Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Whether it is a result of weight loss or the natural ageing process, changes to the upper arm can affect a woman’s appearance. Loose skin and fat accumulations can lead to a feature that can make you feel uncomfortable in sleeveless clothing. This is not typically an issue that responds to exercise and diet, leaving surgery as the best option for reversing the sagging that happens over time.

Dr Teston performs surgical brachioplasty ( arm lift) procedures for women that would like to restore the profile to the upper arm. This procedure can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient in order to produce the best possible outcome. Results of a brachioplasty (arm lift) are permanent, as long as you stick to a healthy weight after your procedure.

Before a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Dr Teston may recommend a brachioplasty (arm lift) to correct any of the following issues:

• Isolated fat pockets interfering with the contour of the arm
• Loose, hanging skin that is the result of weight loss or the ageing process
• An upper arm that makes you feel uncomfortable in some clothing
• Changes to the upper arm that don’t respond to strength training and other types of exercise

Dr Teston will evaluate your concerns, your desired results, your current health status and your history to determine whether a brachioplasty (arm lift) will be safe and effective for you.

During a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Dr Teston will perform your brachioplasty (arm lift) in an accredited hospital using general anaesthesia. She will make an incision underneath the arm that extends from your armpit to your elbow. Through the incision, Dr Teston removes the excess skin and tissue to create a firmer profile to the upper arm. In some cases, lipoplasty (liposuction) may also be used during the procedure to remove isolated areas of fat.

You may need one night in the hospital after your procedure under the watchful eye of an attentive nursing staff. This step can ensure a safe start to your recovery process and minimise the potential for complications. You will also return to our office a number of times after your procedure so that we can monitor your progress and prevent any problems before they might begin.

After a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Swelling and bruising are common after a brachioplasty (arm lift), which can be managed with oral pain medication, ice packs, and elevating the surgical area as much as possible. You will also be placed in a compression garment that will help reduce the swelling. Recovery from a brachioplasty (arm lift) may take a number of weeks, as the incision can take some time to heal fully. You will likely return to most of your activities within two weeks, but heavy lifting and exercise will be restricted longer.

Your results will become fully apparent after swelling and bruising subside and the arms heal completely. Your results will last for many years, as long as you don’t gain a significant amount of weight in the future. There is no avoiding the visible scar, but this will fade over time and become less noticeable.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of brachioplasty include:

• Risks of anaesthesia, including allergic reaction, which rarely may be fatal
• Surgical risks, such as bleeding or infection
• Blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
• Collapsed lung
• Fluid build-up under the wound
• Tissue death along the wound, or skin loss
• Sensory nerve damage – which may cause prolonged or permanent numbness in the upper arm or even in the forearm
• Prolonged swelling
• Damage to underlying tissues such as muscles
• Asymmetry or unevenness of the skin
• Unsightly, inflamed or itchy scarring
• Further surgery to treat complications

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. You need to speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

If you would like more information about this surgery or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about the Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) procedure was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.