Modified Fish-Incision Technique in Brachioplasty: A Surgical Approach to Correct Excess Skin and Fat of the Upper Arm (Restoring the Armpit Contour)

Abstract

Brachial ptosis is one of the consequences of massive weight loss. At an early stage, brachial ptosis can be corrected by liposuction, dermolipectomy and liposuction, or minibrachioplasty while the most advanced stage requires extended brachioplasty. Since brachioplasty was first described, various techniques have been proposed in the management of upper extremity contour deformities. Modifications to the original technique were mainly made to shape arm contour, to obtain good morphological reconstruction with attention directed toward improving and refining the resulting scar. We describe a modified approach to the “fish incision” technique defining a preoperative marking procedure that permits the reduction of overcorrection problems to reshape and improve the contour of the armpit with camouflage of scar sequelae. Our modifications to the original technique focus on incision placement along the medial bicipital groove and armpit, based on the the drawings of the tails following dynamic lines of the armpit contour established by the underlying muscles. We drew the tails slightly with a 60° angle between the tails and the width depending on patient’s arm contour and on the excess of the skin in the armpit to be removed. The modified technique has obtained satisfactory results for patients and may be considered as a new surgical approach in the management of brachial ptosis.

Level of Evidence IV

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