpit to the elbow.  The position and length of the scar may vary depending on the existing skin laxity and fat accumulation.  Those patients considering brachioplasty must understand that they will be left with the resultant permanent scars.  The color, texture and final appearance of the scar will vary from patient to patient.  Most patients find it necessary to initially wear long sleeved clothing after surgery to conceal the scar until it has matured.

Following surgery, a dressing is applied and your arms are wrapped in elastic bandages.

Risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring and numbness which may be permanent. If the lymphatic vessels are damaged during the operation, permanent swelling will occur.  Bruising and swelling will be present for at least two weeks and you will need pain medication for the first few days.  The compression garment, if used after surgery should be worn for about 1 week.  While most people return to work after 1 week, you should avoid lifting anything heavy until the incisions are fully healed.