Arm lift or brachioplasty

Sagging skin on the inner arms is linked to a loss of skin tone and elasticity: under the effect of gravity, volumes sag, creating aesthetic and psychological damage.

Aging skin is often at the root of this tissue sagging, following the loss of collagen and elastin fibers. Weight gain with excess fatty tissue, or conversely significant weight loss with a yo-yo diet, will accentuate the pull on tissues and this sagging skin effect.

Arm lifts treat excess fat and skin by Vaser liposuction of the arms and resection of excess tissue. If the excess skin is small, a minimally invasive facelift can be performed using Bodytite (internal fractional radiofrequency): a radiofrequency cannula is slid under the skin to deliver radiofrequency waves that heat the fat and dermis deep down. The skin retracts to restore volume, while the fat is permanently destroyed by thermolipolysis.

Slimming the arms is also possible using other methods, such as cryolipolysis, provided the skin is sufficiently toned and elastic to restore volume after destroying the fat, but results are very moderate.

In most cases, brachioplasty is not covered by social security, as it is a cosmetic procedure. In this case, no sick leave can be prescribed, so it's important to allow for a period of 7 to 10 days' absence from work after the operation.

Social security coverage (after prior agreement) may be possible only in the case of reconstructive surgery for the after-effects of obesity: "After weight loss for morbid obesity, in the aftermath of bariatric surgery, post-operatively or post-pregnancy".

Dr Christelle Santini, cosmetic surgeon in Paris, will advise you after a clinical examination whether your case qualifies for reimbursement. In all cases, the Social Security doctor must give his or her approval.

The first consultation with Dr. Christelle Santini will determine the causes of sagging skin and ensure that there are no contraindications. Her medical analysis includes a bust and silhouette analysis, to offer you the best technical solution in terms of comfort and results.

Medical photos are taken.

A pre-operative blood test should be performed.

A consultation with the anaesthetist is compulsory, and should take place no later than 48 hours before the operation, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out any additional tests that may be necessary.

Dr Santini will also prescribe compression sleeves to be worn for 3 to 4 weeks.

Finally, she will tell you about pre- and postoperative precautions and recommendations.

• All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.
• We strongly advise you to stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after the operation, to facilitate healing and avoid any post-operative complications.
• You will also be asked to wash your body and hair with Betadine the day before and the morning of the operation.
• You must not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before the operation.

Arm lift surgery may require a 24-hour hospital stay or be performed on an outpatient basis, with same-day discharge from the clinic.
Several types of anesthesia are available for this procedure:

• Vigilant neuroleptanalgesic anesthesia, in which the patient is awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain, thanks to the combination of an analgesic, a neuroleptic and a local anesthetic;
• A general anaesthetic during which the patient is completely asleep.

Dr. Christelle Santini first outlines and defines the location of the future scar on the inner arms in an inconspicuous area. She also identifies areas of localized fat requiring liposuction.

Dr. Santini begins with a Vaser liposuction of excess fatty tissue, using an atraumatic foam cannula: the advantage is aesthetic, as this slimming of the upper arm makes it possible to better appreciate the excess skin to be resected, and to define the muscular contours of the outer arms.

The skin is incised and re-tensioned to harmoniously match the natural contour of the arms. Excess skin is then removed, and the wound is meticulously sutured with absorbable sutures using an invisible intra-dermal suture.
Scars are located along the inner side of the arm. In less advanced cases, scars may be smaller and located under the armpits.

If the scar is a source of discomfort, Dr. Santini offers sessions of the UrgoTouch laser laser sessions to significantly reduce their appearance.

Arm lift surgery lasts an average of 1? to 2 hours, and ends with the application of a light pressure dressing.

For a minimally invasive BodyTite arm lift (internal radiofrequency), the incision is smaller to allow the radiofrequency cannula to pass through: dermal and fatty tissue are heated, and the skin then retracts over the slimmed arm volumes. The final result is visible a few months later, as the skin retracts properly. Bodytite or internal radiofrequency can also be combined with arm lifts or Vaser liposuction of the arms.

To minimize the risk of hematoma, Dr. Christelle Santini uses suction drains if necessary, which will be removed at the same time as the dressing, the day after the operation, before you are discharged.

A lighter dressing will be applied, in addition to compression sleeves. It is strongly recommended that someone accompany you home.

Edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) are common after facelift surgery. This swelling of the tissues initially alters the aesthetic result, but is nothing to worry about.

Moderate pain is systematically relieved by simple analgesics.

The sutures are absorbable, but several post-operative consultations with Dr Christelle Santini are required at her practice to check follow-up and healing.

Exposure of the operated area to the sun is prohibited for three months.

You can resume sporting activities 6 weeks after the operation.

The final result will be obtained in the sixth month, and the final appearance of the scars between 6 and 12 months.

• Return home the day after or the same day as the operation.
• 7 to 15 days of professional downtime.
• Final result at 6 months, 12 months for scars.

Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and fat for firmer, smoother arms. Results are visible soon after the operation, but the final result takes 3 to 6 months.

The results are long-lasting, especially with the maintenance of a stable weight. Discover the transformations before and after this procedure.

What to do before brachioplasty

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs.
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal deadline between the first consultation and the brachial lift.
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test.

How is the arm lift procedure performed?

• General anesthesia or neuroleptanalgesia with local anesthesia.
• 1h30 to 2h for arm lift.
• Return home the next morning or the same day after brachioplasty.

What is the post-operative course of an arm lift?

• Wearing compression sleeves for 4 weeks.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• The threads used in an arm lift are absorbable.
• No sports for six weeks after brachioplasty.
• Allow 7 to 10 days off work after a brachial lift.
• Final result after 6 months.