Overview
Known as brachioplasty, an arm lift procedure tightens loose arm skin and reshapes arm muscles. Muscles most often "redesigned" are the triceps muscle group found on the back of the arm. These muscles loosen and sag as we age, leaving many of us with that "wobble" when we wave hello or goodbye. The procedure shortens the muscles between the upper portion of the back of the arm down to the elbow.

Who Benefits from Brachioplasty?
Anyone who feel self-conscious wearing short sleeves or about the 'wobble' in their arms may benefit from a brachioplasty procedure. Individuals who have undergone obesity weight loss procedures or surgeries may also benefit from removal of excess skin that has been stretched and has lost its elasticity to snap back after excess weight is removed. Arm lifts also restore the youthful appearance to individuals who feel that their skin is losing elasticity caused by age and have tried toning muscles with strength training without success.

Brachioplasty Procedure
Your doctor will give you a general anesthetic so you'll be asleep during the procedure. Then, the surgeon makes a long incision along the under inside of the arm, extending from your armpit to your elbow. Removal of fat during the procedure is done using liposuction.

Your surgeon may use this inner arm approach or a back of the arm approach. Muscle tissues in the upper arm are tightened with internal sutures and then skin contoured to fit the shape of the arm.

Another approach is a minimal incision, which is made in the armpit. Liposuction is often performed in any of these approaches to remove fat. Excess skin is removed depending on individual case, preference and goals.

Following the removal of fat and tightening of the skin, your doctor will close the incision with absorbable sutures, which will dissolve on their own. In most cases, you'll be able to see results immediately, even though you may experience some swelling and bruising following the procedure.

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?
A brachioplasty procedure in the U.S. costs approximately $7,000 in addition to anesthesia costs, facility costs and any medications that might be needed for a patient. In Latin American countries however, medical travelers benefit from lower costs such as in Columbia, where costs for arm lifts are approximately $3,400 and in Argentina, where costs are approximately $3,200.

Who Performs Brachioplasty Procedures?
Choosing a plastic surgeon that specializes in brachioplasty procedures is ideal to ensure that the surgeon of your choice has the most experience and qualifications. Be sure to check all certifications, make sure facilities are state of the art and whenever possible, check for accreditation in both the county of origin and by international organizations and associations. In addition to checking certification or qualifications, ask the surgeon to see before and after photos to get an idea of their work.

Ask questions about pre or post operation preparations, so that healing is quick and reduces potential complications. Always ask to see proof of training and ask if surgeons belong to professional organizations or associations in his or her country of origin, or again, in international provider organizations.