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The arm lift is the operation that redrapes the excess skin on the arms, following its relaxation. It is frequently associated with arm liposuction. An arm lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin on the inside of the arms and removes excess skin.  

Anesthesia : general

Duration of the intervention : 1h30

Recovery : 15 to 20 days

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Pre-operative assessment: blood test, chest x-ray for smokers

and an electrocardiogram for people over 45.

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As with any surgery, the arm lift (brachioplasty)

has permanent scars.

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We distinguish 2 types of scars:

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1)  Longitudinal incision along the inner side of the arm

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This intervention is mainly aimed at significant skin slackening with a clearly expressed motivation: in addition to the aesthetic discomfort (discomfort to wear short sleeves due to the crumpled aspect of the arm), the motivation can also be functional (discomfort with mobility or clothing, redness or maceration of the inside of the arm).

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2)  Transversal or horizontal incision in the armpit

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This type of operation is intended for patients with less significant lesions with excess and sagging skin mainly affecting the upper third of the arm.
Like all scars, arm lift scars are permanent. Their appearance may be red and visible for several months. Totally unpredictable, their final appearance should not be judged before 1 year. They must be protected from the sun for about 1 year.

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What are the consequences after an arm lift?

The postoperative course can be painful for the first few days.
An analgesic treatment will be prescribed for a few days.
The first dressings are removed after 24 hours.

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In a classic and usual way, there are during the first weeks or the first months following the arm lift:

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edema (swelling) and ecchymoses (“bruises”). Of variable importance, they are often asymmetrical. They persist for 15 to 21 days.
A decrease or disappearance of the sensitivity of the inside of the arms.
Sometimes pain, which is well relieved by analgesic treatments.
The work stoppage period is 7 to 10 days.
The period of cessation of sports activities is 2 months.

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Imperfections of results

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Most often, a properly indicated and performed inner arm lift is of real service to the patient by obtaining a satisfactory result that conforms to what was expected.

However, it is not uncommon for localized imperfections to be observed without them constituting real complications:

These imperfections concern in particular the scar which can be a little too visible, distended, even adherent.

In case of excessive tension imposed on the sutures, the scar can present various unsightly aspects (hyper-pigmentation, thickening, retraction, adhesion or widening).

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If the scars fade well in general with time, they cannot disappear completely. In this respect, it should not be forgotten that if it is the surgeon who performs the suture, the healing is the patient's responsibility.

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Thus these scars are subject to the vagaries of any healing, with the risk of a hypertrophic development which will require specific treatment.