Your questions, answered.
Redefining the Upper Arm
For many people, the upper arms are a source of frustration. After weight loss or aging, the skin loses its ability to snap back, creating a "bat wing" deformity that exercise cannot fix.
Dr. Bravo’s approach to Brachioplasty is dual-action:
Deflate: First, he uses liposuction to remove heavy fat deposits and thin the arm.
Define: Then, he removes the loose skin to tighten the contour, revealing the underlying tricep and bicep definition.
The Incision & Scar
The tradeoff for a tight arm is a scar, but Dr. Bravo places it strategically to be as invisible as possible.
Placement: The incision runs along the medial bicipital groove (the inside of the arm).
Visibility: When your arms are down at your side, the scar is hidden against your torso. It is primarily visible when lifting your arms high.
Healing: With proper care and compression, the scar fades significantly over time from red to a faint white line.
Combinations
An Arm Lift is frequently performed as part of a larger transformation:
Upper Body Lift: Combined with a Breast Lift or lateral chest excision (bra roll removal) to smooth the entire upper torso.
Lipedema Surgery: For patients with painful fat accumulation in the arms, this procedure provides both relief and contour.
Recovery
Movement: You will need to limit overhead reaching for 3–4 weeks to prevent tension on the incision.
Compression: You will wear "bolero" style compression sleeves for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling and support the shape.
Return to Work: Most office-based work can be resumed in 7–10 days.
