Shoulder lift (brachioplasty)

A shoulder lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure aimed at eliminating excess skin and fatty tissue in the shoulder area. It is relevant for patients experiencing sagging skin after significant weight loss or due to age-related changes. The procedure helps restore the contours of the shoulder, making it more toned and aesthetically pleasing. Like any surgical procedure, a shoulder lift has its own risks and nuances.

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What is brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is a modern surgical method aimed at correcting the appearance of the shoulders. The purpose of this surgery is to eliminate laxity, excess fat deposits and improve the contours of the arm.

The main goal of the techniques is to achieve a harmonious and natural appearance of the hands. Each technique has its own advantages and can be recommended depending on the anatomical features and wishes of the patient.

The main brachioplasty techniques include:

  • Transaxillary technique It involves a small incision in the armpit area, making it ideal for those with slight excess skin. The advantage of this technique is that the scar remains virtually invisible since it is hidden in the natural fold of the armpit.
  • Classic with S-shaped slit Allows you to correct a large area of skin by making an "S" shaped incision from the elbow to the armpit.
  • T-shaped technique Used to correct significant ptosis and sagging arms. The suture after surgery resembles the shape of the letter “T”, but with regular wound care, massage and laser therapy, it becomes less noticeable.
  • Brachioplasty combined with liposuction The method involves not only removing excess skin, but also removing excess fat.
  • Liposculpture The essence of the technique is to correct the relief of the arms using the patient’s own fat cells.
Indications

An arm and shoulder lift is a procedure that allows you to correct the appearance of the upper arm. It is prescribed to eliminate a number of aesthetic problems that may arise for the following reasons:

  • Age changes. With age, the skin on the hands loses firmness and elasticity, which leads to sagging
  • Consequences of weight loss. A sharp decrease in body weight leads to the formation of excess skin on the hands, which creates an unaesthetic appearance
  • Changes in muscle structure. In some cases, after loss of muscle mass, for example due to prolonged inactivity or certain diseases (such as neuromuscular disorders, cachexia, muscle atrophy), the skin of the shoulders may sag
  • Fat deposits. Even with optimal physical activity, some people may develop localized fat deposits on the shoulders that are difficult to remove through exercise and diet

A shoulder lift can be performed either alone or in combination with other types of plastic surgery.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to perform a shoulder lift if the following contraindications exist:

  • Bleeding disorders, which may increase the risk of bleeding
  • Heart disease
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Infectious processes in the body
  • Skin problems at the site of the proposed intervention, including inflammation and lesions
  • Oncological diseases
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You should also understand that plastic surgery is not only aspects of beauty, but also health. Therefore, before undergoing surgery, a thorough medical examination and consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary.

General information about the procedure

Preparation and procedure

Plastic surgery requires complex preparation. It includes:

  • Diagnostics. It is necessary to take blood, urine and ECG tests to ensure that there are no contraindications to surgery
  • Consultation with a surgeon. At this stage, the doctor studies the anamnesis, individual characteristics of the patient, discusses expectations with the patient and talks about possible correction methods
  • Body markings. Immediately before the operation, the surgeon makes the necessary marks on the skin, determining the area of ​​intervention

The operation is performed in a hospital setting. Since general anesthesia is used, the patient is advised to come to the clinic on an empty stomach. The procedure lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the volume of correction and the chosen technique.

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Main stages of the operation

  1. Preliminary liposuction. If there is a need to remove fat deposits, liposuction is performed before the upper arm lift. Using thin cannulas, the doctor removes excess fat in specific areas of the upper arm.
  2. Marking. Depending on the individual characteristics and wishes of the patient, different marking techniques can be chosen. Most often, the marking is on the inside of the arm, but sometimes it can have an elliptical shape. The main thing is that the incision is hidden and minimizes the visibility of the scar
  3. Suture. Once the excess skin and fat have been removed, the incision is sutured. The deep layers of skin are brought together to minimize tension on the superficial layers and to ensure a neat scar
  4. Completion of the procedure. In some cases, drains may be placed after the surgery to remove excess fluid, which are removed the following day

Then comes the rehabilitation stage, which lasts about two weeks. You can return to an active lifestyle only a month after the procedure.

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Rehabilitation after brachioplasty

The recovery period after surgery includes:

  • Wearing a compression sleeve for four weeks. This product reduces swelling, protects sutures from damage and promotes proper scar formation. When combining brachioplasty with other methods, such as lipofilling, the sleeve helps hold the tissues in the desired position
  • Constant medical supervision. It is advisable to be under the supervision of doctors for the first day after surgery. After returning to your normal lifestyle, it is recommended to regularly visit a doctor for examinations, dressings and, if necessary, removal of stitches
  • Limitation of physical activity. In the first two weeks, it is worth minimizing arm activity, and in the following months, carefully monitor the loads
  • Abstain from visiting baths, saunas and solariums for two months
  • Accounting for possible side effects. After the procedure, swelling, pain, bruising or temporary loss of sensitivity are acceptable. In most cases, these effects disappear by the end of the first month of rehabilitation
  • In addition, to maintain the results of the operation, it is important to control your weight. Sudden changes in body weight can negatively affect the effect of the procedure

After the rehabilitation period, sometimes more dangerous complications arise. Among them:

  • Seam divergence
  • Asymmetry of arm volume
  • Sensitivity disorder

With timely access to a doctor, most complications can be successfully corrected.

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Expected results after brachioplasty

Most patients expect the surgery to correct sagging skin and create a harmonious contour of the arms so that they can wear short-sleeved clothing without feeling constrained.

The first positive changes are noticeable immediately after the operation, but full recovery and final formation of the contour will take time. Do not worry about temporary swelling, which can last for about a month - this is a natural reaction of the body to surgery.

The effectiveness of brachioplasty lasts for about 8-10 years, after which, if necessary, a repeat procedure can be performed. Following the doctor's recommendations and taking care of your body will allow you to maintain the results for many years.

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Our doctors

Adamyan Ruben Tatevosovich
Experience 40 years
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Adamyan
Ruben Tatevosovich
Deputy Chief Physician for Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgeon
Meloyan Mkhitar Misakovich
Experience 39 years
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Meloyan
Mkhitar Misakovich
Plastic surgeon
Gulyaev Igor Valerevich
Experience 22 years
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Gulyaev
Igor Valerevich
Plastic surgeon
Mitoyan Ruzanna Esaievna
Experience 14 years
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Mitoyan
Ruzanna Esaievna
Plastic surgeon
Telnova Galina Sergeevna
Experience 8 years
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Telnova
Galina Sergeevna
Plastic surgeon
Mithish Elena Valeryevna
Experience 15 years
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Mithish
Elena Valeryevna
Surgeon
Kapitanova Yulia Dmitrievna
Experience 8 years
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Kapitanova
Yulia Dmitrievna
Plastic surgeon
Volenko Ivan Alexandrovich
Experience 14 years
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Volenko
Ivan Alexandrovich
Surgeon-oncologist-mammologist, plastic surgeon
Sinanyan Ariana Mushegovna
Experience 3 years
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Sinanyan
Ariana Mushegovna
Plastic surgeon
Korenevich Oleg Sergeevich
Experience 8 years
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Korenevich
Oleg Sergeevich
Plastic surgeon
Djamilov Sherali Radjabalievich
Experience 9 years
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Djamilov
Sherali Radjabalievich
Surgical oncologist, mammologist, reconstructive plastic surgeon
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Reviews 10

I thank Galina Sergeevna from the bottom of my heart, because with her sensitive but firm hands my long-time dream came true! Without a second's hesitation, I trusted a wonderful specialist and a very pleasant person, and received the nose of my dreams. I thank you immensely!!
10.06.2025
Ya. Suzanna Lvovna
When I first thought about hair transplantation, I had many doubts and questions. I heard various stories - from successful to not so much. However, my intuition told me that it could change my life for the better, and I decided to have this procedure. The process was not as scary as I imagined. Alexander Gulyaev did everything carefully and thoroughly. I felt like I was in good hands. The first few days after the operation were a little uncomfortable, but this is completely natural. At first, I came to Alexander Gulyaev for injections once a week, then once a month, once every 2 months. And now, almost a year later, I look in the mirror and see a completely different person. Not just new hair, but a huge boost of confidence. The smell of fresh air for my well-being! Who would have thought that a hair transplant could be not only a physical but also an emotional transformation? I would advise everyone who is thinking about such a procedure to take a step forward. It is really worth it!
01.05.2025
Mikhail N.
Very good clinic, wonderful, friendly staff! I had an appointment with Gulyaev Alexander Valerievich and was extremely satisfied! We communicated with Alexander Valerievich more than once during the initial appointment and further consultations. Since I am a very scrupulous person, it was difficult for me to choose a clinic for transplantation. Alexander Valerievich was always friendly, explained everything clearly and in detail. The procedure itself was stress-free, calm, with conversation. Visually looked 15 years younger
25.04.2025
Denis V.
I turned to Aleksandr Valerievich for help with eyebrow transplantation. Appearance is very important for women and the choice of a doctor was very tough. But, after the initial consultation, I had no doubts. He explained everything in great detail, reasonably relieved my fears, and also answered my questions after the procedure. The result exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Aleksandr Valerievich!
23.04.2025
Natalia K.
Thanks to the reviews on the site, I went to have surgery with Ivan Aleksandrovich. I confirm every kind word about him. He is a great professional in his field. The suture looks very neat and aesthetically pleasing, he preserved the shape and volume of the mammary gland, despite the fact that he had to remove a fairly large part. The doctor inspires calm, confidence and a positive attitude. Ivan Aleksandrovich is very caring towards patients. You will definitely not feel embarrassed or afraid. Everything is very comfortable, professional and somehow very sensitive in a human way. A great doctor and person!
07.04.2025
F. Svetlana
I had bald spots on my bangs since childhood, and about 5 years ago I thought about a transplant, read about different methods and, as a result, the results, recently hair transplantation in Turkey has begun to gain popularity - I read, weighed the pros and cons. I analyzed the market in Moscow, found a clinic on recommendation where Alexander works, held a meeting - received detailed information and a description of my case. One clinic indicated 3500 FUE, another 4800 grafts. Alexander indicated that there is no point in doing more than 2800 grafts (FUE), i.e. the issue of profit and earnings was not in the first place. The choice was obvious. The operation went off without a hitch, Alexander masterfully conjured over the head, the assistant girls constantly encouraged and communicated. From the very first week, regular relief of the patient's condition and well-being, ozone weekly, after 3 months they began to inject vitamins. And the complexity of my case is that the hair is light (blond), thin and low hair density. After 5 months the result is super: clear contour, density, absence of any hints of hair loss of transplanted hair. I definitely recommend it!
21.03.2025
Oleg T.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my doctor, Alexander Valerievich Gulyaev, for the excellent result! I came to him with a problem of hair loss. 3,000 grafts were transplanted. The result after 5 months was already amazing! Many thanks for the professionalism in the operation and advice on maintaining the result. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the doctor is always in touch and, either himself or through the clinic staff, always answered all questions.
14.03.2025
Vladimir A.
Проходила операцию по поводу фиброаденомы молочной железы у Ивана Александровича, и он впечатлил меня на всех этапах: от диагностики и консультации до подготовки к операции и внимательного наблюдения после неё. Его аккуратность в перевязках, готовность помочь и внимание к восстановлению — это настоящий эталон для врача. Операция была проведена настолько профессионально и ювелирно, что иногда даже другие врачи не могут сразу найти шов! Огромная благодарность! Если вы выбираете врача, могу смело рекомендовать Ивана Александровича.
02.03.2025
Софья К.
Уважаемый Шерали Раджабалиевич! Огромное спасибо за быстрое, четкое и безболезненное удаление фиброаденомы из груди. Все прошло очень быстро и психологически комфортно, после операции я даже не потребовала обезболивающих. Вы внимательно и чутко отнеслись к моим просьбам, и я безмерно благодарна за то, как гладко прошел весь процесс. Шов получился аккуратный, ровный и зажил без проблем. Два разных врача на перевязках сделали комплимент вашему мастерству! Желаю вам всего наилучшего и удачи в вашей работе!
20.02.2025
Екатерина Ч.
Рак правой молочной железы — операцию проводил Иван Александрович. Это действительно врач от Бога, с золотыми руками! Работа на высшем уровне, швов почти не видно, все сделано ювелирно. Он очень внимателен, даже когда был уставшим после нескольких операций, приходил в палату по несколько раз, чтобы узнать, как я себя чувствую. Желаю, чтобы таких врачей было больше!
15.02.2025
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