Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Sculpt your Dream Barbie Arms

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic procedure for body contouring that eliminates excess drooping skin and fat from the upper arms. Typically conducted under general anaesthesia, it is preferred by those who have undergone considerable weight loss or have experienced a decline in skin elasticity due to aging.

The Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) at West Bay Medicare focuses on eliminating excess skin and contouring the underlying fat to expose a more defined arm silhouette, also known as "barbie arms".

It helps improve tone and definition in your upper arms by:

Reducing pockets of fat.
Removing excess skin.
Tightening supportive tissue.
Smoothing over remaining skin.

Who may benefit from this procedure?

You will benefit from brachioplasty (Arm Lift) surgery at West Bay Medicare if your upper arms are drooping or sagging. This area may take on a batwing-like appearance with a flap of skin that hangs down when you raise your arms.

This may occur due to:

Changes in skin elasticity that occur with age.
Losing a lot of weight with or without obesity surgery and upholding a healthy lifestyle.
Having certain genetic factors that cause your skin to sag.
Lymphedema – a chronic condition causing localized swelling.

Can exercise serve as an alternative to brachioplasty surgery?

Exercise, particularly resistance exercises such as weightlifting, enhances the muscle tone in the upper arms. However, exercise cannot firm up sagging skin. Following an arm lift, adopting these healthy practices can assist you in preserving optimal results for an extended period.

What are the risks of brachioplasty?

In general, brachioplasty is a safe procedure. However, every surgical procedure carries risks.

Your risks are influenced by your age, the weight you've lost, and any other health conditions you might have.

Consult our Plastic Surgeon regarding the risks relevant to your situation.

Possible risks can include:

Trouble with wound healing.
Infection
Extra bleeding
Damage to lymphatic tissue. This may cause swelling in your arm that may be permanent.
Damage to nearby nerves. This can cause short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent) numbness.
Complications from anaesthesia
Pain that doesn't go away
Blood clots, such as in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
Skin looseness that comes back repeatedly

The surgery might not yield the outcome you desire. You might require an additional surgery to enhance the shape of your upper arm.

You will have a noticeable, significant scar on your arm due to the surgery. The scar might require time to completely diminish and it might remain thick.

How do I get ready for a brachioplasty?

First, you should ask our Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon if this surgery is right for you.

If you have certain health issues, the risks of the surgery may outweigh the benefits.

The plastic surgeon at West Bay Medicare wants to make sure that you have a realistic idea of the results of surgery. You will also need to commit to a healthy lifestyle and maintain a stable weight and stay generally fit.

Treatment Details

What happens during an arm lift (Brachioplasty) procedure at West Bay Medicare?

If brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery at West Bay Medicare is right for you, here's what to expect:

Before the surgical procedure, our Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon will conduct a full assessment to determine your eligibility.
The Anaesthesiologist will evaluate you at least 2-3 days before your planned procedure to confirm your eligibility for general anaesthesia, as your safety is our main concern.
During the procedure, you will receive medication to stay comfortable. This may include general anaesthesia, which puts you to sleep and blocks sensation.
The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon makes an incision on the inside or back of your arm. The size of the incision depends on how extensive the procedure is.
The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon removes excess skin by cutting it away and, sometimes, excess fat by using liposuction.
They use stitches (sutures) to tighten supportive tissue.
Before completing the procedure, surgeons close the incision with sutures. They also bandage your arm with sterile gauze to reduce the risk of infection.

What is the outcome of brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?

After your procedure, bandages protect the incision while it heals. You wear a snug-fitting sleeve (compression garment) to minimize swelling. There may be tiny tubes under your skin to drain excess fluid.

Arm lift recovery also includes:

Follow-up consultation with the Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon to assess the wound and change bandages.
You might be advised to do some elevation on pillows as necessary.
Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet, which promotes healing.
Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a period of recovery.
Wearing a compression garment for several weeks.

How soon will you notice results?

You'll notice changes in the shape and tone of your upper arms immediately after surgery.

Longer-term changes include:

Swelling and bruising, which may subside in a few weeks.
Scars may fade somewhat but never fully disappear.
Some recurrent looseness.
Sagging can occur naturally with further aging.