MPSC: Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

ARM LIFT SURGERY
Despite exercise and dieting, flabby arms are a common complaint in women. Whether due to age, heredity or weight loss, laxity of the skin and fat in the upper arms can make clothing difficult to wear and hygiene a problem.

An arm lift or brachioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce sagging, loose skin of the upper arm. It is performed to reduce the circumference of the upper arm and dramatically improve the contour. When there is slight sagging of the skin, moderate fat excess and good skin tone, Liposculpture would be the treatment of choice.

In the past, large incisions were required to remove excess skin and fat. But today... advances in liposuction have allowed us to provide excellent contouring for most patients... with virtually no significant scarring. Small incisions are made at the elbow. Using a thin tube (cannula) Dr. Mausner can 'sculpt out' the fat to improve the upper arm contour. As a result of this technique, skin quality is improved and tone is tightened. Some swelling and bruising may occur, but will diminish in about 2 to 3 weeks.

While liposuction can remove the fat, it is limited in its ability to tighten very loose arm skin. If your skin tone is extremely poor (as in advanced age) or if you have a large amount of loose skin (as after massive weight loss or gastric bypass surgery), you would be a better candidate for an brachioplasty procedure to eliminate the "bat wing" appearance of the arms.

Brachioplasty can recontour the upper arms. A well-placed incision in the inner arm is made to remove the excessive skin and fatty tissue. Although the incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (along the inner arm groove), some scarring will always be visible. This outpatient procedure does leave some permanent scars, but well-informed patients happily accept the scars to dramatically improve the shape and size of their upper arms.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes from 1 - 3 hours. Most sutures are placed under the skin and will dissolve with time. Dr. Mausner does not use any drains or tubes. You will be placed in a surgical support garment for both comfort and to aid in proper healing which will be worn for a few weeks. It is advisable to take at least a week off from work and you can return to exercise in about 2 -3 weeks. All follow-up visits with Dr. Mausner will be in our offices.

If you suffer from sagging, unattractive skin or excessive fat in the upper arms, you may be an excellent candidate for an arm lift. To learn if you are a good candidate for this or any other body contouring operation, call Mausner Plastic Surgery Center at 301-564-4466 to schedule your appointment. Come explore your possibilities!

CARING. COMPETENT. CONFIDENTIAL.

Dr. Mark Mausner, nationally and internationally renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeon located in the Washington, D.C. area, specializes in plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, facelift and body contouring surgery. Mausner Plastic Surgery Center serves the communities of Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Frederick, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Alexandria, Urbana, Mt Airy, Poolesville, Brookville, Kensington, Clinton, Waldorf, Laurel, Potomac, Columbia, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Tysons and Washington, D.C.