Lifting the soft tissues of the shoulders and arms (brachioplasty)

Hands show age - no matter how you care for them, the skin on this part of the body ages quite early (after all, it has to deal with various aggressive factors every day). If you want to prolong the youth of your hands, in addition to quality care products, you will also need special beauty procedures. With age, the skin of the upper arms (from the elbow to the shoulder, including the armpit area) sags, forming so-called “wings”. Since the skin in this part of the hands is thin and less elastic, a complex of procedures is used for lifting. Hardware methods are considered the most effective. Rejuvenation of the hands is very popular - today's cosmetology allows for effective intervention without surgical incisions.

Causes of sagging skin on the hands

Brachioplasty is a surgical tightening of the skin on the back of the shoulder. The reasons for deciding on the procedure are different:

• age-related loss of elasticity and tone of soft tissues;
• lack of physical activity;
• sudden weight loss;
• insufficient care of the body, including hands;
• hereditary predisposition;
• bad habits, unhealthy lifestyle;
• previous liposuction.

In all the cases considered, the operation will help tighten the tissues and restore the former beauty of the hands.

Features of brachioplasty

A characteristic feature of the skin on the back of the hands is its natural thinness and dryness. Poor elasticity and insufficient number of sebaceous glands lead not only to rapid sagging, but also to poor tissue regeneration.

Wounds after plastic surgery take a long time to heal, and with improper postoperative care, unsightly scars remain. Patients should definitely take this fact into account.

Another feature of brachioplasty is that it can be performed simultaneously with liposuction. In addition, hand skin correction is often combined with breast augmentation, abdominal and thigh lifting, and back fat removal. During the operation, bumps, irregularities, age spots, and scars are removed along with the skin.

Efficiency of the procedure

Brachioplasty allows you to tighten your skin without lengthy training or special exercises, giving your hands smoothness and a clear, attractive contour.

The final result can be seen after 6 months. During this time, the swelling will subside and the hematomas will resolve, and the suture will become pale and thin. If desired, this barely noticeable scar can be removed using a laser or ultra-low temperatures (cryotherapy).

The skin after brachioplasty will not sag for 7–10 years. The duration of the effect is influenced by the patient’s lifestyle, nutrition and health status. Smoking, alcohol, regular weight loss or hormonal imbalance will cause a rapid deterioration of the condition.

Types of hand plastic surgery

Classic brachioplasty involves surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the upper limb, from the armpits to the elbow. The procedure is performed with a scalpel and has a long recovery period. To achieve better results, experts recommend combining arm lifting with liposuction and liposculpture.

If there is slight sagging of the tissue, brachioplasty can be performed using threads. This is an excellent solution for those who do not yet need surgical plastic surgery, but want to improve the contour of their arms.

Transaxillary

This technique is considered the most optimal method of correction with a small excess of tissue. It is performed by excision of an ellipse-shaped area of ​​skin in the armpit. Fat cells are removed through the same incision. After liposuction, the sagging area is pulled up to the place of the cut segment and a suture is made.

Benefits of transaxillary arm skin tightening:

• the ability to hide the scar in a natural fold of the body;
• rapid tissue healing;
• less traumatic operation.

Even if the scar is noticeable, it can always be hidden under clothing. In addition, rarely does anyone pay attention to other people's armpits.

Classical

A more traumatic version of brachioplasty. Used to remove a significant amount of skin. An incision is made along the back of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow joint, and excess tissue is simply cut off.

After the operation, a scar remains, which, if the suture is performed correctly, soon fades and turns into a thin strip.

Thread lift

A very attractive and low-traumatic method of lifting. Suitable for women with good arm shape and slight weakening of the tissue in the forearm area.

Aptos threads with notches are used for the procedure. They fix soft structures well and do not allow them to sag. Access is made through microscopic punctures that heal quickly without scarring. Excess skin is not excised, so the rehabilitation period after a thread lift is easy and quick. The operation is performed under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

The disadvantages of thread lifting include the short-lived effect. Threads made from lactic acid and polypropylene lose their ligature properties after 4–5 years and cease to support soft tissues. Therefore, the procedure has to be repeated.

Unsuccessful consequences of thread brachioplasty are manifested by asymmetry of the arms, scarring, and allergies to the material.

Liposculpture

A new and very interesting area of ​​plastic surgery. During the operation, fat is redistributed with subsequent correction of irregularities, bumps and pits. This gives the hands a new and attractive contour.

To simulate the volume, several punctures are made, through which the required number of fat cells is taken with a syringe and injected into the corrected area.

What does the combination of liposculpture and brachioplasty give:

• absence of scars, which allows you to wear sleeveless clothes;
• lifting of loose areas of skin;
• improvement of the overall contour of the hands.

Unfortunately, this correction method is not applicable if a woman does not have a fat layer. In this case, you will have to be content with brachioplasty alone.

Liposuction

The manipulation involves removing excess fat using ultrasound or other methods of hardware cosmetology. With a small amount of correction, liposuction can act as an independent procedure - after removing the fat layer, the skin tightens itself. This operation is indicated for young women with good dermal tone.

If the changes have gone too far and the tissues are hanging like chicken wings, only liposuction with brachioplasty will help. This combination has significant advantages over two different procedures - one anesthesia and one recovery period.

What problems can be solved?

Lifting sagging arms involves, first of all, working with the resulting “skin reserves”. The skin on the hands is quite thin, and there is practically no soft tissue underneath it - which is why they lose their aesthetic appearance so quickly. By introducing drugs that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin or by influencing tissues using other methods (laser rays, thermolysis), the process of internal rejuvenation can be started. Contour plastic surgery of the hands is effectively combined with various types of care procedures - nourishing masks and baths, paraffin therapy.

Indications for surgery

Plastic surgery on the hands is performed only for aesthetic reasons - to improve the contours of the shoulder and forearm, eliminate cellulite, bumps and folds.

The procedure is recommended in the following cases:

• sagging and ptosis of the skin of the arms in the shoulder area;
• sagging tissue in the axillary zone;
• excess fat.

With the help of brachioplasty, you can get rid of pronounced asymmetry, bright pigmentation and other aesthetic defects. The operation is very popular among models, athletes and artists - a simple manipulation allows men to always be in shape, and women to shine in revealing outfits.

Lifting methods and their features

Among the most popular methods for lifting arms and rejuvenating the skin of hands today, we can name several of the most effective.

Introduction of fillers - compositions based on hyaluronic acid provide deep hydration and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. We use professional formulations from the Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, etc. line.

Biomodeling with such drugs as: Profhilo, Juvederm Volite, etc.

Biorevitalization of hand skin Mezovarton, Viscoderm, Yalupro, etc.

Laser rejuvenation, photorejuvenation - as a result of exposure to laser radiation, the process of cellular rejuvenation is launched in the skin. The method effectively copes with the problem of sagging.

Aikun laser - as a result of the targeted impact of infrared radiation in the skin, the process of cellular rejuvenation is launched. The method effectively copes with the problem of sagging.

Radio wave lifting (RF) - under the influence of high-frequency electrical impulses, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated.

Mesothreads and liquid threads - in this case, special preparations in the form of a “lattice” are injected subcutaneously. They form a frame that prevents the formation of wrinkles.

Fractional thermolysis is a method based on the reduction of skin flap and powerful neocollagenesis.

Contraindications

Brachioplasty is a full-fledged surgical intervention with tissue dissection and anesthesia, and therefore has many contraindications.

The procedure is strictly prohibited under the following conditions:

• tendency to form keloid scars;
• persistent increase in blood pressure;
• previous operations on axillary lymph nodes;
• diabetes;
• poor blood clotting;
• past breast removal;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• inflammation of the skin of the hands.

The presence or absence of contraindications is determined during preparation for the intervention.

Things to remember

• Brachioplasty is performed to change the shape and volume of the upper arms
• Brachioplasty can help people suffering from the effects of lymphedema
• The scars will last a lifetime, but will become less noticeable over time.
• Brachioplasty will not stop the natural processes of aging and sagging of the skin

This is a surgical intervention - remember the risks and limited possibilities of plastic surgeons. Soberly assess the possible result

Stages of implementation

Like any surgical procedure, brachioplasty consists of several stages - preparation, surgical access and the recovery process. Each period has its own characteristics, which you should be aware of before intervention.

Preparation and delivery of tests

Before brachioplasty, you must visit a plastic surgeon to determine the scope and type of intervention.

At the initial consultation, you need to inform the doctor about all medications currently taken and about cases of drug allergies, if any.

To exclude contraindications, it is necessary to undergo a number of tests:

• test for HIV infection, hepatitis and syphilis;
• determination of coagulability, Rh factor and group;
• general and biochemical blood test;
• electrocardiogram.

Based on the results of the examination, you need to obtain a therapist’s conclusion with a blue seal and signature.

Depending on the state of health, additional diagnostic measures may be prescribed: ultrasound of the heart, fluorogram, urinalysis, Dopplerography of the veins of the lower extremities. An appointment with an anesthesiologist will allow you to determine the type of anesthesia and select a specific drug.

Anesthesia

The choice of anesthesia depends on the procedure used, although patient preferences may also be taken into account.

For extensive surgery combining brachioplasty with liposuction, general anesthesia will definitely be used. Small volumes of correction are not so traumatic, so the patient can choose between sedation and local anesthesia.

Progress of the operation

The average duration of hand surgery is 2.5–3 hours and depends on the technique.

At the first stage, the doctor determines the amount of excess skin and applies markings, which will be used to make future incisions. Then a special solution of adrenaline and anesthetic is injected into the marked area. This reduces bleeding and improves tissue detachment.

If there is a large amount of fat, liposuction of the shoulder area is performed before brachioplasty.

The second stage of the intervention includes making incisions and detaching the amputated flap of skin. After removing the tissue, the surgeon carefully aligns the edges of the wound and stitches them together with non-absorbable sutures.

At the end of the operation, to prevent the suture from coming apart, the incision is fixed with a plaster. A sterile bandage is applied on top to provide additional protection.

If the operated area bleeds heavily, the surgeon drains the wound with a gauze swab or rubber tube. After 1–2 days, these devices are removed. Upon completion of all manipulations, a compression sleeve is put on the arm and the patient is taken to the ward.

Rehabilitation

After brachioplasty, the woman remains in the hospital for 2–3 days, then goes home. In the first three weeks, all the attention of the doctor and the patient is directed to the formation of the scar. To ensure that the scar is smooth and invisible, you must follow these recommendations:

• wear compression garments for 2–3 months;
• avoid heavy lifting and other physical activity for at least 30–45 days after surgery;
• Keep your arms elevated for 2–3 weeks.

Sutures are usually removed after 10–12 days. In the next 1.5–2 months, you should limit trips to the bathhouse, solarium, sauna, swimming in a pool or open water.

Pain during the rehabilitation period is very subjective and depends on the extent of the damage.

Typically, you will need to take analgesics for a week after brachioplasty. Then the discomfort goes away. If the pain remains and is accompanied by fever, swelling and redness of the hands, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Possible complications

Judging by the reviews, complications after an arm lift are quite common. Some of them go away in 2-3 weeks without any treatment, others significantly worsen the health condition and require long-term therapy.

Bleeding

With serious intervention and damage to a large number of vessels, heavy postoperative bleeding is possible. They may be accompanied by pain, numbness of the fingers, swelling and the formation of bruises. The situation requires urgent intervention by medical personnel, repeated excision and suturing of tissue, and installation of drainage.

A slight accumulation of blood under the skin leads to the formation of hematomas, which resolve over time. Ointments will help speed up the process: Lyoton, Troxevasin, Sinyak-off, Rescuer, Traumeel S.

Seroma

Occurs as a result of damage to a large number of lymphatic vessels. It is a subcutaneous accumulation of serous fluid, sometimes mixed with blood. More often observed in patients with diabetes or obese people. The distribution of lymph in the operated area also worsens in elderly patients with high blood pressure.

Seroma can be cured by removing the stitches and draining the wound. Then a pressure bandage is applied to the intervention site and physiotherapy is prescribed.

Constantly wearing a compression sleeve and limiting physical activity will help prevent lymphocele.

Drug treatment for seroma includes taking antibiotics, NSAIDs, and sometimes corticosteroids. All medications are prescribed by a doctor.

Infection of a postoperative wound

Infection during brachioplasty occurs very rarely. The reason most often is non-compliance with the rules of postoperative care and contamination of the wound.

Theoretically, an unpleasant consequence could arise from poor handling of instruments, infection of dressings, or reuse of gloves. Sometimes harmful pathogens such as streptococcus or staphylococcus enter the clinic.

True, no self-respecting medical institution will allow such a gross violation of the rules of asepsis and antiseptics.

The first symptoms of suppuration appear on the second day, the maximum development of infection occurs on the 4th–5th day. Manifested by high fever, pain and swelling in the wound area, redness of the skin. Treatment includes excision of necrotic areas, clearing of purulent pockets with drainage, and administration of antibiotics.

Prices for brachioplasty in Moscow

Mamedov Rusif Bezhanovich

Arm lift (brachioplasty)

170,000 rub.

Lux Clinic

Arm lift (brachioplasty)

170,000 rub.

Author: Farhat Fuad Akhmedovich Plastic surgeon, Candidate of Medical Sciences Leading specialist at the Lux Clinic plastic surgery clinic. Received the Crystal Lotus Award in the category “Best Plastic Surgeon for Mammoplasty”. Since 2011, he has been an expert in plastic surgery at the Federal Office of Medical and Social Expertise.

Cost of the operation

The final price of brachioplasty depends on the level of the clinic, the type of anesthesia, the number of days in the hospital and the skill of the surgeon.
Naturally, when combined with liposuction, the cost of the procedure significantly increases. Some clinics include postoperative patient care as part of their service. Brachioplasty prices

The work of a qualified specialist will cost much more than an operation with a doctor from an unknown medical institution. But you shouldn’t save money - small expenses can result in many serious complications.

Let's sum it up

Blepharoplasty cannot be called a necessary procedure. Nevertheless, it helps not only to restore beauty and firmness to the hands, but also to cope with many psychological problems. If sagging skin really interferes with your life and wearing open clothes, don’t hesitate, agree to surgery. The result will pleasantly surprise you.

What do you think about brachioplasty? Did you have to have surgery, what was the reason and what was the result? Tell us about your experience, share your opinion about the doctor and the clinic.