What is brachioplasty?
A small incision arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that contours the arms and gives them a slimmer, more toned appearance. Unlike a traditional arm lift, where the scar runs the length of the upper arm, a small incision arm lift or mini arm lift involves a smaller incision in the armpit.
Excess tissue on the arms is a common problem due to factors beyond our control, such as ageing and genetics. Angular arms are also common after weight loss. In patients with moderately sagging tissue, a full arm lift is not always necessary. Patients with good skin elasticity and minimal fat deposits can achieve slimmer upper arms with liposuction alone. If the upper arms also have some excess skin in addition to fat deposits, an arm lift with a small incision is the better option.
Overview
Excess skin and fat often appear between the armpit and elbow and can be annoying. If you suffer from love handles and want to do something about it, you are not alone. From 2000 to 2008, the number of brachioplasties performed increased by over 4000%! Patients who struggle with sagging skin flaps on the upper arms often feel restricted in their movement and have difficulty concealing this part of their anatomy, especially in the warmer seasons.
Unfortunately, the upper arms are notorious for stubbornly storing body fat. Excess fatty tissue on the upper arms can lead to discomfort, mobility issues and inflammation. That’s why an upper arm contouring procedure, such as a traditional arm lift, is ideal for patients who want to improve the appearance of their arms after massive weight loss or unsuccessful efforts at the gym.
Brachioplasty has been performed since the early 20th century, and well over 100 years later, the goal has not changed. This transformative procedure reduces excess skin and fat, shaping and slimming the upper arms. The procedure has evolved since its inception to provide more precise and tighter results while minimising scarring. Patients for whom the excess tissue is not too pronounced can now achieve the desired contours with a smaller, more discreet scar and a shorter recovery time.
Patients with massive weight loss or significant excess tissue still require a more extensive arm lift. This more extensive procedure is often associated with a scar that extends from the armpit down to the elbow. For patients with less pronounced upper arm sagging, a mini arm lift may be sufficient, in which the incision is only made in the armpit (axilla). With this technique, the incision is made at the point where the arm meets the armpit. The so-called “bat Wings” or the “flapping flesh” are tightened and the scar is discreetly closed.
Brachioplasty methods
The choice of surgical method for tightening the upper arms depends on the areas of skin affected and the amount of excess fatty tissue. The following procedures are possible:
• Skin tightening for slightly overhanging skin areas or excess skin due to weak connective tissue.
• Skin tightening if the body weight has been significantly reduced through exercise and an adapted diet, but sagging skin areas remain.
• Liposuction with compression treatment for the removal of small amounts of fat.
• Liposuction with additional skin tightening for the removal of larger amounts of fat.
To summarise, skin tightening can be carried out as a stand-alone procedure or combined with a previous liposuction.
Liposuction with compression treatment
Several methods are possible for an upper brachioplasty, such as liposuction alone with subsequent compression treatment. The surgeon injects a tumescent solution into the previously marked areas of the upper arm. This consists of a saline solution, a pain-reducing anaesthetic and other ingredients. The solution loosens the fatty tissue so that it can be suctioned out after approx. 30 minutes using cannulas.
Liposuction can produce good results in the case of a fat pad with little excess skin. The subsequent compression treatment reduces the excess skin. After liposuction, the skin must be left to shrink until the final result of the procedure can be seen.
Tightening the upper arms in combination with liposuction
If large amounts of fat are removed by liposuction, this results in excess skin. Significant excess skin should be surgically removed. Liposuction and skin tightening can be combined to give the upper arms a slim and firm silhouette.
The surgeon marks the excess and the incision on the outstretched arm. After the upper arm lift, the resulting scar extends from the armpit to the inside of the upper arm and is not visible when the arm is put on. Alternatively, fatty tissue and skin can be removed from the armpit so that there are no scars on the upper arm. However, this is only possible if the amount of tissue to be removed is small.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic or under local anaesthetic for small areas. It takes about two hours. Following the tightening of the upper arms, drainage tubes are placed in the scar so that the excess water from the wound can drain away. The healing process is supported by a pressure bandage. The procedure is followed by a short hospitalisation of one or two days. Afterwards, the arm should be rested for up to three weeks so that a sick note is taken.
Liposuction Methods
There are different liposuction methods that can be used in conjunction with brachioplasty to achieve optimal results. Some common liposuction techniques include:
Traditional liposuction: This method involves using a cannula (a thin tube) attached to a suction device to manually break up and remove fat cells from the targeted areas of the arms. It is effective for removing larger volumes of fat but may have a longer recovery time and more noticeable scarring compared to newer techniques.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL): PAL uses a vibrating cannula that helps to break up fat cells more efficiently, making them easier to suction out. This technique can be beneficial for precision and reducing trauma to surrounding tissues, potentially leading to faster recovery times.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): UAL involves the use of ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat cells before they are suctioned out. This method can be particularly useful for areas with denser fat deposits or fibrous tissues, such as the upper arms. UAL may result in smoother contouring and reduced trauma to surrounding tissues.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL): Also known as laser liposuction, this technique uses laser energy to heat and liquefy fat cells before removal. LAL can help tighten the skin and promote collagen production, which may be beneficial for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity in the arms.
Tumescent liposuction: This method involves injecting a tumescent fluid (a mixture of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine) into the treatment area before liposuction. The fluid helps to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and facilitate fat removal. Tumescent liposuction is often used in combination with other liposuction techniques for improved safety and patient comfort.
The choice of liposuction method for brachioplasty depends on various factors, including the patient’s unique anatomy, skin elasticity, fat distribution, and desired outcomes. A board-certified plastic surgeon will evaluate these factors during the consultation and recommend the most suitable liposuction technique or combination of techniques to achieve the desired arm contouring and aesthetic goals.
Suitable conditions and candidates for brachioplasty
• Patients must be at least 18 years old
• Women must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
• Good general health
• Stable weight
• The skin should still be relatively taut and elastic so that it can fit snugly to the body again after the procedure
• It is not the age itself that is decisive, but rather the degree of elasticity or shrinkage of the skin
• Adult men and women without health problems
• Patients who have reached or are approaching their target weight
• There is enough excess skin to require surgery, but not so much that the entire arm needs to be removed
• Non-smokers or those who intend to quit smoking for at least six weeks
• Patients who can not improve the appearance of their arms with diet and exercise
• Patients with realistic expectations who are willing to follow postoperative instructions
Preparation
To ensure that you have the best possible experience, you will be given a list of instructions to follow before the procedure. These include:
• Stop smoking or using nicotine products well in advance of the procedure. Nicotine constricts blood flow and can hinder your recovery
• Pick up the prescribed medication from your pharmacy
• Organise someone to drive you home or accompany you after the operation
• Plan 1-2 weeks holiday to rest and recover
• Fast for 12 hours before the operation
Procedure
Brachioplasty surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients can go home after the operation. First, the doctor will mark your arms and you will receive general anaesthesia. After the anaesthesia wears off, the treatment begins. Your doctor then makes a small elliptical incision along the skin fold where the upper arm meets the armpit. If the patient has good skin elasticity and complains of upper arm fat, the doctor may perform liposuction.
During liposuction, a swelling liquid is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer. A thin cannula is then inserted under the skin to absorb the fat. After the appropriate amount of fat has been removed, excess skin is removed and the incision is sutured. The result is smoother, firmer upper arms. The mini brachioplasty takes only 1 to 3 hours. After the incisions are sutured, the upper arms are wrapped with bandages and covered with a compression garment.
Brachioplasty procedure
Before the upper arm lift, the armpit is carefully shaved and the planned incision is marked on the arm, which is raised at a 90° angle. To tighten sagging upper arms, an incision is usually made on the inside of the upper arm above the elbow up to the armpit during an upper arm lift. This longitudinal scar is not visible after the operation when the arm is in place. In the case of larger excess skin or fatty tissue, an additional transverse incision in the armpit is necessary in order to achieve the desired tightening result through brachioplasty. If the skin is still sufficiently elastic, the remaining fatty tissue can also be thinned out by liposuction. As with the other skin tightening procedures, the excess skin is also removed and tightened during an upper arm lift.
Skin closure
The skin incision is closed using a minimally invasive technique. Absorbable sutures are used, which dissolve by themselves over time. For optimal healing, the suture is secured with skin adhesive or skin adhesive strips.
After brachioplasty operation
• Initial mobilisation (gentle and slight movement) is important, without exerting pressure on the sutures
• Personal hygiene is essential to avoid wound infections
• At least 6 weeks: Avoid physical exertion that would strain the muscles of the affected body region (e.g. arm muscles)
• Avoid tension on the sutures, especially when moving and spreading the upper arms
• At least 6 weeks: no sauna sessions, infrared cabins, solarium etc. (or until the swelling and bruising have subsided)
• At least 6 months: no direct sunlight on the scars
Which prescription drugs should be in recovery room?
Before you arrive for your surgery, you should fill your prescription for your post-operative antibiotics. Since the purpose of antibiotics is to prevent infections, you must take the entire prescribed course of medication exactly as directed, no matter how you feel. Analgesics could also be a good idea to have in your recovery area.
Just remember that blood thinners should be avoided for a few days following your treatment. You should also keep in mind that taking some analgesics within 24 hours of driving increases your chance of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Recovery
After the procedure, you should expect mild symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising and a feeling of tension in your arms. However, the prescribed medication will help to alleviate these symptoms. Continue to wear the post-operative bandages and compression garments until your doctor gives you the green light to remove them. It will take about a week before you can resume your usual activities, including work. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.
Results
The results will become clear as soon as the swelling and bruising have subsided. Your self-confidence will leap for joy when you see your new, more even contours. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your toned upper arms for many years to come.
Why is Turkey so popular for brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty in Turkey, like many other plastic surgery operations, is receiving increasing attention in general because with the developments and technological advances in the field of aesthetic surgery, people have more options to correct unwanted appearances on their bodies. Brachioplasty in Turkey has become increasingly popular among both local and international patients in recent years, with Istanbul emerging as a hub for affordable yet high-quality procedures. Brachioplasty cost in Turkey is notably lower compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking aesthetic improvements without paying very high costs. Istanbul, being Turkey’s largest metropolis and a cultural hotspot, offers competitively priced packages for brachioplasty operation ensuring patients receive excellent care and results without compromising on quality.
The healthcare infrastructure in Turkey has evolved significantly, boasting modern facilities and a pool of highly skilled medical professionals specializing in various procedures, including brachioplasty operations. Experienced plastic surgeons in Istanbul’s well-equipped hospitals and clinics consistently deliver successful outcomes, as evidenced by positive feedback from satisfied patients. This combination of affordability and top-notch care has contributed to the growing popularity and success of brachioplasty in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul.
In addition to the medical advantages of having brachioplasty in Istanbul, people who come here also find the opportunity to discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of Turkey by having brachioplasty in Istanbul. Patients can enjoy the sights and flavors of Istanbul, making their trip not only a medical journey but also a memorable travel experience. Istanbul’s status as a major economic and cultural center further enhances its appeal, offering a unique blend of medical expertise and tourist attractions.
Turkey’s reputation as a medical tourism destination has grown, attracting patients globally for various treatments, including cosmetic procedures like brachioplasty. Specialized clinics and medical centers cater to international patients, providing personalized care, language assistance, and logistical support throughout their treatment journey. Istanbul’s accessibility, thanks to its strategic location and well-connected airports, makes it convenient for patients from diverse backgrounds to travel for brachioplasty, further enhancing the overall experience. Turkey, especially Istanbul, stands out as an attractive choice for brachioplasty due to its cost-effectiveness, advanced medical facilities, skilled professionals, tourism opportunities, and logistical convenience. These factors collectively make Turkey a sought-after destination for individuals seeking exceptional medical care coupled with a rewarding travel experience.
To summarise the preference of Turkey for brachioplasty operation under the headings:
High-quality healthcare services: Turkey is known for its modern medical technology and experienced doctors. Aesthetic surgery clinics generally have equipment that complies with international standards and offer high-quality healthcare services.
Experienced surgeons: Aesthetic surgeons in Turkey typically have extensive experience and can achieve successful results using state-of-the-art equipment.
Comfortable treatment process: Clinics in Turkey provide patients with a comfortable and safe treatment environment. Additionally, through tourism opportunities, you can turn your treatment into a holiday experience.
Fast appointment and treatment process: Aesthetic surgery clinics in Turkey typically offer fast appointments and effective treatment processes, reducing patients’ waiting times and speeding up their recovery.
Affordable costs: Healthcare services in Turkey are generally more economical compared to other European countries. This makes Turkey attractive for aesthetic surgery and reduces costs for patients.
Good recovery and results: Brachioplasty procedures performed by experienced surgeons usually yield successful results. Patients’ recovery process is generally smooth and eliminates unwanted arm sagging.
Tourism and accommodation opportunities: Turkey is known for its tourist attractions and accommodation options. Patients opting for aesthetic surgery in Turkey can turn their treatment process into a holiday experience.
Reliability and safety: Aesthetic surgery clinics in Turkey generally have international accreditations and adhere to strict health regulations. This provides reliability and safety for patients.
In conclusion, brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) is preferred in Turkey because it offers many advantages such as affordable costs, high-quality healthcare services, good recovery and results, tourism opportunities, and reliability. However, like any surgical procedure, brachioplasty carries certain risks, and individuals considering this procedure should consult with an experienced surgeon in detail and make an informed decision.