Egypt, J. Plast. Reconstr. Surg., Vol. 43, No. 2, July: 165-170, 2019
Exaggerated Distal Medial Arm Depression after Brachioplasty:
A Newly Described Post-Brachioplasty Deformity and a Modification
of Major Brachioplasty Operation to Prevent it
SHERINE M. ABOUL FOTOUH, M.D. and NAHED SAMIR, M.D.
The Department of Plastic, Burn and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
ABSTRACT
Background:
The dramatic progress in the surgical treat-
ment of obesity increases the demand for post-massive weight
loss (MWL) corrective operations including brachioplasty.
We describe a post-brachioplasty deformity not yet been
described in the literature. There is a naturally located antero-
medial depression of the distal third of the arm. This depression
is exacerbated after brachioplasty resulting in contour deform-
ity. A suggestive modification of major brachioplasty operation
to avoid this deformity is also studied.
Patients and Methods:
This is a prospective study of 15
MWL patients, 39-54 years old with advanced upper arm
sagging reaching the elbow. As a modification of major
brachioplasty, a triangular dermofat flap is created and buried
under the depression of the distal third of the arm aiming to
restore the roundness and firmness of this part. Pre- and post-
operative photographs are taken. Follow-up period ranged
from 6-12 months.
Results:
No contour deformity was recorded. Complication
rate was 10% in the form of delayed healing of one axilla and
hypertrophic scars of both sides in another patient.
Conclusion:
This modification is useful especially for
thin and elderly patients who are most likely exposed to this
unacceptable deformity.