Brachioplasty | Arm Lift Surgery | Dr Turner Platic Surgeon

What Is Brachioplasty?

As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can lead to sagging in various parts of the body, including the upper arms. For many people, this sagging can cause discomfort, chafing or irritation, particularly during physical activities. Similarly, individuals who have undergone significant weight loss may find that they are left with loose skin that no amount of exercise can tone. Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure focused on the upper arms, aiming to remove excess skin and fat to create a more toned appearance.

Types of Arm Lift Procedures

There are several types of brachioplasty procedures, each tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The choice of procedure depends on the extent of skin laxity and the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Standard Arm Lift

The Standard Arm Lift is suitable for addressing moderate to severe sagging skin in the upper arms. This procedure involves incisions that usually extend from the armpit to the elbow along the inner arm, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat. It is the most common type of brachioplasty performed by Dr Turner and is particularly effective for patients who have loose skin from aging or moderate weight loss.

Extended Arm Lift

An Extended Arm Lift is advised for patients with substantial skin laxity that extends beyond the arms onto the chest. This requires longer incisions that may continue along the side of the chest, often combined with a breast reduction procedure to achieve comprehensive contouring.

Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty

Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty combines arm lift techniques with liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits. This procedure is beneficial for patients who have good skin elasticity but struggle with localized fat accumulation in the upper arms. By removing excess fat, this method enhances the overall aesthetic results of brachioplasty.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Brachioplasty Surgery?

Suitable candidates for arm lift surgery should meet the following criteria:

Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of body lift surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure. Dr Turner does not perform brachioplasty surgery on patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30.
Non-smoker:Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before surgery.

Benefits of Brachioplasty Surgery

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery is designed to reshape the upper and is most effective for individuals with a stable weight who have already explored non-surgical options, such as diet and exercise, to address their concerns. Dr Turner’s brachioplasty procedures in Sydney provide several aesthetic and functional benefits that go beyond improving the appearance of the arms:

Enhanced Comfort: Removing excess skin can reduce chafing and irritation, particularly during physical activities.
Improved Proportions: The procedure creates a more balanced arm contour, enhancing overall body symmetry.

Improved Mobility: Excess skin can sometimes restrict arm movement. Brachioplasty can make daily activities and exercise more comfortable.

Arm Lift Surgery: What to Expect

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a complex procedure performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 1.5 to 2 hours, and generally you are discharged the same day.

The surgery involves carefully placed incisions, typically along the inner arm, designed to minimize visible scarring. The length and placement of the incisions depend on the type of brachioplasty being performed. The standard arm lift requires a longer incision extending from the armpit to the elbow along the inner arm. For an extended arm lift, the incisions may continue along the chest wall to address more extensive skin laxity.

During the procedure, excess skin and fat are carefully removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to achieve smoother contour. If necessary, liposuction may be performed to address stubborn fat deposits, further refining the arm’s shape. The incisions are closed with internal dissolving sutures and specialised compression dressing is applied to promote optimal wound healing.

After the surgery, compression bandages are applied to reduce swelling and support the newly contoured arms. Patients are required to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks to minimize swelling and aid in the healing process.

Recovery After Brachioplasty Surgery

Recovering from brachioplasty involves several stages and requires strict adherence to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Turner to ensure optimal healing and results.

Rest & Elevation: Rest is essential during the first week of recovery. Keeping your arms elevated while resting or sleeping helps minimize swelling. Most patients can return to their usual sleeping positions after two weeks, though using pillows to support the arms can provide extra comfort.
Post-Operative Dressings: Brachioplasty sutures are often self-dissolving, so they won’t need to be removed. Specialized dressings will be applied to support the incisions, and Dr. Turner will replace them at your follow-up appointment.
Compression Garments: A surgical compression garment must be worn full-time for the first month to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Incision Care: Proper scar management is essential for optimal healing. Scars from brachioplasty typically mature over three years. Dr. Turner recommends a protocol including silicone scar therapy and, if necessary, laser treatments to improve the appearance of scars.
Medications: You will be provided with antibiotics and pain medication to manage discomfort and reduce infection risk during the first week of recovery.
Normal Activities & Exercise: Most patients can resume light activities within two weeks. However, strenuous exercise, especially upper body weights, should be avoided for three months.
Follow-Up Appointments: Dr Turner recommends regular follow-ups to monitor your progress. Appointments are scheduled at one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year to ensure your recovery is on track and results are satisfactory.

By following these comprehensive post-operative guidelines, you can maximize your recovery and achieve the best possible outcome from your brachioplasty surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. While every effort is made to minimize these risks, they can still occur even with the highest standard of medical care.

It’s essential to fully understand these risks, which will be discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr. Turner.

Scarring: Visible scarring along the incision lines is common, although scars typically fade over time. In some cases, scars may remain more prominent or raised (hypertrophic scars or keloids).
Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites, requiring antibiotics or, in rare cases, additional surgical intervention.
Sensation Changes: Some patients may experience numbness or altered sensation in the upper arm and chest area, which may be temporary or permanent.
Asymmetry: Slight differences in abdominal contours or the positioning of scars can occur. Revision surgery may be needed to address significant asymmetry.
Delayed Wound Healing: Incisions may take longer to heal, especially in individuals who smoke (including vaping) or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Blood Clots: There is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Bleeding or Hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may require additional surgical intervention.
Anaesthesia Risks: General anaesthesia carries potential risks, including adverse reactions or complications.
Unsatisfactory Results: While every effort is made to achieve the desired outcome, the results of surgery may not meet all expectations.

It’s important to approach surgery with a clear understanding of these risks and realistic expectations for the outcome. Dr. Turner and his team are committed to providing comprehensive pre-operative education and post-operative care to minimize complications and support a smooth recovery.

Cost of Brachioplasty in Sydney

The cost of brachioplasty varies based on several factors:

Surgeon’s Fees: Based on experience and expertise.
Hospital Costs: Including anaesthesia and facility fees.
Procedure Type: Standard or extended brachioplasty.

On average, the total cost for brachioplasty surgery in Sydney can range between $9,000 and $25,000.

Dr Turner’s fees:

Patients seeking a standard brachioplasty

Privately Insured – $11,000
Uninsured – $18,000

A formal quote will be provided after your consultation with Dr Turner that gives a better estimate of costs involved in your planned rhinoplasty procedure

Sydney, Australia Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

What Is Brachioplasty?