Cicatrix Optima of Windsor ON

Cosmetic Surgery>>Trunk & Limbs >> Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

CICATRIX * OPTIMA 1720 HOWARD AVE, SUITE 364 WINDSOR, ON N8X 5A6 TEL/FAX: 519.971 0971

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for this type of surgery?
We do not perform brachioplasty in patients with conditions that interfere with lymphatic drainage, for example, if you have had a mastectomy, previous trauma, an operation involving the lymph nodes of the armpit, or those patients who are extremely overweight with thick, heavy, arms. The latter group may be better candidates for liposuction.

Brachioplasty is ideal for the highly motivated patient who has generally lost a significant amount of weight without a concomitant contraction in the skin of the upper arms.

If certain chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity or respiratory illnesses are poorly controlled, or you are immuno-compromised, require anti-coagulants (blood thinners), or you are an active smoker, you may not be a safe candidate for this procedure. See also: Smoking and BMI.

If the potential problem of visible permanent scars is not acceptable to you, you should NOT have this surgery.

What kind of scars will I have and where will they be located?
Your scars will be located on the inside of your arms and may extend from the armpit region to the elbow, depending on how much tissue needs to be excised.

Your scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over three to six months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out although they will never disappear completely. They may remain the same size for several months, or even widen.

Brachioplasty scars have a reputation for unpredictable healing and we encourage our patients to wear compression sleeves over their incisions for three to four months after surgery.

How long is the operation?
The actual surgical time varies depending on the amount of surgery necessary for each patient, but usually is about three hours.

How long is the hospital stay?
Brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anaesthetic.

How much pain should I expect?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Every patient has a different pain tolerance. However, we will prescribe sufficient pain medication throughout your recovery period to ensure the discomfort you feel is manageable.

Most people feel tender and bruised after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain. Even a normal amount of swelling may make the arms feel stiff and heavy.

What happens after the surgery?
We use dissolvable stitches so there will be no need to have them removed post operatively. Swelling and bruising on the skin are routinely seen after the operation but they will recede in the weeks following the operation. Complete resolution of swelling can take up to one year.

When can I go in the sun?
You should avoid exposing your new scars to the sun for at least six months or until they have matured well. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scars to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.

Will I need to wear a support garment?
Your arm support garments will be placed on immediately after your surgery. You will need to wear them continuously for four weeks; thereafter, during the daytime for another two weeks.

Brachioplasty scars have a reputation for unpredictable healing and we encourage our patients to wear compression sleeves over their incisions for three to four months after surgery.

When will I be able to go back to work and resume my normal activities?
You should be up and about in a day or two, although you should plan on taking it easy during the first week after surgery.

We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.

Strenuous aerobic activity can be resumed at approximately four weeks post operatively. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.

You can return to work when you feel well enough, generally four weeks. If you have a sedentary job, you should anticipate about two weeks off work. Occupations involving vigorous physical activity will require a longer period of healing – usually four to six weeks prior to resumption of work.

In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities.

How long will the results last?
This is impossible to answer definitively. Factors affecting the length of the result include age at the time of operation, physical condition before and afterwards, quality of skin, and alterations in weight.

However, the vast majority of people do not require a second brachioplasty in their lifetime.