This operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the upper arm. It does not change the texture of the skin but by stretching it, the crepiness is made noticeable. It is most effective in those patients who are overweight and have recently lost weight from successful dieting and exercise, leaving an excess of skin and underlying fat which will not shrink to conform to the new body shape. If a patient has no loose skin of the upper-inner arms but only has localized areas of fat, then they may be a candidate for liposuction alone without removal of skin.

During surgery the excess skin is marked and then removed. The incision is placed on the inner and under surface of the arm and often curves or zigzags. Often some fat is suctioned at the same time. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can choose but most patients are happier asleep. Hospital stay is usually 1 or 2 nights but this depends upon the individual’s response to surgery. Approximate surgical time is 3 to 4 hours.

All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main specific problem for this operation is the long and sometimes heavy scar.

The recovery takes one to two weeks, the patient is usually asked not to exercise for two weeks. The stitches are usually removed in 7 to 10 days. Most people are back to work within a week or two.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.

The best method of determining your personal options is to schedule a personal consultation with one of our consultant Plastic Surgeons. He will be able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

Please don’t hesitate to call for any questions that you might have