As we get older, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to contract (arm plasticity). This is often visible on the upper arms where the skin can feel loose and saggy. Another common challenge is that the upper arms are perceived as too large due to too much fat. In both cases, plastic surgery, which combines liposuction and dermabrasion (removal of loose excess skin), can give you firmer arms with a shape that is nicely adapted to the rest of the body.
We have different natural anatomies, and many people find that their upper arms are too large in relation to the rest of the body; this also occurs among normal weight and younger people. Weight gain or hereditary factors can also cause too much fat on the inside and outside of the arms. Another common challenge with arm plastic surgery is that the skin loses its elasticity over the years, or after a major weight loss, causing it to appear saggy and unattractive.
Liposuction and brachioplasty (removal of loose skin) will provide firmer and more defined arms that are adapted to your anatomy. The skilled surgeons at Klinikk A will give you a result you will be happy with.
Anaesthesia
7-21 days
3-5 hours in total
After 7-14 days and 3-6 months
For some people, excess skin can be surgically removed through arm plastic surgery. Here we will provide you with the information you need to decide whether this may be a suitable treatment method for you.
Those who want cosmetic surgery on their arms can mainly be divided into two categories; those who have too much fat on their arms or those who have excess skin/hangs. Often there is a combination of both.
It is usually younger people who fall into the first category, both normal weight and overweight. If you have normal, elastic skin, liposculpture (liposuction) will usually be sufficient to achieve a good result. Loose and excess skin cannot be trained away or tightened using creams, lasers or ultrasound, in which case it may be necessary to have an arm lift to remove this skin. The remaining skin is then tightened at the same time. The operation is always combined with liposculpture.
Weight gain or hereditary factors can lead to an increased amount of fat and/or excess skin on the upper arms. Exercise combined with a good diet can produce results, but in many people the skin is loose and lacking in elasticity, especially after major weight loss or weight loss surgery. In these cases, it may be necessary to perform an arm lift to remove excess skin at the same time as liposuction. Armplasty cannot be performed on overweight patients, the limit is BMI 28. BMI above this limit increases the possibility of complications, so in such cases we will require weight reduction before any surgery.
During the consultation, you will meet the surgeon, and you will be carefully examined in order to create the best possible plan for you and your wishes. The surgeon will listen to your wishes and thoughts, and together you will come up with the best solution for you. During the consultation, you will be given the information you need and any questions you may have will be answered.
Your surgeon will help you set realistic expectations based on your circumstances.
On the day of the operation, it is important that you arrive at the clinic at the specified meeting time. There you will be greeted by one of our staff, who will lead you into the room, where you will meet the surgeon and anesthesia staff before the operation. In the operating room, your arms will be washed with alcohol and your lower body will be covered with sterile sheets. You will be given a general or local anesthetic with relaxing medicine before the surgeon starts. The procedure itself takes about two hours.
If there is a lot of loose skin and a lot of fat, liposuction will be performed to achieve the finest possible shape, in addition to removing the excess skin. Liposuction is performed under the piece of skin that is removed, regardless of whether the patient is overweight or normal weight, to reduce the risk of complications.
The surgical incision is made on each side of the armpit and down the inside of the upper arm. Due to the liposuction, more skin can be removed. Finally, the wounds are stitched together in several layers with internal, self-dissolving thread, so you don't need to remove any stitches afterwards. You will be fitted with a compression stocking to prevent swelling as much as possible. After the operation, you'll wake up and rest in our post-operative ward until you're ready to go home. There is a nurse looking after you at all times. Most people are ready to go home after 2-3 hours.
During the first few days, it's normal to feel bruised and tingly in the arms. This gradually subsides during the first week. For the first two days, it's important to take it easy and sit or lie as still as possible. After that, it's important to gradually increase your activity, while avoiding heavy lifting with your arms for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.
The compression stocking you put on your arm after the operation should remain in place around the clock for 7 days. You can then remove any bandages, but you should leave the paper tape on the surgical wound itself. Now you can take your first shower. Normally, the stocking will have bled a little and there will often be some fluid from the wound during the first week. The stocking can then be washed. The paper tape on the surgical wound should be air-dried or dried with a hairdryer before the stockings are put back on.
The paper tape on the wound should be left on for the first 7-8 days before being changed for the first time. Thereafter, they should be changed weekly (not more often as this can lead to sore skin). The scars should be taped for 3 months to achieve the best possible result.
Avoid direct sunlight on the scars for the first year, while they are red. It can cause pigmentation or thicker scars.
Most people are very satisfied after the operation, both cosmetically and functionally. However, it is important to have realistic expectations in advance. We see that being overweight is often the reason why the result is less satisfactory.
It is not possible to do this type of surgery without leaving scars. Initially, the scars are red and hard, and they fade and soften over time. It may vary slightly in width along the scar. The more skin that is removed, the more challenging it is to stitch together, and small "donkey ears" may be left at the ends of the scar. This usually disappears on its own within a year or so, or it can be removed with a small surgical adjustment afterwards.
It is not easy to predict how your scars will turn out. If you have scars from previous surgery, these can give you some indication. Much also depends on whether you follow our advice. Very few people find that their scars become a nuisance.
Complications after arm surgery are rare. If you do develop complications, we have effective means of treating them. Our surgeons are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for treatments. If you're worried that something isn't quite right, contact us. If you live far away and are in doubt, contact your local emergency room.
Bleeding can occur after all types of surgery. This is rare, and usually occurs within the first 24 hours. That's why it's very important that you are completely calm for the first 24 hours, and preferably do not travel more than 1-2 hours from the clinic during the first 24 hours. The end result will not be affected by any bleeding.
Infections rarely occur. Symptoms will be redness, heat and pain in the surgical area. Often, reduced general condition and fever are also present. In the event of these symptoms, you should contact us, or another doctor if you live far away from the clinic.
The worst complication is loss of skin and/or tissue, either completely or partially. Fortunately, this is very rare, and almost exclusively in smokers. During arm surgery, the tissue is tightened, resulting in reduced blood circulation. Smoking will further reduce and exacerbate blood circulation, and the tissue may thus receive too little oxygen, which in turn can lead to tissue death. That's why it's very important not to smoke after brachioplasty and other surgery. The wound needs all the oxygen it can get. This type of complication will also require prolonged wound changes and possibly new surgeries, and can have a negative impact on the outcome.
There may be loss or reduced sensation in the skin around the surgical area. This usually improves, and for some it will return completely. It can take a long time, and improvement can be expected from 1-3 years.
