Arms
Brachioplasty
Arm lift to reduce excess skin and fat
What is it?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces excess skin of the arms when they appear as “bat wings”, which are more easily visible when waving goodbye. In many cases, the cause is massive weight loss after bariatric surgery, but it can also occur in obese patients.
Excess fat is therefore often associated, so supplemental liposuction is an integral part of the procedure. When there is good skin tone or minimal skin sagging, fat deposits may be reduced by liposuction alone. The scar is located in the armpit and may extend along the inner side of the arm to a level just before the elbow, as this is the scar line that is better concealed during social interaction.
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Procedures that may be combined
Arm Liposuction
Improving arm contour by reducing fat
What is it?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which fat is aspirated through cannulas inserted through small openings in the skin. It reduces the volume of fat in the arms, provided that the amount is moderate, because removing too much fat may result in excess skin and subsequent sagging. When there is a risk of sagging, combining an arm lift with liposuction provides a more harmonious and balanced result.
Procedures that may be combined
Aqualyx®
Non-surgical treatment of localised fat deposits
What is it?
Aqualyx, also known as intralipotherapy, is a non-surgical medical treatment that consists of injecting an aqueous solution, based on acid/sodium deoxycholate, directly into subcutaneous adipose tissue. This solution destroys the membrane of fat cells (adipocytes), liquefying them, after which they are eliminated naturally by the body’s lymphatic system.
Aqualyx is therefore not a substitute for liposuction when large volumes of fat need to be removed; in those cases, surgery or liposuction is more appropriate. It is used to treat small to moderate localised and “resistant” fat deposits for body and facial contouring, not as a weight-loss method. The patient should have a balanced weight and realistic expectations regarding the result.
Adequate hydration before and after treatment is also important, as water facilitates the elimination of destroyed fat cells and contributes to the effectiveness of the procedure.
The most common areas treated with Aqualyx are the jowls and chin, the abdomen and flanks, the inner thighs and knees, the back and the upper arms.
Unlike fat aspirated during liposuction, fat destroyed by Aqualyx cannot be reused or reintroduced into other areas of the body, as it is eliminated by the body itself.
Frequently asked questions
Essential information about brachioplasty, arm liposuction and Aqualyx®.
What is brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is an operation that reduces excess skin and fat in the arms, correcting the appearance commonly described as “bat wings”.
When is excess arm skin most commonly seen?
It may occur after massive weight loss, particularly following bariatric surgery, and may also be present in obese patients.
Can brachioplasty include liposuction?
Yes. Excess fat is often associated, so supplemental liposuction may be an integral part of the procedure.
Where is the brachioplasty scar located?
The scar is located in the armpit and may extend along the inner side of the arm to just before the elbow.
What is the recovery after brachioplasty?
Work can usually be resumed within 5–10 days if it does not involve exertion. Physical activity may be resumed at 6 weeks, and elastic compression sleeves are worn during this period.
What are the main risks and how long do brachioplasty results last?
Swelling, bruising, lymphoedema and seroma may occur. Less frequent problems include haematoma, infection, loss of sensation and scars with a less favourable appearance. The result is usually definitive if there are no major weight changes.
What is arm liposuction?
It is a surgical procedure that removes fat through cannulas inserted through small openings in the skin, improving arm contour.
Why should arm fat be removed in moderate amounts?
Removing too much fat may leave excess skin and sagging. When this risk exists, combining liposuction with an arm lift may provide a more harmonious result.
What anaesthesia, scars and hospital stay are associated with arm liposuction?
It is performed under general anaesthesia, leaves small scars concealed in natural folds or wrinkles and can be carried out on an outpatient basis.
What is the recovery and what are the risks of arm liposuction?
Work can usually be resumed in 2–3 days and physical activity at 4 weeks. Swelling, tenderness, haematoma, drainage, sagging skin, hyper- or hypocorrection and irregularities may occur. The effect usually lasts for many years.
What is Aqualyx® and how does it work?
It is a non-surgical medical treatment in which a solution is injected into subcutaneous fat, destroying the membrane of fat cells so they can be eliminated by the lymphatic system.
Does Aqualyx® replace liposuction?
No. It is intended for small to moderate localised and resistant fat deposits, not for removing large volumes or as a method of weight loss.
Which areas can be treated with Aqualyx®?
Common areas include the jowls and chin, abdomen and flanks, inner thighs and knees, back and upper arms.
Why is hydration important, and can the fat be reused?
Hydration before and after treatment helps the body eliminate the destroyed fat cells. This fat cannot be reused or transferred to another area.
What does Aqualyx® treatment involve and what are the risks?
A session lasts about 30 minutes, the solution already includes anaesthetic and treatment is performed in the office without scars. Daily activities can be resumed almost immediately, while intense exercise, heat and direct sun should be avoided for 48 hours. Swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, temporary hardening and numbness may occur, and skin necrosis is rare. Between 2 and 5 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart, are usually required.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
