Dr. Catherine Bergeret-Galley

Catherine Bergeret-Galley is one of the few female plastic surgeons in Paris. She is married, with three children. Dr. Bergeret Galley is passionate about her work in plastic and reconstructive surgery. "Enhancing, and making patients more attractive is my goal. I take the time to listen to their deepest concerns, to evaluate the defect they are worried about and often see as a handicap. I want to enhance the lives of my patients.

I started training as a plastic surgeon during my internship in 1984, first in general surgery, then specializing in cervico facial surgery, microsurgery, plastic and reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, both in France and in the United States." More...

Address: 36 rue Penthièvre, 75008, Paris
Telephone: +33(0)1 42 89 62 02

ARM LIFT (brachioplasty)

Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift reshapes the portion of the upper arm, from the axilla region to the elbow or below. Skin laxity in this region can cause aesthetic prejudice and functional awkwardness (to get dressed for example). When liposuction alone is not enough, it is then necessary to remove the excess skin and retighten it, especially in post obesity aesthetic sequellae.

THE PROCEDURE OF THE ARM LIFT

Precautions

Avoid taking aspirin for fifteen days prior to surgery. Fasting may be recommended depending on the type of anesthesia.

The operation of the arm lift

Surgery will be done using general, local anesthesia, eventually combined with intravenous sedation. Hospitalization may last few hours, but you may have to stay overnight. Surgery lasts a couple of hours on average.

Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon's preference, and may extend from the axilla to the elbow or below (vertical incision). If fat is to be reduced during your brachioplasty, it will be excised or treated with liposuction. The surgeon can also combine two types of incisions vertical and horizontal in the axillary region. This will allow a shorter scar on the internal face of the arm.

Postoperative care after the armlift procedure

Swelling and bruising may occur, but will disappear progressively over the fifteen days following surgery. Any postoperative pain is treated with analgesics. Depending on the patient's profession, the surgeon may prescribe sick leave. The patient must avoid any stretching movement that could affect the area as it heals for 3 – 4 weeks. Exercising and normal activity can be resumed one month after surgery, as baths and swimming.

The complications of a armlift

As with any surgery, complications are possible but extremely rare (infections, anesthesia problems).
The complications with surgery are always possible even if they are exceptional (infection, anaesthetic problem).
Specific complications:

• Fluid accumulation, and seroma is the axillary region
• Hematoma
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation normally temporary
• Bad scarring which can be treated

The results of the armlift

The smoother, tighter contours that result from your brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately after surgery. Imperfections may occur, such as unfavourable scarring. Liposuction can also at times produce irregular surfaces or insufficient enhancement. All these imperfections can be corrected with secondary surgery, but only after six months. Your new, shapely and toned upper arm is dramatically improved both in appearance and texture (more firm).This is however a highly individual operation, and only after a consultation with dr Bergeret, is it possible to tell you what is the best solution for you.