05/11/2021
BRACHIOPLASTY
The surgical rejuvenation of the upper arm remains a persistent problem for both the patient and the surgeon, despite the many techniques that have been proposed for its improvement. The goal of the brachioplasty is to reduce skin redundancy and to reduce the circumference of the arm. When there is good skin tone or minimal skin sagging, fat deposits can be reduced by liposuction. But marked skin redundancy or laxity can only be improved by surgery. The incision has to be placed in an axillar crease and in the internal aspect of the arm along a line extending from the axilla to the epicondyle of the elbow. Then a piece of skin-dermis and fat is removed and the subcutis and skin are closed using routine aesthetic suturing.
ARM REDUCTION
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions on discharge
Elevate arms above heart level with pillows when sleeping and sitting.
TED stockings to be worn for 2 weeks.
All dressings to be kept dry until further instructed.
Discharge with standard painkillers.
You may have a gentle shower and pat dressings dry.
Dressing clinic
Usually about a week after surgery the wounds will be checked.
All sutures are dissolvable unless otherwise informed.
Activities
Avoid stretching the arms for the first 6 weeks.
Normal activities like driving etc are allowed after the first 2 weeks.
General scar care for first 3 months
Micropore tape to the scars - once well healed – for at least 3 months. The micropore tape is to stay on for showering and baths and simply patted dry and not to be changed until it is very loose and almost falling off by itself. Frequent removal of the micropore tape can irritate the scar.
Moisturise scar after first 3 months.
Moisturising to the surrounding skin usually from the second week onwards.