Brachioplasty – is a surgical operation aimed at removing excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow, at the same time toning the entire arm. This eliminates the defect of the «bat wings». Depending on the degree and type of imperfection, various plastic techniques are suitable.
The modern surgical technique used by the specialists of the Bogoliuby Center in their work allows for the implementation of brachioplasty with an inconspicuous scar. Through the cut, you can suck off excess fat, if present, with excellent aesthetic results. The skin is then fixed to the posterior large dorsal muscle. There is only an intradermal suture, which is removed after two weeks.
Brachioplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia, but sometimes it is necessary to use general anesthesia.
Who is purposed to Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty can be used by both men and women, who, due to significant and prolonged weight loss (at least 6 months), have excess skin on their hands. This type of intervention is also indicated for patients with local obesity, hand lipodystrophy and early signs of aging. There are no age restrictions for brachioplasty.
Preoperative preparation
Before the operation, the surgeon conducts a thorough preoperative examination, during which the quality of the skin, muscles and bone structure of the patient are analyzed. Along with this, diagnostic tests are carried out to exclude situations that can negatively affect the success of the intervention, routine blood, urine, and ECG tests.
The patient should inform the operating surgeon about taking contraceptive, antihypertensive, hypnotics and hypoglycemic agents, antibiotics, tranquillizers. You must stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid. Those who use oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking them one month before the planned operation. Smoking should be abandoned at least a week before the intervention.
Postoperative period
Brachioplasty is usually performed as a day hospital; in special cases, hospitalization for 1 to 2 days is appropriate. In the first two days, swelling and bruising may occur, which persist for 1 to 2 weeks. Hematomas and keloid scars are rare.
An elastic bandage is applied to the hands, which is removed after 3 to 4 days. Then, compression garments should be worn for 20 to 30 days. Pain is controlled by the use of traditional analgesics. You can return to normal life 10 days after surgery. Physical activity can be resumed in about a month. To take a shower is allowed in a week.
It is important not to expose the scar from surgery to the sun for at least six months. We must be prepared for the fact that a decrease or loss of sensitivity in the treated areas can last up to several months.
Scarring
In the most common surgical technique of brachioplasty, which consists in removing and remodeling the skin and excess fat, incisions are made in the axillary fold. If there is only accumulation of fat and there is no need to remove excess skin, the surgeon can perform liposuction and liposculpture of the hands without making external incisions.
When the removed skin surface is small, the scar will be almost invisible. If it is necessary to eliminate a significant skin excess, the surgeon will have to make an incision along the inner edge of the arms, leaving a more visible scar.
The result of brachioplasty is usually long-lasting, but it cannot be said that it is permanent, since it directly depends on the patient’s lifestyle and the inevitable consequences of aging.
Complications
Brachioplasty is an intervention with a very low level of complications, but they do occur. Scars in some cases can expand, or become pigmented. After 6 to 12 months, it is always advisable to conduct a surgical revision of the scars. In any case, it is necessary to be informed of the complications, but not to overestimate them, realizing that any operation may cause some inconvenience. Experienced and competent specialists of the Bogoliuby MC are able to minimize risks and solve the problem as efficiently as possible.
