Arm lift

The upper arms, along with the breasts and the abdominal area, are certainly one of the parts of the body that women are most concerned about.

Excess skin on the upper arms can quickly prevent you from wearing your favourite dress or sleeveless shirt. It is an area that is difficult to define, especially if there is concomitant excess skin, despite regular physical activity. A procedure called arm lift or brachioplasty removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm area. The procedure rejuvenates and shapes the upper arms.

Are you a good candidate for arm lift?

Brachioplasty or arm lift is suitable for anyone who is bothered by excess, loose or stretched skin and fatty tissue in the upper arm area, i.e. the area from the armpit to the elbow.

Excess skin in this area is the result of ageing and loss of skin elasticity, or of major fluctuations in body weight. Sagging skin is primarily aesthetically unpleasant, but can also be functionally distracting causing skin irritation.

Loose stretched skin with concomitant fat accumulation can make you avoid wearing short-sleeved or strappy clothes, or feel uncomfortable in clothes that have tight sleeves. You may also have difficulty buying clothes because the sleeves are cut too tight. Excess skin can also cause problems when you are physically active, because the skin waves with your arm movements or rubs against your chest, causing pain and irritation.

What are the steps of arm lift?

The arm lift or brachioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and takes an hour and a half.

I often combine the procedure with liposuction of the upper arm, which means that I first suction out the fatty tissue from around the entire circumference of the upper arm, and then shape and contour the excess and stretched skin.

Let me describe the brachioplasty procedure in a few simple steps:

The scar usually runs along the inside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow.
You can opt for a mini brachioplasty, where the scar runs only horizontally in the armpit area. In order to decide for the mini arm lift the excess skin and fatty tissue is present only in the upper third of the upper arm.
During the procedure, I may decide to insert drainage tubes to help to heal faster. I remove them before you are discharged from the clinic.
The wound is sutured with absorbable stich and does not need to be removed.
The compression garment is applied to the upper arms immediately after the procedure.

After the procedure you will stay at the hospital for a few hours and you are usually discharged the same day with all the postoperative instructions.

Brachioplasty or arm lift, is a procedure that leaves a scar about 20 centimetres long. You should be aware that this area may be prone to more pronounced scarring. To minimise this as much as possible, a precise plan for skin and fatty excision is necessary. Additionally, a proper scar care is mandatory.

What should I expect during arm lift recovery?

As with any other surgery, also the arm lift is followed by recovery.

Following the postoperative instructions is a very important part of achieving the desired result. Beside this, it also reduces the chances of possible complications.

Some instructions to follow after arm lift:

Take painkillers as prescribed.
Wear the compression garment for three to four weeks.
You can start showering a few days after the procedure. You should remove the compression garment at this time and reapply it after showering.
You can shower through steristrips and dressing.
You can return to work two weeks after the arm lift.
Avoid major physical activity and heavy lifting of more than 3-5 kg for four weeks.

What are the risks and potential complications of arm lift?

After an arm lift surgery, like any surgical procedure, there can be potential complications that may arise.

It is important to be aware of these complications and discuss them with me before undergoing the surgery. Some possible complications after an arm lift surgery may include:

Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and may take some time to resolve.
Scarring: Arm lift surgery will leave scars, which will fade over time but may still be visible.
Numbness or changes in sensation: Some patients may experience numbness or changes in sensation in the arms, which may improve over time.
Poor wound healing: In some cases, wounds may heal poorly, leading to delayed healing or wound breakdown.
Seroma: A seroma is a collection of fluid that can occur under the skin after surgery and may need to be drained.
Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood that can occur under the skin and may require drainage.
Skin contour irregularities: Changes in skin contour or irregularities may occur, requiring additional treatment or revision surgery.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to anesthesia or other medications used during surgery.

If you follow the recovery instructions, the chances of complications are small. However, complications also depend on the surgeon's experience, the surgical technique, your condition and the characteristics of the tissue.

Arm lift can be combined with other procedures such as breast reduction or breast lift, liposuction or abdominoplasty, and is often part of the mommy makeover.

Deciding to have arm lift surgery is a big step. I am sure you have some remaining questions, concerns or doubts. I am happy to discuss them with you during the consultation and together we will find the best solution for you. To book a consultation, please click here.

Arm lift | Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is an upper arm correction and can help us to achieve an aesthetically attractive and defined upper arms that you will no longer have to hide under the loose sleeves of your clothes.

How long does the procedure take?

What is the type of anesthesia?

When are you discharged home?

When can you return to work?

When can you return to normal life?

When is it seen end result?