Brachioplasty or arm lift

• You have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin on your inner arms
• You have irritated skin from chafing
• You are embarrassed when you do physical activity
• You feel the need to hide your arms with long sleeves

To consider having brachioplasty in the best possible conditions, it is important that your weight be stable. In fact, variations in weight can alter the result of the surgery, as well as excess weight increases the risk of post-operative complications. It is important to understand that this procedure is not a solution to deal with excess weight, but rather with the after-effects when a person has lost weight and their skin has become loose. It is also in this situation that the best aesthetic results are obtained.
Of course, each situation should be discussed with your surgeon, who can best advise you.
In some rare cases, health insurance may cover your procedure. This requires a prior request to your surgeon, who will send a letter with your photos to the organisation.

The vertical incision goes from the armpit to the elbow. This is an area where scars tend to widen and remain visible.
You should think carefully before considering such a surgery. Your surgeon will advise you in order to ascertain what treatment is most appropriate in your case.

The first consultation with Dr Thomet will allow you to get to know your surgeon, talk about your personal situation and present your expectations. In order to complete your medical record, she will ask about your medical history, previous operations you may have had, and the list of medicines and allergies. A physical examination will be carried out with measurements and sometimes photos that will remain confidential and only used for your medical file.
At the end of the consultation, Dr Thomet will make a diagnosis and tell you if you are a good candidate for surgery. She will explain to you the contemplated surgical procedure, scar positions, the recovery time and the risks of complications.

After you have had time to think it over, a second consultation will be scheduled, in order to perform the treatment.

The surgery is rarely covered by health insurance (after significant weight loss, due for example to a gastric bypass). This requires a prior request to the surgeon, who will send a letter with your photos to the organisation.
Otherwise, a cost estimate will be forwarded to you after the first consultation.

Brachioplasty surgery is done under general anaesthesia. A preoperative consultation with an anaesthetist will therefore be organised before surgery.

Brachioplasty surgery requires an overnight stay in the hospital. This allows to better manage the pain medication and monitor you closely.

On discharge, you will have dressings which will be changed the following week for the first time at the practice. You are allowed to shower around 5-7 days after surgery. You will need to wear a compression bandage from your hand up to your armpit for 2 weeks.

It is not recommended to drive and carry weight (more than 2-3 kilos) when leaving the clinic. Activity resumption may be considered after 10-15 days depending on the type of activity. It is necessary to wait 6-8 weeks before doing sports.
If the surgery is covered by your health insurance, Dr Thomet will issue you with a medical certificate for the duration of your incapacity for work.