Brachioplasty Procedure: What it is, Surgery Prep, Risks, and More

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm. Many patients consider this operation after significant weight loss or due to age-related skin laxity. This article explains who may be a candidate, how to prepare, possible risks, and what to expect during the consultation, surgery, and recovery.

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Disclaimer: Adult content, Results vary, seek 2nd opinion, Surgery has risks – See full disclaimer

Who is the surgery for?

Brachioplasty is typically performed to remove loose skin and excess fat that extends from the elbow up to the armpit. This concern can arise after massive weight loss, natural ageing, or as a result of genetics. Patients who have persistent arm skin excess despite healthy diet and exercise may consider this procedure.

Candidacy and medical considerations

Brachioplasty is not appropriate for everyone. Patients who have lost large amounts of weight are usually advised to maintain a stable weight for at least six months before surgery. Good overall health is essential. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, severe asthma, cancer, obesity, or immune disorders may make surgery too risky. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also exclusion factors. Smoking is strongly discouraged because it increases complications and impairs wound healing.

Getting started: How to find out if brachioplasty is right for you

Step 1: GP referral

Since July 2023, patients in Australia seeking cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures must first obtain a referral from their general practitioner. Your GP will review your medical history, provide support if you are still working towards your weight loss goals, and assess your suitability. They may also discuss whether surgery is an appropriate next step.

Step 2: Consultation with a specialist surgeon

The next step is a detailed consultation with a surgeon who performs brachioplasty. During this meeting, the surgeon will review your goals, examine your arms, and outline the surgical options. Pricing, expected recovery, risks, and outcomes are all discussed in detail so you can make an informed decision.

Costs and price quoting

After your consultation, you will receive a tailored price quote by email. The surgeon fee typically begins from $6,490 but varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of tissue to be removed, and whether the skin excess extends onto the side chest wall. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are billed separately. Your total cost will depend on the length of the procedure, the number of nights spent in hospital, and the complexity of the surgery.

Risks and possible complications

All surgery carries risks, and brachioplasty is no exception. While serious complications are uncommon, it is important to understand the possible outcomes. These may include:

• Infection or wound separation
• Prolonged pain or delayed recovery
• Bruising, swelling, or nerve changes such as numbness or tingling
• Blood or fluid collections (haematoma or seroma)
• Skin necrosis or wound-healing issues
• Asymmetry or scarring that is longer or more prominent than expected
• Poor scarring, such as hypertrophic scars, which may require revision
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia or medications
• Blood clots or pulmonary embolism (rare but serious)
• Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results

Most complications are minor and can be managed with follow-up care. Your surgeon will review your medical history to reduce risks as much as possible.

Safety measures and follow-up care

Brachioplasty should be performed in an accredited private hospital with a licensed anaesthetist. Strict sterile protocols are used to lower the risk of infection. Patients are provided with twelve months of follow-up care to monitor healing and support recovery. Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions is essential to minimising complications.

Preparing for brachioplasty surgery

Before surgery, you will be given specific preparation guidelines, which often include:

• Booking your surgical date and arranging time off work
• Preparing meals and organising household support for the early recovery period
• Completing requested medical tests or lab work
• Arranging for transport to and from hospital
• Packing a hospital bag, as most patients stay one night
• Avoiding blood-thinning medications, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements

The day of surgery

On the day, you will check into hospital, meet your anaesthetist, and review your incision plan with the surgeon. General anaesthesia is used. The typical steps include:

• Pre-operative marking of incision lines
• Positioning on the operating table with arms supported
• Infiltration with tumescent fluid to assist with fat removal (VASER liposuction may be used)
• Incision along the inner arm, usually from elbow to armpit
• Removal of excess skin and underlying fat
• Closure of the wound with layered sutures
• The same steps are repeated on the opposite arm

Recovery and aftercare

Hospital stay

Most patients stay at least one night in hospital. A friend or family member will need to collect you upon discharge.

Early side effects

Swelling, soreness, bruising, numbness, and tingling are expected. The hands may feel puffy or heavy due to swelling. If unusual symptoms occur, patients should contact the surgical team promptly.

Drains

Drains are not routinely used but may occasionally be required to remove fluid for a short period.

Compression garments

Patients are fitted with a firm compression garment to reduce swelling, support tissues, and aid healing.

PICO dressing

Negative pressure wound dressings (PICO) are applied for the first week to improve wound healing and reduce fluid build-up. These are replaced with adhesive tape dressings after removal.

Physical activity

Light activities such as walking are encouraged early, but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and overhead arm movement should be avoided for about four weeks. Most patients return to work and driving within two to three weeks, depending on recovery. Full activities including gym exercise typically resume by one to three months.

Results and long-term expectations

Initial improvements are visible within weeks, but swelling may take three to six months to settle. Scars mature over 12 months, and final results should be assessed at that time. While brachioplasty can significantly improve arm contour, ageing and weight fluctuations can influence the long-term appearance. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight is the best way to preserve results.