Brachioplasty
Eliminate loose, sagging arm skin to achieve more toned and proportioned upper arms that you'll feel confident showing.
What is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned, contoured appearance. This procedure addresses loose, hanging skin that often occurs after significant weight loss or aging. Dr Marc Seifman's technique aims to create natural-looking results while minimizing visible scarring along the inner arm.
book a consultBrachioplasty at a Glance
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Best suited for: People with excess arm fat or skin, loose arm skin; people with lipodystrophy, lipoedema or lymphoedema.
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Recovery time: Two weeks for wound healing. Specific instructions are provided regarding limitations and recommendations for arm and shoulder movement during the first two weeks. Six weeks of no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
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Surgical Procedure: 60-90 minutes
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Commonly associated procedures: Can be combined with breast reduction, breast augmentation, brachioplasty, abdominoplasty.
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Hospital stay: Day surgery. May be longer if combined with other procedures.
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Anaesthesia: General
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Am I the right candidate for this?
You may be a candidate if you have loose, sagging upper arm skin, are at a stable weight, avoid wearing sleeveless clothing due to arm appearance, have realistic expectations, and are in good overall health. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have lost significant weight.
What is the process?
Obtain a GP referral and schedule consultation with Dr Seifman. Two detailed consultations will determine the best surgical approach for your arms. Surgery is scheduled and a cooling-off period allowed, after which a deposit is taken to secure the surgical date. Follow-up appointments at 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 weeks.
Post-operative care and recovery timeline
Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks with gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks. Specific instructions are provided regarding limitations and recommendations for arm and shoulder movement during the first two weeks. Compression garments are recommended. Manual lymphatic drainage (lymphatic massage) is recommended.
Risks and additional info
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, and asymmetry. Scar placement along the inner arm requires careful consideration. Some patients may benefit from combining with liposuction for optimal results. There may be some initial swelling of the forearms and hands. Results continue to improve as swelling resolves over 3-6 months. Dr Seifman will thoroughly discuss scar expectations and healing process.
Is this surgery right for me?
Is this treament right for me?
People who choose to have a Brachioplasty (arm lift) may have excessive amounts of skin and/or fat in their upper arm area. It can be performed in conjunction with liposuction or alone, depending on your individual needs. Dr Marc Seifman aims to help guide you on your journey from consultation to recovery.
What does the procedure
journey look like?
To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. After a second consultation and a cooling-off period of one week, if you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.
Initially, you may experience some discomfort in your arm. You may be wearing a post-operative compression garment and have instructions for medications to take at home, and exercises to perform. You should be able to go home on the same day, although this may be different if the procedure is performed in conjunction with another procedure.
You should be able to return to work within one to two weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first six weeks.
Procedure Risks
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to improve their shape and contour. In addition to general surgery risks, potential risks and complications associated with brachioplasty may include:
Wound Healing Issues:
Brachioplasty incisions are made along the inner arm, and there is a risk of delayed wound healing, wound separation, or infection. Proper wound care and follow-up visits are crucial for optimal healing.
Scarring:
Brachioplasty results in visible scars along the inner arm. The appearance of scars can vary depending on individual healing processes and proper scar management techniques.
Numbness or Sensation Changes:
Nerve injury during the procedure can lead to temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or altered sensitivity, in the treated areas.
Asymmetry or Contour Irregularities:
Achieving perfect symmetry and contouring can be challenging, and there is a possibility of uneven results or contour irregularities after brachioplasty.
Still unsure? Here are some FAQs…
Will I have drains in my arms?
Marc Seifman typically does not use drains for this procedure, although the need for drains is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If drains are used, they are typically removed on the first or second day after the operation.
What scars will I have?
There is typically a scar on the inner aspect of the upper arm, which we aim to hide as much as possible on the inner aspect of your arm. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, the scar may extend to, or slightly beyond, your elbow.