Loose arm skin can hinder mobility and cause rashes, rubbing, and discomfort.
If you want to reduce arm skin and fat, our specialist surgeons at Body Contouring Surgery Clinic can perform arm lift surgery (Brachioplasty). In addition to trimming off the loose skin, we also perform arm liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) using VASER technology.
This page covers everything you need to know about brachioplasty surgery, including:
- What is an arm lift (Brachioplasty)?
- Can I have an arm lift (Brachioplasty) and liposuction(suction-assisted lipectomy)?
- Who is a good candidate for the surgery?
- Are there different types of brachioplasty?
- Is the surgery risky?
- What happens during the brachioplasty operation?
- What is recovery like?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- How do I choose an brachioplasty surgeon?
- Answers to frequently asked questions about brachioplasty surgery
What is Brachioplasty Surgery?
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a body contouring procedure that removes fat and excess skin from elbow to armpit. It is commonly done on patients who have loose arm skin due to ageing or weight loss.
Brachioplasty with Liposuction (Suction-assisted lipectomy)
During a standard arm lift (brachioplasty), a surgeon cuts off the redundant skin and any fat that is attached to it. However, we have found that many patients benefit from combining an brachioplasty and liposuction (Suction-assisted lipectomy).
Brachioplasty Candidates
Many people develop loose skin in the upper arms due to ageing, genetics, or weight fluctuations. You may be a candidate for an arm lift (brachioplasty) if your excess arm skin and fat bother you. The ideal candidate is an individual who does not smoke. Realistic expectations are a must. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not eligible for cosmetic surgery. To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Body Contouring Surgery Clinic today.
Types of Arm Lifts (brachioplasty)
The two types of brachioplasty. The technique depends on where you have excess skin and fat. Our surgeons will tailor the surgery to your particular needs.
Standard Brachioplasty
Traditionally, an brachioplasty removes lax skin and fat from beneath the upper arms. Our surgeons typically make a vertical incision from elbow to armpit.
Extended brachioplasty
If you have lax skin on your upper arms and the sides of your chest, an extended arm lift (brachioplasty) might be right for you. This technique produces a longer scar than the traditional brachioplasty.
brachioplasty Risks and Complications
For patients who do not smoke, brachioplasty are generally considered a good procedure. However, no surgeon can eliminate all risks. Our surgeons at Body Contouring Clinic will review your medical history to ensure you do not present with factors that might increase your chance of complications.
Before agreeing to undergo the operation, they will tell you about the possible risks that can occur, including:
- Seroma
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Asymmetry
- Blood clots
- Haematoma
- Tissue necrosis
- Irregular scarring
- Poor wound healing
- Pulmonary embolism
- Prolonged nerve damage
- Dissatisfaction with results
- Cardiac or respiratory issues from anaesthesia
The Surgery: What happens during the brachioplasty operation?
Before your operation starts, a licensed anaesthetist will administer general anaesthesia. You will not feel any pain during your brachioplasty. The surgery takes three to four hours on average.
If you are having a liposuction-based Brachioplasty, your surgeon will perform the liposuction (Suction-assisted lipectomy) initially. They will inject tumescent fluid into the arm to isolate the fat cells, then insert the liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) cannula. VASER liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) works by cavitating the fat cells through ultrasonic vibration. This causes the cell to burst. They will remove the liquefied fat through a thin, hollow tube that is hooked up to a suction device on low power.
After removing the excess fat, they will make a vertical incision on the upper arm. The incision runs from the elbow to the underarm. Our surgeons make every effort to produce the finest surgical scar possible so it won’t detract from your results. Next, they will measure and mark your skin. They will carefully trim off the loose skin and close the incision in layers. Our surgeons will apply a PICO wound dressing. Unlike a bandage, the PICO dressing applies negative pressure to the wound, which accelerates the healing process.
Brachioplasty Recovery
You will feel groggy when you wake up in the recovery room. While it is possible to return home the same day as your brachioplasty, our surgeons typically advise an overnight hospital stay. Someone will need to be present to drive you home once you leave the hospital.
You can have a bird bath the day after your procedure. Take care to avoid getting the PICO dressing wet. Due to the swelling, your hands will likely be swollen and may feel like boxing gloves for the first seven days. You may need assistance getting dressed until you can use your hands comfortably.
Approximately a week after your surgery, your chaperone will drive you back to the office so your surgeon can remove the PICO dressing. They will replace the dressing with Hypafix tape, which can get wet. At this point, you can have a proper shower.
At two weeks post-op, you should start to feel more like yourself. You can now partake in light exercise. Working, running, and vigorous exercise can begin at around four weeks post-op. The swelling should continue to subside with each week that passes.
Three months after the surgery, most patients are back to their normal daily activities without restriction. The brachioplasty scar should start to fade at six to 12 months post-op. The tissues will continue to relax and soften during this time.
Brachioplasty Results
After a brachioplasty, it takes time for the swelling and scarring to fade. You should see your final results at 12 to 18 months post-op. Once healed, your upper arms should appear slimmer and tighter than they did before your surgery. Our surgeons will see you at regular intervals to ensure you are healing as expected. They will also take photos so you can compare your before-and-after arm lift (brachioplasty) results side-by-side.
If you are interested in seeing brachioplasty results on real patients, call Body Contouring Surgery Clinic to schedule your private consultation today. We’ll show you how patients look before and after surgery to give you an idea of what a brachioplasty can do for you.
Schedule Your Consultation for an brachioplasty with a Surgeon at the Body Contouring Surgery Clinic Today
If you feel ready to take the next step and learn more about what an brachioplasty can do for you, call 1300588494 now to connect with a compassionate surgeon who cares about giving you the best experience and results possible.
Brachioplasty FAQs
The brachioplasty operation usually takes three to four hours. The time spent in the operating room depends on the extent of skin removal and whether liposuction is added to your procedure.
Swelling is a normal side effect of surgery. Swelling can make your arms and hands feel firm and tight after a brachioplasty. Don’t be alarmed. Your hands should begin to look and feel less swollen at around seven days post-op.
Most patients feel comfortable enough to drive a car two to three weeks after brachioplasty surgery. You will need a ride home once you’re discharged from the hospital. Someone will also need to drive you to and from follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
Most patients return to work within two to four weeks after brachioplasty surgery.
Our surgeons make a vertical incision from the elbow to the axilla. They aim to make the surgical scar as discreet as possible so it won’t be readily visible to others when your arms are down at your sides. If you raise your arms, the scar will be apparent.
The scar should begin to fade at six months post-op. The scar will continue to remodel for 12 to 18 months. Mature patients may notice the scar redness fading sooner than younger patients.
All surgery leaves scars. The scar should eventually fade to a fine line. The scar is considered permanent. Laser treatments and prescription scar gel may help arm lift scars fade faster, but they will always be visible if you look closely. If you have a history of keloid scarring, let your surgeon know during your consultation.
Maintain a steady weight with diet and exercise to prevent fat from returning.