Avulsion brachioplasty: technique overview and 5-year experience

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Arm contouring procedures, or brachioplasty, are increasingly popular beyond massive weight loss patients.
• Surgical techniques aim for thin, predictable scars in inconspicuous locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complication rates of brachioplasty procedures.
• To assess the incidence of minor and major complications following brachioplasty.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of consecutive brachioplasty patients over a 5-year period.
• Data collected included patient demographics, liposuction details, resected tissue weight, and complication types.
• Follow-up data on wound healing, revisions, and overall outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The study reviewed 44 brachioplasties with an average patient age of 53 and BMI of 26.
• Average liposuctioned fat was 342 ml per arm, with an average specimen weight of 90 g.
• A 50% overall complication rate was observed, including 14 cases of wound dehiscence and 9 scar revisions within one year. No major complications like bleeding or infection occurred.

Conclusions:

• Brachioplasty is a procedure with generally favorable outcomes and low rates of severe complications.
• Minor complications, such as wound dehiscence and the need for scar revision, are common (50% in this study).
• Preoperative patient counseling regarding the substantial risk of minor complications is crucial for managing expectations.