Extended Brachioplasty in Weight Loss Patient in Raleigh, North Carolina*

Brachioplasty or Arm Lift is a procedure frequently performed in patients with weight loss Loose skin and excess fat of the arms lead to a condition often called" batwing" deformity and is unsightly for many patients. This 45-year-old woman had lost about 60 pounds through dietary changes and exercise and at 200 pounds and BMI of 34 had abdominoplasty and breast reduction by another physician. She ended up losing almost 60 more pounds and had even more loose skin to be dealt with. She underwent an extended brachioplasty which involves incisions on the inside of the arm which extend into the lateral chest and bra roll area to address skin excess that often gathers up in the bra. She also had some revisional work on her prior abdominoplasty including a additional diastases tightening as well as a thigh lift. Her contour after surgery was much improved. Brachioplasty is a relatively easy procedure to recover from. After an initial week with Ace bandages, patients wear a light compressive arm sleeve which helps reduce swelling. Pain is usually relatively minimal and managed by oral narcotics. Complications such as lymphoceles, lymphedema and wound healing problems can occur but are usually minimal. Care must be taken to avoid overresection which can lead to wider scars, wound healing problems and disproportionately small arms. The scar cannot be hidden although placement in the posterior medial aspect of the arm can minimize the noticeability in short sleeves