Arm lift (Brachioplasty)

People who consider brachioplasty often report drooping or sagging upper arms. This can occur due to age-related changes in skin elasticity or from losing a lot of weight.

You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if:

• You maintain a stable and healthy weight.

• You are generally healthy.

• You do not smoke, or can stop smoking around the time of surgery and wound healing.

• You have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

• You are accepting of a long and visible scar, in trading for a better arm contour.

In planning for your surgery:

• Consultation
  You will meet Dr Law in consultation. The consultation will begin with a conversation about your goals and expectations. Please feel free to be as detailed as possible, and bring any questions you may have. The procedure will be explained in detail - covering what it can and cannot achieve. Dr Law will also discuss the surgical process, possible risks, and complications. To ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your decision, a second consultation will be arranged before proceeding with surgery. This gives you the opportunity to ask additional questions.

• Smoking
  Please stop smoking as soon as you are able to, as smoking increases the risk of complications from surgery. If possible, please stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.

• You will be given instructions ahead of time regarding fasting, medications, and other practical information.

On the day of surgery:

• You’ll meet with a nurse, who will assess your health.

• The anaesthetist will meet you and confirm your anaesthesia plan to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

• Dr Law will see you to confirm the procedure again, take photographs, and draw markings on your skin to guide surgery.

Brachioplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation.

After careful assessment of your situation, Dr Law will select the procedure that will offer you the most benefits. Broadly speaking, brachioplasty may involve the following:

• If your skin is firm and the main concern is excess fat, liposuction alone may be enough. This is done through small incisions under general anaesthetic.

• If you also have loose skin, surgical excision will be required. This may involve:

  • A small incision in the armpit.

  • A longer incision along the back of the arm (sometimes extending to the elbow).

• Wherever possible, scars are placed in natural folds to minimise visibility.

• Liposuction is often used alongside excision to smooth out the contours.

Dr Law will give you personalised instructions to follow after your surgery. Please also note that recovery can vary between individuals. But in general after a brachioplasty:

• You’ll wake up in the recovery area before going to the ward. It’s normal to feel a bit groggy at first. If you have pain or nausea, tell the nurses so they can help.

• Your arms will be dressed with paper tape and supported by a compression garment, which you’ll need to wear day and night for four weeks.

• Your arms will feel sore, especially with movement, but this usually improves quickly over the first few days.

• Some patients have drains placed during surgery, which are usually removed the next day. In some cases, they may stay a bit longer if more fluid needs to drain.

• You’ll see Dr Law’s team to have your dressings removed and wounds checked. Stitches dissolve on their own. You will also have appointments to see Dr Law.

• Swelling and bruising are normal and will settle over time.

• Depending on how you’re healing, you should avoid exercise for four weeks and wait about six weeks before returning to full activity.