Combining Brachioplasty and Other Procedures

You’ve decided to go ahead with brachioplasty, a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Since you will already be in the operating theatre, you may wonder whether other body contouring procedures can be performed at the same time.

This article explains which combinations are possible, the advantages of combining operations, the risks of doing so, and the reasons why some procedures must be staged separately.

What are the benefits of combining brachioplasty with other procedures?

There are several reasons patients may consider combining operations:

• A single recovery period instead of multiple recovery phases
• More comprehensive results in one surgical plan
• Cost savings on general anaesthesia and hospital fees
• Potentially less time away from work and other responsibilities

Examples of procedures that may be combined with brachioplasty

Patients seeking removal of excess skin may benefit from a combination approach. Below are some of the most common pairings surgeons may discuss.

Brachioplasty and Suction-assisted Lipectomy

Brachioplasty removes excess skin and some fat from the upper arms. Suction-assisted lipectomy can be performed at the same time to further refine fat reduction.
These procedures are commonly combined into one operation.

Brachioplasty and Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Some women who present with redundant upper arm skin also notice breast ptosis. Mastopexy elevates the breasts by removing skin and reshaping the breast mound.
These procedures are often staged separately for safety reasons.

Brachioplasty and Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, better-proportioned breasts. Unlike mastopexy, reduction mammoplasty alters both the shape and the size of the breasts.
Most surgeons recommend staging these operations months apart.

Brachioplasty and Gynaecomastia Surgery

Men who have undergone significant weight loss may present with excess tissue in both the arms and chest. Combining brachioplasty with gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) can achieve a firmer chest and slimmer upper arm contour.
This combination may be performed as a single operation or staged depending on patient safety.

Brachioplasty and Facial Procedures

Weight loss and ageing can lead to lax skin in both the arms and face. Options such as facelift (rhytidectomy), neck lift (platysmaplasty), and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be considered.
These procedures are usually staged separately, rather than performed on the same day.

Brachioplasty and Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty removes redundant abdominal skin and tightens the underlying abdominal wall. While many patients request both brachioplasty and abdominoplasty, these procedures are usually staged separately.

Brachioplasty and Upper Body Lift (Torsoplasty)

An upper body lift involves removing excess skin and fat from the chest, back, and flanks. Brachioplasty may be performed after the patient has healed from the torsoplasty.

Brachioplasty and Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

A lower body lift addresses circumferential skin laxity of the abdomen, flanks, and buttocks. This is an extensive procedure and is therefore typically staged months apart from brachioplasty.

Brachioplasty and Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

Patients who have experienced massive weight loss may have redundant skin of both the upper arms and thighs. Brachioplasty and thighplasty may be planned sequentially, usually spaced months apart.

Risks of combining procedures

While combining surgeries may sound appealing, there are important risks to consider:

• Longer anaesthesia time: Operations lasting longer than six hours increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular events.
• Greater postoperative discomfort: Operating on more than one major area at once can cause significant swelling, bruising, and pain during recovery.
• Increased complication rates: Risks of wound breakdown, infection, and delayed healing may rise with combined procedures.

What is the best way to combine surgeries?

The safest approach depends on your health, surgical goals, and the complexity of the procedures.

• Minor combinations such as brachioplasty with suction-assisted lipectomy are often feasible.
• Major combinations, such as brachioplasty with abdominoplasty or body lifts, are usually staged several months apart.

Staging allows safer recovery and reduces the risk of complications.

Who should not consider combined procedures?

Not all patients are suitable candidates for multiple operations at once. Contraindications include:

• Current smoking
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 40)
• Significant uncontrolled medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes

A consultation with a FRACS-qualified surgeon specialising in excess skin removal is the best way to determine if combining procedures is safe for you.

Final thoughts

Combining brachioplasty with other procedures can be beneficial in selected cases, but patient safety must always come first. For many, staging operations months apart ensures safer healing and better outcomes.

If you are interested in brachioplasty with other body contouring operations, ask your GP for a referral to Dr Bernard Beldholm, FRACS. At your private consultation, Dr Beldholm will assess your health and surgical goals to advise whether combined procedures are suitable for you.