What is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
This surgery is generally aimed at individuals, who have experienced weight loss or a decrease in skin elasticity and firmness in the upper arms, resulting in the presence of loose, excess skin.
Dr Gary Kode is our specialist for this procedure.
Reasons Why Patients Might Consider Arm Lift/Brachioplasty Surgery
Some of the potential reasons for Arm Lift Surgery include;
- Appearance: Reduces excess skin in the upper arm area, resulting in altered arm contour.
- Alter Mobility: By eliminating excess skin and tissue, arm movement may become more comfortable and less restricted.
- Address Skin Irritation: Brachioplasty surgery can help to alleviate skin chafing and irritation caused by excess skin rubbing against clothing.
- Complement Weight Loss: For individuals who have achieved significant weight loss, a brachioplasty may help complement the weight loss results..
- Results: The results of Arm Lift surgery are generally long-lasting, especially when supported by a healthy lifestyle.
It is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if Arm Lift surgery is the right option for your specific needs and goals.
Risks and complications of Arm Lift/Brachioplasty
Risks and Potential Complications of Arm Lift Surgery, include;
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Poor Scarring
- Delayed Wound Healing
- Skin Sensation Changes
- Skin Discoloration
- Asymmetry
- Nerve Damage
- Scar Migration
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Anesthesia Complications
- Unsatisfactory Results
It is essential to discuss these risks and potential complications with your plastic surgeon during the consultation and carefully weigh them against the expected benefits of the procedure. Your surgeon will provide personalized information and guidance to help you make an informed decision.
To get more information on the risks and potential complications of surgery visit our dedicated risks page..
What to expect during Brachioplasty/Arm lift Surgery?
Although the exact details of the procedure will vary from patient to patient the steps of the procedure are generally as follows;
Anesthesia
This surgery is preformed while the patients are under general Anesthetic. General Anesthesia will be administered by a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist who will track the patients vitals (heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels) during the procedure.
Incision
The surgeon makes incisions on the inner or backside of the upper arms. The location and length of the incisions may vary depending on the extent of skin laxity and the surgical technique your surgeon uses.
Removal of Excess Skin
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon carefully excises the excess skin. This process involves precise surgical techniques to create a change in the shape of the arm. The surgeon may also address any underlying fat deposits or weakened supportive tissues to further alter the arm’s appearance.
Liposuction (Optional)
In some cases, Liposuction may be combined with brachioplasty surgery to remove stubborn fat deposits and achieve a more comprehensive results.
Liposuction involves the insertion of a thin, hollow tube called a cannula, which is used to suction out excess fat from the targeted areas.
Incision Closure
After the excess skin is removed and any necessary adjustments are made, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions using sutures or other closure techniques. The incisions are meticulously closed to minimise scarring and ensure proper wound healing.
Dressings and Compression Garments
Post-surgery, the patient’s arms are gently wrapped with bandages and/or compression garments to support the healing process and minimise swelling.
The use of compression garments can also help improve the skin’s adherence to the new arm contours and reduce the risk of fluid buildup.
After Surgery
After the surgery, patients are provided with detailed post-operative instructions and are closely monitored during the healing process. The surgeon and their medical team work together to support the patient throughout their recovery journey, to help provide the best possible outcome and a high level of patient satisfaction.
Remember
It’s important to note that brachioplasty surgery is a personalised procedure, and the specific techniques and incision patterns used may vary depending on each patient’s unique anatomy and surgical goals.
Recovery From Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Surgery
Recovery after Brachioplasty surgery is a crucial phase in achieving the desired results and ensuring a smooth healing process. Below are some key points to consider during the recovery period:
Immediate Post-Operative Care
- After the surgery, patients will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area.
- Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort during the initial days.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising are common after Brachioplasty surgery and can take several weeks to subside. Elevating the arms and applying cold packs can help reduce swelling.
Compression Garments
Patients are typically advised to wear compression garments on their arms. These garments provide support, reduce swelling, and aid in the healing process.
These specially designed garments are typically made of elastic fabric and are specifically tailored to fit the arms snugly. They provide gentle and consistent pressure to the treated area.
The length of time for wearing compression garments varies based on individual healing rates and the surgeon’s recommendations. Typically, patients are advised to wear the garments continuously during the initial weeks following surgery and then gradually transition to wearing them during the day only.
The surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to wear and care for the compression garments.
Restricted Activities
During the initial phase of recovery, patients should avoid any strenuous activities that may strain the arms. It’s essential to follow the surgeon’s guidelines on movement and exercise to prevent complications.
Incision Care
Proper incision care is crucial in order to promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Keep the incisions clean
- Follow your surgeons instructions
- Avoid immersing in water
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Monitor for signs of infection
- Be gentle
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.
Physical Activity
Patients are gradually allowed to resume light physical activities as per the surgeon’s advice. However, more intense exercises and heavy lifting may need to be avoided for a few weeks to protect the incisions and ensure proper healing.
Patience and Recovery Time
Each individual’s recovery rate varies, and it is essential to be patient and allow the body sufficient time to heal fully. Rushing the recovery process can lead to complications.
Diet and Hydration
Following a nutritious diet and staying adequately hydrated can promote healing, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration. Water helps flush out toxins, aids in digestion, and supports tissue healing.
Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Proper nutrition provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein that your body needs for the healing process.
Its also important to minimise the consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary drinks. These items can contribute to inflammation and may slow down the healing process.
Excessive salt can lead to fluid retention and swelling. Try to limit your sodium intake by avoiding heavily processed and salty foods.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair the body’s ability to heal properly. It is best to avoid these habits during the recovery period.
Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions
Adhering to the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon is crucial for a successful recovery. Patients should not hesitate to reach out to their medical team if they have any questions or concerns during the healing process.
Minimising Scars After Surgery
Brachioplasty Surgery, like all surgical procedures, will leave scars. The incisions for Brachioplasty typically run from the armpit to the elbow, either on the inside or the back of the arm. Naturally, some patients may be concerned about visible scars after the surgery.
Experienced surgeons take great care in placing the incisions to minimise scarring. Additionally, surgical scars usually fade over time. The complete maturation of scars can take around 12-18 months, though this timeline can vary from person to person.
If you are worried about scarring, there are treatments available to aid in healing and minimize the appearance of surgical scars. Healite II Technology, Fraxel Laser treatments, and Dermapen are among the options that may help with scar healing and reduction. Consulting with your surgeon will provide further guidance on scar management tailored to your individual needs.
Arm Lift Surgery Melbourne Cost How much is Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery Melbourne?
Your Plastic Surgeon can offer you a price range for your surgery depending on the type of procedure, hospital and how long you stay in the hospital.
At your initial consultation, your surgeon will also give you a quote detailing the costs for your chosen procedure. This will include a Surgeon’s fee, Anesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and hospital fees, as well as, any other out of pocket cost like compression garments.
An approximate out-of-pocket expense for your arm lift surgery can be provided over the phone when you speak to a Patient Care Advisor.
We also provide information on Medicare Cover (where applicable) and Private Health Insurance. We also have information on different methods of payment.
Why Choose Us?
Our surgeons are Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeons with the appropriate qualifications and recognised associations, including:
- FRACS – Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- ASAPS – Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
- ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- ISAPS – International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
They operate in accredited hospitals.
Corrective Surgery can be extremely costly, painful and does not guarantee the results you originally wanted as not everything can be fixed.
Further Reading Medical References
Disclaimer
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