Arm tissue relaxes with age, gravity, and weight loss. The drooping of the skin is due to the stretching of the anchoring system of the arm and the loss of supporting fat volume. Brachioplasty (arm reduction surgery) can remove excess tissue and reduce the circumference of the upper arm. Surgical correction depends on the amount of extra skin and how loose the supporting tissues have become. Extra skin is removed from incisions along the inner arm. The incision must be placed where the scar tissue can be best tightened, but the incision must also be well hidden as well. There could be some swelling immediately after the operation, but it usually subsides after several weeks to months. Elevation of the arm regions with pillows increases comfort. Arm lifts are done under general anesthesia, with hospital admission for a few days. Sutures are removed between the fifth to tenth day after the procedure.

After Surgery:
After the procedure, patients will have pressure dressing or garment at the treated area to help control the swelling. Patients are advised that there will be swelling, tightness, minimal pain or discomfort and numbness. However, these conditions are transient and resolve spontaneously during the next several weeks.

For Better Healing:
To improve healing and minimize swelling, patients are advise to avoid the following for 2 to 3 weeks : smoking, alcoholic beverages, aspirin, NSAID’s like mefenamic acids, vitamin E supplement, steroids, herbal tea or herbal medications.