ARM LIFT OR BRACHIOPLASTY
An arm lift removes excess skin from the inner arms. This operation is most often performed after weight loss. This plastic surgery leaves a scar on the inside of the arm.
- The arm lift (or brachioplasty) corrects the sagging skin on the inside of the arms, often following a significant weight loss.
- The procedure combines a liposuction to remove excess fat and a skin removal with a discreet scar on the inside of the arm.
- Produced under general anesthesia, it can be done in ambulatory (released the same day).
- A restraint and the absence of effort during 3 weeks promote healing.
- In the case of post-bariatric surgery, a partial coverage by the French social security system.
WHO SHOULD UNDERGO BRACHIOPLASTY?
The brachioplasty or arm lift is a surgical operation proposed in cases of excess skin and sagging skin on the arms.
This excess skin is often present after significant weight loss. It is also proposed after one or two weight fluctuations.
The patients concerned are those with :
- Significant weight loss or weight fluctuations;
- After a bariatric surgery bypass or sleeve.
Theexcess skin must necessarily be corrected by a skin lift. The arm liposuction alone is not enough to achieve a satisfactory result.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
The intervention takes place at operating room at general anesthesia. If the volume of skin to be removed is minimal, the operation may be performed under local anaesthetic. Talk to your practitioner to find out more.
Both arms were operated on the same day.
First, liposuction is always performed to remove excess fat and preserve lymphatic tissue (which prevents post-operative oedema).
The excess skin is removed by performing a horizontal scar placed on the inside of the arm.
An absorbable suture is used.
Same-day discharge is possible (ambulatory surgery).
IN PRACTICE
Pre-operative consultation
In consultation, the plastic surgeon determines the procedure to be performed and explains the position of the scars to the patient.
If the patient is eligible for coverage, A request for prior agreement will be made. It must be sent to the Social security.
The surgery date is set during the second appointment.
Pre-operative photos are taken.
An anesthesia consultation is required, as well as a pre-operative biological check-up.
After the operation
In the case of outpatient surgery, the patient can be discharged on the same day as the operation.
The dressing is redone the day after the operation. The patient can also resume showering.
A compression garment may be prescribed to limit blue bruises, also known as edema.
We recommend avoiding heavy lifting and sports activities for 15 days to 3 weeks. This precaution avoids tension on the scars, which could lead to unsightly scarring.
Depending on the case, a work stoppage can be issued.
The patient is seen again by Doctor Jérémy Djian, who is responsible for post-operative follow-up.
Your Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARM LIFTS
WHICH SURGERIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH WEIGHT LOSS?
In patients who have undergone weight loss In addition to the major surgery by sleeve, bypass or diet, other surgeries are often necessary to treat excess skin:
- Breast: breast lift ;
- Belly : abdominoplasty ;
- Thigh : thigh lift (cruroplasty).
HOW MUCH DOES AN ARM LIFT COST?
The plastic surgery can be partially taken into account covered by the Sécurité social security. However, certain conditions must be met:
- Have lost a significant amount of weight, either by diet, bypass or sleeve ;
- Present a excess skin on the inside of the arms.
If these criteria are met, the plastic surgeon fills out a prior agreement (request for reimbursement) for a corrective surgery from brachial plasty. The patient must then send this request to the Social Security.
The Social Security doctor may call the patient to assess whether he or she is eligible for coverage.
If this is the case, the cost of the operating room and the stay are covered by the Assurance Maladie.
However, the surgeon's and anesthetist's fees remain the patient's responsibility.
IS LIPOSUCTION WITHOUT A SCAR SUFFICIENT?
No, when there is excess skin, the only solution is an arm lift.
Liposuction alone removes excess fat, but not excess skin.
The risk of liposuction alone would be to aggravate the skin problem.
WHERE IS THE SCAR LOCATED AND HOW BIG IS IT?
The scar is placed on the inner arm.
It runs from the elbow to the armpit.
It is positioned so as to be invisible when the arm is alongside the body, from the front or back.
It may diminish over time, but it never goes away.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon can use a laser (Urgotouch) that improves healing and limits inflammation post-operative. This laser has an additional cost. It can only be applied during surgery.
Dr. Jérémy Djian is a plastic surgeon based at 5 Square Thiers, near the Victor Hugo roundabout in Paris's 16th arrondissement.
He trained in Paris and remains affiliated with the hospital in the prestigious department headed by Prof. Laurent Lantieri.
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