Cosmetic And Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
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Arm Lift/Brachioplasty Surgery Procedures

Loose skin can arise in the arm through weight loss or ageing. Arm lift (Brachioplasty) is the operation in which loose arm skin is excised.  As with all dermolipectomy procedures, the art is in hiding the scar effectively while obtaining a careful balance of tension to achieve optimal cosmesis. For some patients, liposuction is included to manage excess fat on the outer surface of the arm- many patients have fatty outer arms and loose skin on the inner arms, and both problems need to be addressed. Ideally, the scar for Brachioplasty can be hidden within the armpit crease. When there is loose skin extending to the elbow, the scar must extend further down the arm, but the rewards of the procedure are greater. With careful consideration and planning, Brachioplasty can be a very gratifying procedure.

What is Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is surgery designed to reduce the loose skin and fat that can hang from your arms due to age, family trait or weight-loss. ‘Bingo arms’ or ‘Bat-wing deformity’ are two unflattering terms used to describe the problem addressed by brachioplasty. Brachioplasty made be combined with liposuction if a reduction in arm size is also desired.

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidate for brachioplasty is the patient at the extremes- either with generally good arms with some looseness within 6 inches of the axilla, or someone with very loose skin. If the skin excess is located close to the armpit (axilla), the operation can require only a scar in the armpit that is well hidden.If you have dramatic skin laxity that bothers you, you probably aren’t wearing short sleeve shirts anyway, so a brachioplasty scar running to the elbow is not necessarily a deal-breaker if it will allow you comfort and an improved contour.

Consultation essentials

It is very important that you be at a comfortable, stable weight before undertaking brachioplasty. It is helpful if you have had previous surgery that allows you to understand how you scar, and how you feel about scars.

Alternatives to Brachioplasty

Liposuction can be surprisingly effective provided your skin is not too loose and is ‘reactive’ (e.g. a young person who forms thick scars is more likely to do well with liposuction). Energy-based techniques are advertised for tightening skin. Thermage is the best-known device of this type and has a favorability rating on Realself of only 34%! Every few months a new device enters the market (The FDA screens out devices that are unsafe, but doesn’t screen out ineffective devices.) but until the reliability of a device is established, it is premature to make a recommendation.

Costs of Brachioplasty

Fees for Brachioplasty at our Toronto Cosmetic Plastic Surgery office (including facility and anesthetist) range from $8000 to $14,000, depending on the extent of surgery that is necessary and whether liposuction is required. Brachioplasty is sometimes combined with breast lift surgery, and some savings can be had in combining these procedures.

Preparation for surgery

We need you to be healthy and at a stable weight before surgery. We will provide written instructions on all necessary steps, supplies to obtain, etc. Brachioplasty dressings (especially if full arm) are challenging to apply by yourself (with one hand), so you will need some help once-a-day with dressings for a week or so after surgery. preparation, and will review these with you well before surgery. We provide a compression garment (like a fancy girdle) for your use after surgery.

The Operation

Short-Scar Brachioplasty Procedure

A short-scar brachioplasty is perfect for targeting loose skin near the armpit.

Arm Reduction surgery

Scar location is easily hidden in most situations.

Long Scar Brachioplasty Procedure

When loose skin is present throughout the arm, a longer scar is necessary.

Brachioplasty Surgery

Is a scar a worthwhile trade for improved comfort and contour? Only you can decide.

Safety and Risks

Some techniques of brachioplasty performed elsewhere can damage the lymphatics and cause permanent swelling in the hands and fluid collection in the armpit. This has never occurred in our practice.

Recovery process

Arms movement will be limited for one or two weeks after surgery, so long scar brachioplasty will keep you away from work longer than most body contour procedures. The healing process is awkward due to dressings and tightness, but not painful.

Results

You can expect to see positive effects from your surgery immediately, but a final result may not be evident until a year after surgery, once scar redness has settled. Some patients will benefit from a touch-up procedure to manage extra skin (so-called dog-ears) at the back of the armpit or at the elbow. This is more likely when excess skin is present on the back or past the elbow.

Bottom Line

We believe we offer the best brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery results in Toronto.Come in for a consultation, and you will leave wiser, and perhaps scheduled for a beautiful transformation.



Our Professional Affiliations

sahand davari
sahand davari
2024-01-15
Amazing experience. The doctor and staff were readily available at a moment's notice and always willing to answer any questions day or night. Everything went smooth from start to finish, and I would proudly recommend Dr Kreidstein to a friend.
K yaldo
K yaldo
2024-01-06
It's been 8 months since I did my gynecomastia surgery here and the results are amazing. Dr. Kreidstein treated post op scar tissue and made sure I was happy with the results, and honestly you can't even tell there has been in incision around the areola.
Christine Jehlickova
Christine Jehlickova
2024-01-05
Dr Kreidstein stepped up and helped my son. He was amazing at giving us confidence we were making the best decisions and the results have been life changing.
Anne Wright
Anne Wright
2023-11-22
I had a very positive experience with Dr Kreidstein and his staff. The results were exactly what I wanted. I am very happy with Dr Kreidstein’s work and would willingly recommend him to others.
Ashley M
Ashley M
2023-11-10
Love , love , love my results- Dr Kreidstein and his staff are terrific . His gifted hands ,eyes of an artist , skill , calm and experience is unmatched. It’s all about u from the moment u see him . He listens and ensures you get what u want . Your happiness makes him happy . I would recommend Dr Kreidstein 💯.
Jane D
Jane D
2023-11-07
Intelligent, compassionate, professional, conscientious and creative are all words I would use to describe Dr. Michael Kreidstein. This surgeon has extensive experience and it is very evident. Recently, I underwent a breast lift/reduction and abdominoplasty with fascial plication. Each team member at this clinic go above and beyond to ensure that every patient has a great experience. I was very nervous the day of my surgery but after meeting with the surgical team I felt more relaxed and knew I was in good hands. After I woke up from surgery, I had the most lovely, young RN looking after me in recovery. I could not have had a better surgical experience. I am now three weeks post op and I can honestly say that the results of my surgery have exceeded my expectations. Plastic Surgery is not just a science, it is an art too. Dr. Kreidstein has a very good sense of what is aesthetically pleasing and is able to work his magic on his canvas, the patient. The team at this clinic are committed to excellence. I would highly recommend this surgeon to anyone.
Tom Murray
Tom Murray
2023-10-24
Dr Kreidstein and his staff were polite, professional and fully attentive to my needs from Day 1. I was tentative about cosmetic surgery (and getting umbilical hernias fixed as well). This doctor's caring and thorough approach made me feel relaxed and confident that he was the best person for the job. Everything gets done in his own 'in-house' clinic, so organization, familiarity and reasonable work is all a given. I completely recommend Michael Kreidstein to anybody in need of surgery.
John Uselton
John Uselton
2023-10-04
Dr. Michael Kreidstein is a plastic surgeon extraordinaire! His expertise and meticulous approach left me in awe of the results. Such an ultimate choice for natural and stunning transformations.
Livia Mattacchione
Livia Mattacchione
2023-09-28
Dr. Kreidstein was able to allay all my concerns of the abdominoplasty procedure I needed. I had thought about it for many years, postponing it because of life and living. I felt I could live with the old scars and some discomfort that evolved over time. It was not an easy decision for me. Once meeting with Dr. Kreidstein, he asked me the questions I needed to answer not only to him but for myself. He answered all my questions, and he thoroughly discussed the procedure. I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Kreidstein and his team, and staff. I will say Thank You to all of you, though the words will never express the relief and satisfaction I feel of having followed through the with procedure. Thank You, Dr. Kreidstein, Team, Staff :)
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