This is a body contouring operation. This operation is intended to smooth out the contour of the upper arm. It is not intended to extend under the forearm nor down the chest wall, which is confined from the bone of the elbow to the back of the underarm at the axilla, at the posterior axillary fold. This removes the skin and some of the fat beneath to smooth the contour of the arm, and it is very successful in doing so. This brachioplasty operation is usually performed on patients who have had significant weight loss or on older patients whose skin has lost elasticity, resulting in the arm skin hanging down. Medications tend to cover this extra skin of the arm with long sleeves. They hope that, after the skin is removed, they will no longer need long sleeves. This is usually the case, but there is a long scar that has to be hidden as much as possible. The scar is difficult to make favorable, since using your arm tends to rub against the side of your chest. I always recommend keeping your arm away from your chest wall during early healing. So the scar can be favorable. The scar requires all sorts of care to ensure it turns out well for you.
There is a relatively new entity called an extended brachioplasty. This implies that the brachioplasty goes down the chest wall. Dr. Jacobsen keeps that separate, and if you wish to have your chest wall recontoured, we do this quite a bit. But when he is not part of an extended brachioplasty, it is separated and named differently as body contouring from the lateral chest and breast wall. But it is possible to do the chest wall and the brachioplasty together.
It is very rare for Dr. Jacobsen to extend the brachioplasty to the forearm. Crossing the joint with the incision can cause contractures, which can be difficult for the patient, and there is significant redundancy of the skin beyond the elbow.
Dr. Jacobsen recommends compression for 1 month after surgery to help reduce swelling and protect the incision. There are many garments you can wear that are convenient for you. Dr. Jacobsen wraps you in an Ace wrap after surgery to provide maximal compression for the first couple of days.
This operation requires you to be asleep and usually takes about 1.5 hours to complete both sides. Other body-contouring operations are often done at the same time. This is done in the surgery center, and you can go home the same day.
We always show patients how to care for their scars and incisions to prevent an unfavorable scar, such as a hypertrophic or keloid scar. We advised the patient to massage this area at least 100 times a day in a firm circular motion. We advise the patients to use any moisturizing cream containing vitamin E and, if tolerated, hydrocortisone, which can help reduce the risk of an unfavorable hypertrophic scar or keloid. Vitamin E oil is also effective, but can be somewhat messy, as it is quite oily and can get on their clothing. We also advise the patient to use SPF >30 sunblock on any portion of the scar that is exposed to the sun, as this may cause the scar to become hyperpigmented. I explained that even when they are indoors or in a car, ultraviolet light can pass through into their environment, causing hyperpigmentation of the scar. So it is important to wear SPF >30 sunblock even when indoors or driving. I explained further that silicone sheeting can also be used for scar care. This can be purchased; most local drugstores offer reasonable bandages for smaller scars. Larger or longer scars may require custom silicone pads, which can be obtained from a local medical supply store or a prosthetics store. My staff will give you a brochure on incisional scar management.

Dr J and his staff look forward to understanding the details of your unique case, desires and aspirations, and to providing you with realistic, safe and attainable results that leave you looking beautiful, and truly feeling like yourself. Take the first step toward your healing or rejuvenating procedure with Dr J by filling out our contact form to request a consultation, or to inquire about any of the services we offer. We look forward to treating you!
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Dr J and his staff are committed to providing you with exceptional and compassionate care. On behalf of our entire team, we invite you to request a consultation to talk to Dr J about your goals, expectations and aspirations. We can’t wait to find out how our 20-plus years of experience in cosmetic and functional plastic surgery can help change your life, and make you a happier, healthier person.
Dr. William Jacobsen
Plastic Surgery
2525 East Arizona
Biltmore Circle, Suite C236
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602-212-0100
Fax: 602.279.1701
info@drjsoffice.com
Our Procedures & Treatments
Dr J considers every surgery an opportunity to express his vision with his patients, and believes in natural, beautiful results that leave you feeling confident and beautiful, but most importantly, feeling like yourself. From extremely rare and complex surgical cases, to cosmetic surgery, Dr J has the experience, compassion and understanding to help you achieve your surgical goals.


