Arm Lift

An arm lift also known as an arm reduction or brachioplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the arms, reduce excess sagging skin that drops downward, tighten the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.

During a brachioplasty excess skin and fat are removed from the armpit and elbow. The remaining skin is placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look. Incision length and pattern during arm lift surgery depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your specialist plastic surgeon. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

An upper arm reduction or an arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes 90-120 minutes.

Please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and your concerns during your medical consultation. All required tests should be performed as the physician prescribes before surgery. It is vital to stop smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery because these substances have a significant adverse effect on wound healing. We recommend giving up alcohol and cigarettes for as long as possible before and after the procedure to avoid postoperative scars.

You should also avoid certain medications before the procedure. You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely discuss your expectations. Please, explain the reasons why you want an arm lift and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks, including scarring.

Arm lift results are normally long-lasting. Remember, however, your skin will naturally lose some firmness as you age and some sagging might reoccur. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help you retain your results.

During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery. A small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

During the first weeks after the surgery, avoid physical exertion or heavy lifting, as well as sauna visits, bathing, and sunbathing. It is also worth giving up drinking and smoking nicotine-containing products as long as possible. This is important because of the proper healing of wounds after surgery and reducing the likelihood of scars.

Recovery from this surgery can take one to two weeks. You should expect to feel pain and discomfort during the first week of recovery which can be managed with pain relief medication. Your consultant will recommend appropriate medication. Depending on the nature of your job, you should be able to return to work after two weeks.

You will need to wear a tight-fitting body garment for the first few weeks to support the area. You should not engage in any strenuous activities until your surgeon releases you to do so. Your scars will be permanent but will eventually fade. You should allow 9 – 12 months for your scars to flatten and lighten in colour.

It’s important to maintain an active lifestyle and eat healthily once you’ve fully healed from your surgery. It’s natural to lose some firmness as you age, however, the results of an arm lift are meant to be permanent. If your weight fluctuates, the results of your arm lift may fade.

A brachioplasty poses some risks, including scarring, asymmetry in the shape of your arms, changes in skin sensation, and problems with stitches.

Like any other type of major surgery, an arm lift risks of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

After an arm lift, contact your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, redness of the skin, and a fever.

An arm lift isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor might caution against an arm lift if you: are significantly overweight, have frequent changes in your weight, have a medical condition that interferes with wound healing, or are a heavy smoker.