Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Sydney

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery

The ideal candidate for arm lift surgery, is someone that has undergone significant weight loss. When weight is lost, you will experience a reduction in fat. However, skin has a limited amount of ability to contract around the smaller arm. Therefore, the skin starts to sag and hang from the body, and the arm is a common area of concern.

Also, with the passage of time skin loses its elasticity and naturally becomes saggy. Lifestyle and genetic factors all play a significant role

Your Consultation With Dr Dona

Dr Dona and our team, understand that your first consultation can be a little nerve-racking. Understandably, you may be feeling excited and a little nervous all at the same time but let us assure you, that you will feel nothing but welcome and supported during your first visit with us. During your consultation with Dr Dona in Sydney, you will both discuss and create a tailored surgical plan to suit your unique requirements.

Preparation For Brachioplasty  Surgery

Prior to your surgery, you will see Dr Dona to revisit your surgical plan and to discuss any additional questions that may have come to mind after your consultation. In addition to meeting with Dr Dona again prior to your surgery, our amazingly friendly team which includes our senior nurses, are always available to answer any question you may have.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgical Procedures

A number of options are available to restore a more flattering contour to your arms. Dr Dona will advise you on which arm lift option will be best suited to address your concerns.

‘Scarless’ Arm Lift (Liposuction)

Liposuction alone may be helpful for people with mild to moderate excess arm tissue. This decision can only be made after a careful evaluation of your concerns. Patients often request liposuction to be performed on the arms, as minimal scarring is associated with liposuction. However, a scarless arm lift (liposuction) can only remove excess fat and does not remove excess/droopy skin on the upper arm.

Arm Lift – Minimal Incision

A Minimal incision arm lift involves making the surgical incisions where the inner, upper arm joins the armpit. This type of arm lift surgery is considered only if there is a small amount of excess skin located near the armpit.

Traditional Arm Lift (Full Brachioplasty)

A brachioplasty is best suited for most patients that have lost a significant amount of weight. During a traditional arm lift procedure, incisions are made on the inside of the upper arm. The excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, and your skin is then tailored and closed using several layers of internal stitches. The end result is a smooth, defined and contoured arm.

Can I Combine Arm Lift Surgery With Other Procedures?

Arm lift surgery is often combined with a breast lift in patients that have undergone massive weight loss and have found that both their arms and breasts are quite droopy after losing a lot of weight. An advantage of combining breast lift surgery with an arm lift is that the scar from the Brachioplasty continues down to join the Breast Lift scar (Mastopexy). Contouring and tightening skin from the upper arm, down through the armpit region, whilst lifting and reshaping the breasts.

For the right patient, Dr Dona may also combine surgical procedures in similar areas of the body, that are of concern to the individual. Patients may opt to combine Breast Surgery or a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) with Arm Reduction Surgery.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery Recovery

Following your surgery, we are with you every step of the way, to ensure that your recovery is as comfortable as possible. Your post-operative plan will be very detailed and will involve two weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our amazing nursing team, that will continue for a minimum of three weeks at our practice in Bella Vista, Sydney

The best possible surgery needs the best possible aftercare, and we are always striving to deliver this to all our clients.

Unlike most clinics, we integrate the latest technology light-based therapy into your post-operative wound healing journey. Light therapy is designed to expedite the healing process by way of helping your body reabsorb fluid faster and to reduce inflammation. Given that swelling and inflammation are the main cause of pain, you will find your post-surgery recovery far more comfortable. In addition, light therapy will promote healing cells, used to mature your surgical scars much faster thus, providing the best possible scar formation.

When Can You Expect The Final Results?

While there will be some swelling and bruising, the results of your new trim and toned arm will be apparent almost immediately after your surgery. However, it will likely take up to six months after your surgery, for swelling to fully settle. This is when you would be able to fully appreciate the new you.

Possible Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)  Surgery Complications

Whenever someone is having an anaesthetic, no matter what it’s for, then things can potentially go wrong. That is why no surgery should be considered “minor”. Of course, whilst the chances of the following potential problems occurring are extremely small, you still need to know about then:

• Anaesthetic issues – which can affect heart, lungs or cause strokes
• Allergic reactions – This can be very mild to life threatening.
• Clots
  • Superficial vein clots, which is a complication of the cannula or drip that’s placed in your vein
  • Deep vein clots – these can potentially spread to the lung and be life threatening. We do several things during surgery and after surgery whilst you’re in hospital to minimise the risk of you developing these.
• Wound problems – such as infection and breakdown
• Bleeding – early or late
• Death – whilst the chances of this is exceeding rare, any of the previous issues can result in this devastating complication.

All these potential problems are standard for any operation, although some operations and some patients have an increased risk of developing them.

Other specific potential complications may include: 

Asymmetry– Differences between the right and left arms or unevenness of the skin. 

Swelling– Swelling after Brachioplasty surgery is normal. However, in some cases, the swelling may take several months to resolve. 

Loss of Sensation– You may experience a loss of sensation around the scars on the upper arm or even in the forearm, which typically subsides over several months. 

Scars – May appear to be worse during the first six months of healing. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for brachioplasty scars to become quite thick and dark – keloid scar formation is common. Very occasionally, a scar revision surgery is required. 

Circulation– Circulation may be poor in some areas of the skin around the surgical area. This may lead to a loss of skin and a wound that needs to be dressed until healed. 

Seromas– A seroma is where fluid builds up under the wound. If this occurs, it may need to be drained with a needle. 

Will Medicare Or Health Insurance Cover Arm Lift  (Brachioplasty) Surgery Costs?

Brachioplasty is an elective surgical procedure. In patients experiencing significant amounts of excess skin, Brachioplasty surgery may be partially covered by Medicare and your health insurance. Dr Eddy Dona will advise whether this applies to you during your initial consultation.