Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Surgery up over 4000% since 2000

Monday, May 20th, 2013

Thanks, in part, to the rising number of people losing weight either on their own or surgically, the frequency of brachioplasty, surgical remodeling of the upper arms, is up over 4000% since the year 2000. In that year, there were only 338 reported brachioplasties in the US. Last year there were over 15,000, or one about every 10 minutes. The procedure actually removes the excess skin and fat from the upper arms to eliminate the “bat wing” that is frequently left there after significant weight loss. The incision runs from the inner elbow to the axilla. Although it is long, it generally hides well. It is against the chest when the arms are down, but is usually quite thin and inconspicuous even when the arms are elevated. It is done when the skin will not retract after weight loss or liposuction alone will leave excess skin. Both are quite common, and exercise and muscle toning will not reduce the extra skin. The combination of liposuction and brachioplasty is an excellent procedure for those with congenital excess skin and fat of the upper arm. It can be done as an outpatient and recovery is relatively rapid.