Brachioplasty and Axillary Restoration with Treatment Algorithm for Brachioplasty

Abstract

Surgical planning for upper extremity contouring must consider several important anatomic features. The location and extent of skin excess must be assessed, the quality and tone of the skin must be addressed, the amount of fat present must be determined, and the interface between the arm, axilla, and chest wall must be visualized. Many methods of upper extremity contouring have been described, including resection brachioplasty [1–8], liposuction-based techniques, and combination procedures, but none is completely satisfactory for all deformities. The surgical approach must be tailored to the individual patient based on the surgeon’s analysis of the aforementioned anatomic considerations. The unresolved problems of brachioplasty techniques include postoperative residual contour deformities, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, and patient dissatisfaction with scar location.