Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson

Brachioplasty in Charleston, SC

Are your upper arms just not responding to exercises designed to target and tone? If loose skin creates unsightly underarms which detract from your weight loss accomplishments, brachioplasty will assist you in building smoother, well-sculpted arms which complement your body. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers brachioplasty for men and women who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Brachioplasty?

No matter how many weights you lift, you may still experience what some people describe as “bat wings”: loose hanging skin in the upper arms. Sometimes, even weight loss leaves your skin loose and unable to retract. An arm lift, or “brachioplasty,” reshapes and tightens the underlying tissue in the arms. Excess fat and skin are removed, and when the suture is closed your arms will have a slenderer appearance with significantly less sagging.

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost in Charleston?

Brachioplasty is tailored to each patient’s needs therefore cost varies. For your convenience, payment can be made using cash, credit card, or check. Financing is available.

What To Expect After Brachioplasty?

You will be fitted with an elastic sleeve following surgery to assist in healing, protecting the incision and reducing swelling. Surgical dressings are removed about three days after surgery. Once dressings have been removed, you are safe to shower. Drains placed during surgery are removed in one to two weeks. For the first four weeks following surgery, a compression garment is worn to facilitate healing.

Avoid strenuous activity for the first week post-op. Patients typically return to work and normal routines, including low contact, low impact exercise, within two weeks. Rigorous activities and contact sports may be resumed after one month.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty does leave a single thin scar along each inner upper arm. Dr. Widenhouse is an elite plastic surgeon who uses delicate techniques to minimize scar appearance.

When Will I See The Results?

You’ll be able to see some differences in your appearance within the first week after brachioplasty. As healing progresses and swelling subsides over the course of three to six months, the final results are clearly seen.

What Are Possible Complications Of Brachioplasty?

Possible complications associated with brachioplasty include:

  • Bleeding
  • Hematoma
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Swelling in the hands
  • Skin loss
  • Blood clots
  • Skin discoloration and changes in sensation

How Long Will The Results Of Brachioplasty Last?

Brachioplasty  removes excess skin and fat, producing long-lasting results. Eventually, aging will take its toll on the body, which can affect the appearance of the upper arms. Weight fluctuations can also expand and loosen the skin, diminishing results.

Benefits of Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty allows patients to rid their bodies of loose skin left behind following major weight loss – this change has significant impacts on both the body and mind.

  • Rids the upper arms of heavy skin, making them feel lighter and eliminating strain
  • Tightened upper arm skin
  • Overall more toned physique
  • Improved body image and self-confidence

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Brachioplasty?

The ideal brachioplasty candidate is a patient of normal weight who experiences skin laxity under the arms, creating an undesirable “batwing” effect. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight recently yet cannot get their upper arms to rebound despite toning exercises would benefit from brachioplasty and its ability to rid the upper arms of hanging skin and fat. Candidates should be in overall good health to be considered for the procedure.

What Do I Need To Do Before Brachioplasty?

Prior to the procedure, you’ll first meet with Dr. Widenhouse for consultation. He will evaluate your upper arm region and measure laxity to determine if brachioplasty is an appropriate treatment. He may suggest an alternative or additional procedures which are best suited to deliver the results you desire.

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and reservations with your surgeon. Also, instructions for surgery preparation will be given. They include quitting smoking four weeks before brachioplasty. You may need to quit taking certain medications and supplements in the period leading up to surgery, as they can affect the surgery and its outcomes. You’ll be told when you must stop eating or drinking the night before or morning of your scheduled brachioplasty.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation for your comfort. First, a thin incision is made on the interior of the upper arm, positioned between the armpit and elbow. Excess fat and skin are trimmed away, recontouring the upper arm and tightening skin. Liposuction may also be used at this time to enhance results. Dr. Widenhouse will discuss this additional procedure with you at your consultation if appropriate. The sutures are closed using methods which minimize scarring.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Brachioplasty?

A brachioplasty arm lift requires approximately two hours to complete.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!

Do arm lift scars fade?

Arm lift, or brachioplasty, scars will fade with time. It can take up to a year for the scars to begin to fade. There are certain topical ointments that will help the scars fade. Laser treatments can also help to diminish scar visibility.

Does arm lift leave a scar?

Any surgical procedure will leave a scar, and a brachioplasty, or arm lift, is no exception. There are things that a patient can do to minimize scarring, such as curtailing activity post-operatively and following post-operative instructions. There are also different treatment methods available to decrease scar visibility.

Does Medicare pay for Brachioplasty?

It has been our experience that Medicare does not pay for a brachioplasty. A brachioplasty is usually not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

LOCATION:

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406

LOCATION:

125 River Landing Drive
Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492