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Arm Lift Sydney (Brachioplasty)

A loss of skin elasticity is just one of the effects of the ageing process – everyone experiences it. This combined with the effects of gravity can cause skin sagginess in key areas. One area where this can be quite significant is the skin of the arm and underarm. This is especially pronounced when significant weight has been lost. The fat decreases but the loose skin remains. This area does not improve much with diet or exercise as this won’t be able to restore skin elasticity.

An upper arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that reduces excess skin and fat in the upper arm and sometimes the underarm area too.

Arm Lift Sydney (Brachioplasty) - Dr André Safvat - Plastic Surgeon Sydney

It aims to reshape and better contour the arms, resulting in a firmer, more toned appearance. Not every arm lift requires liposuction, it’s only if excess fat is present that liposuction will also be required.

Once it’s determined that you are a candidate for an arm lift, Dr Safvat will take you through the procedure, how to prepare for it and what you can expect. Realistic expectations are essential before undertaking any type of surgery.

Brachioplasty Technique

Brachioplasty is done under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital. Dr Safvat only works with highly trained anaesthetists accredited with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

Depending on skin tone, and the area with the excess skin and fat, the incisions usually extend from the armpit to the elbow and can be concealed when the arms are held against the body. They may also extend into the armpits. A full-length incision is not always necessary. Dr Safvat will discuss how long the incisions need to be during your consultation.

The entire procedure takes around three hours to complete and usually won’t require an overnight stay in hospital.

Arm Lift Recovery

Following your procedure, a compression garment will also need to be worn for four to six weeks to alleviate swelling and accelerate healing.

Arm and shoulder movements may be limited for up to a week post-surgery as the skin stretches and settles into its new shape. Any activities that involve your arms should be postponed for one to two months, giving the arms the chance to fully recover. Patients should aim to spend at least a week at home after surgery and will need someone to assist them for several days due to the limited range of movement.

Pain medication can be used to make your recovery comfortable and antibiotics will need to be taken to prevent infection.

Arm Lift FAQs

What should I do before arm lift surgery?

Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after any surgery. Dr Safvat insists that his patients stop smoking at least 4 weeks before their surgery.

Also, the best results are achieved if a patient’s weight is stable and they are near their ideal body weight. Brachioplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.

There may also be certain medications and supplements that will need to be cut out in the weeks leading up to your surgery. This will be discussed during your consultation.

What is the cost of arm lift surgery?

In some cases, arm lift surgery has an item number and patients will receive a rebate from Medicare and their health fund. If the patient qualifies for the item number, the hospital costs are generally covered by their private health fund. However, it does depend on the patient’s level and type of cover. There are stringent guidelines from Medicare as to whether a patient qualifies for an item number or not. This will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Safvat. There are several factors that determine the final cost of an arm lift, including the surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees.

When will I see the final results of my arm lift?

Brachioplasty is a procedure that requires patience because the final results can take several months to become visible. Most patients can see the final results of their arm lift after six months. During this time, your scars will also continue to heal but these can take up to two years to fade. Fortunately, any scarring is naturally concealed when your arms are by your side. The only time that scarring might be visible is when exercising or raising the arms. With the right scar management, scarring can be kept to a minimum.

What are the risks associated with a brachioplasty procedure?

There are some general risks that are associated with any type of surgery that Dr Safvat will take you through during your consultation, infection being one of them. There are also a few risks that are specific to brachioplasty. Scarring, asymmetry in the shape of the arms, changes in skin sensation and problems with stitches can all occur. If temporary numbness does occur, it generally returns within a few months, so this is not a cause for concern. Dr Safvat will also take you through any risks that are related to your medical history or lifestyle that you should be aware of.

Can I combine an arm lift with other cosmetic surgery procedures?

Arm lifts are generally undertaken to reverse the effects of weight loss and age. This means it’s usually paired with similar procedures that combat the same effects. Arm lifts can, in some cases, be paired with tummy tucks, breast reductions or thigh lifts. It’s also important to remember that not all procedures can be performed at the same time. Dr Safvat will determine whether it’s viable to perform all the procedures you have in mind at the same time.