Tennessee Cosmetic Surgery | The Plastic Surgery Group P.C.

Fluctuations in weight can produce an upper arm cosmetic deformity that presents as sagging skin and is particularly visible when wearing short sleeve shirts. This problem is frequently seen after bariatric surgery as weight loss shrinks the fatty volume of the arm. Known as “Brachioplasty”, a cosmetic arm lift is a surgical intervention that is designed to further decrease the volume of the arm while it tightens and enhances the arm’s underlying shape.
This procedure is performed through an incision in the arm which is placed such that it is beyond view either from the front or back. New innovations in cosmetic arm surgery involve its combination with breast lift surgery and LASER assisted liposuction.
Part of the usual appearance of the arms, breasts, and chest after substantial weight loss develops from a relaxation of the ligaments that hold our skin envelope in place. This leads to a loose skin appearance that proceeds from the elbow to the axilla and upper back, and then to the breasts. An innovative combined arm and breast lift has been developed which takes advantage of the extra tissue available in the upper arms and chest using them to tighten and enhance the breasts. The operation begins in the upper arm where excess skin and fat are removed. The procedure then crosses the axilla and mobilizes the excess skin and fat lying along the side of the chest. A modified breast lift is then performed and the excess skin and fat along the side of the chest is used as a living breast implant to enhance the size and shape of the newly lifted breast. This body contouring operation thereby improves the post weight loss contour of the entire torso in one operation.
For less significant arm changes, a combination of LASER assisted “SMART” liposuction and surgical contouring can be employed. The principle of LASER liposuction is to improve the standard liposuction process by melting the extra fat and heating the overlying skin. Using a computer guidance system, the carefully treated skin is tightened over the reduced fatty layer. Occasionally, LASER liposuction alone is sufficient to produce an effective cosmetic improvement.
Arm lift techniques are performed under anesthesia specialist monitored deep sedation as an out patient surgery in our practice. Good health is a prerequisite for elective cosmetic surgery. Post operative management may include the use of compressive garments, scar management, and exercise restrictions dependent upon the specifics of the surgical technique. However, the great majority of patients return to pre-surgical activities after a month.
Brachioplasty techniques have been proven to provide permanent, reliable results in the hands of expert plastic surgeons. For more information about Brachioplasty and body contouring surgery visit us at our Website Refinedlooks.com, or search the principle source for board certified cosmetic plastic surgeons at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).