Home > Cosmetic Surgery Procedures > Arm Tuck

Brachioplasty (Arm Tuck)

An arm tuck, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin from the upper chest near the armpits down to the elbow.

Who is a Candidate?

The best candidates for breast reduction are those who are troubled by large, sagging arms that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort. The upper arm is quick to show signs of aging. For a sleeker look, excess skin in the upper chest area near the armpits down to the elbow can be reduced during this procedure. Results are long lasting and potentially make it possible to wear sleeveless clothing with confidence.

Your physician will discuss the benefits and potential risks based on your individual case, medical history and evaluation.

What Are the Risks of Brachioplasty?

As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthesia.

The procedure will leave noticeable, permanent scars, which may take months to years to become less noticeable. (Poor healing, wider scars are more common in smokers). It can also leave you with mismatched scars, asymmetry, major wound separation, fat necrosis, damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs. Some patients also experience a permanent loss of feeling in their arms or persistent pain symptoms. There is a possibility of revisional surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

The surgeon will examine and measure your arms. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your arms, the fat content, and the condition of your skin.

Brachioplasty doesn’t usually require a blood transfusion.

The Brachioplasty Surgery

Arm lift is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes two to three hours.

Performed under general anesthesia, the most common procedure involves an incision in the medial arm, and it may extend downward to the elbow depending on the excess tissue, and follows in the natural groove of the arm. The surgeon removes excess fat and skin. The skin is then brought from both sides of the arm, shaping the new contour of the underarm and arm. Liposuction or ultrasound assisted liposuction (VASER) may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area down to the elbow, depending on the condition of the skin, in conjunction with this operation or as a stand alone procedure. A posterior approach is a variation of this procedure that maybe performed.

Stitches are usually absorbable, and if permanent sutures are used, they are removed in the first one to two weeks following your arm lift. The smoother contour that results from brachioplasty is apparent immediately following your procedure, although initially it may be obscured by the swelling and bruising. Your surgeon may decide to use compression garments for additional contouring and healing.

After Your Surgery

Following surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each arm to drain off blood and fluids for the first couple of days. Dressing should remain dry and intact. You may feel some pain for first few days, especially when you cough or move around. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Instructions on showering and dressing will be given to you by your physician. The bandages will be removed within a week after surgery, but you will continue to wear the steri-strip tape around the clock for several weeks, and compression stockings until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches if not absorbable will be removed in one to three weeks.

Your arms may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects for the first month. Most patients can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks.