Brachioplasty: Addressing proportion and tone
Dr. Matthew Peters has a deep understanding of body contouring procedures and the types of challenges people face after significant life events such as massive weight loss. This page provides comprehensive information to help you understand the brachioplasty lift procedure and make an informed decision.
What is a Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and tissue from the upper arms. This procedure is often considered by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or those affected by the natural aging process, which can lead to an excess envelope of skin in the upper arm area.
Many patients seek this procedure to address concerns of proportion and tone after achieving a massive weight loss.
The motivation for my patients to undergo this procedure is often to reconcile the excess skin envelope and weighty excess tissue to the upper arm region so that they can pursue daily functional movements with greater ease and enjoy exercising again.
– Dr Matthew Peters
By removing excess skin and tissue from the upper arm region, functional concerns can be addressed, as well as changing the contour of the upper arms.
This procedure can address concerns such as:
- Excess or hanging skin and tissue in the upper arm area
- Cosmetic concerns about appearance
- Functional issues from carrying excess and lose skin, such as impeding exercise or how you wear clothes.
- Irritation and rashes from excess skin and skin folds
Is a Brachioplasty Right for You?
- Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
- Are in good overall physical and mental health
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6-12 months
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
During your consultation, Dr. Peters will assess your individual needs and discuss whether this procedure is suitable for you.
The Brachioplasty Procedure: What to Expect
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes about 2 hours depending on the extent of the procedure and if it being combined with other procedures. In very general terms, here’s what you can expect:
- Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer general anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Incisions: During a brachioplasty, Dr. Peters will make incisions on the inner or back of your upper arms, generally within the crease between the bicep and triceps muscle. The length and pattern of these incisions depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.
- Skin Tightening: Liposuction may be a technique that is used to help achieve the desired outcome.
- Closing the incisions: The incisions are closed with internal sutures, surgical tapes are applied to the wounds, and compression garments being fitted to the arms before awaking from surgery.
The length and positioning of brachioplasty scars is discussed in depth during your consultation. Scars are an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, however this procedure in particular is likely to result in a scar that is visible if wearing short sleeve clothing. While Dr. Peters uses advanced techniques to minimise scarring, you should expect scars. These typically fade and improve over time.
Have a question? Make an enquiry
Combining Procedures
In certain cases, a brachioplasty may be combined with other plastic surgery procedures. Common combinations include:
- Breast lift or breast reduction
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Combining procedures can potentially reduce overall recovery time and costs. However, Dr. Peters will discuss these options with you during your consultation, taking into account your specific goals and medical history.
View more videos via our Patient Portal
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a brachioplasty is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr. Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations.
Immediate post-op
You will need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days as a stand-alone procedure, but potentially 5 to 7 days if a combination of procedures is undertaken.
First week
Rest and limiting your movement is crucial and you will be very reliant on supports for self-care and household activities during this time. Compression garments will be worn on the arms to manage swelling.
Week 2
You will attend a review appointment with the clinic nurse for wound assessment and reinforcement of your tapes. Activity should be limited to only doing things that are right in front of you. Return to desk work and even driving may be possible, again, only if the movement can be restricted to activities that are right in front of you.
Week 3
You will attend a review appointment with a VPS clinic nurse and your tape will be removed and replaced. Activity may be increased slightly to include slowly bending down to pick things up and stretching upwards gently to put things away. On our medical advice, gentle exercise, such as walking or a stationary bike, may be reintroduced to maintain cardiovascular health.
Week 6
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse where your tape will be removed and replaced. A continue increase into load bearing activities (ie a gradual return to weight training exercises) may be reintroduced.
12 weeks and beyond
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse. Provided all is going well, you may resume normal activity.
Final results typically become apparent after several months, as swelling subsides and tissues settle.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with a brachioplasty – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering a brachioplasty, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
During an arm lift, an incision is usually made along the inside of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow. This allows Dr Peters to remove excess skin and pockets of fat before stitching the skin back together.
Brachioplasty procedures are often performed in conjunction with other body contouring procedures. Dr Peters can assess whether this is a suitable option for you in your initial consultation.
To prepare for brachioplasty, you should stop smoking, avoid certain medications and supplements that can affect your blood clotting ability, and arrange for a family member or a friend to assist you during the initial recovery period.
Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. However, the type of anaesthesia will be determined based on your health and the extent of the surgery.
The results of brachioplasty can be long-lasting. However, you should keep in mind that factors such as ageing, lifestyle, and significant weight changes can affect the longevity of the results.