BODY CONTOURING

Arm Lift

Brachioplasty, commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging skin in the upper arms. This condition typically results from natural ageing or significant weight loss. Excess skin and fat can lead to both aesthetic and functional concerns and are often accompanied by stretch marks, which may also be removed during the procedure.

BRIEFLY

Duration of procedure

Procedure time
1-2 hours

Type of anesthesia

Anesthesia
General or sedation

Hospital stay days

Hospital stay
1 night

Return to work after surgery

Back to the office
7-10 days

The Procedure

Brachioplasty involves the removal of excess skin and subcutaneous fat from the upper arm area. The incision is strategically placed along the inner surface of the arms to ensure minimal visibility, and the wound is closed using internal dissolvable sutures. The procedure generally lasts approximately two hours and can be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the case.

Brachioplasty Recovery

  • In most cases, an overnight stay is not required, and patients can return to their daily activities within a week.
  • Strenuous manual work should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
  • Swelling and bruising are common but gradually subside over time.
  • Wearing a compression garment for a month post-surgery aids in better and faster healing.
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Arm lift (brachionoplasty) scar

Brachioplasty Scar Placement

The incisions for brachioplasty are made along the inner surface of the upper arms and are fine and elongated. Ιn certain cases, the incisions may extend toward the armpit and lateral chest wall.

  • Over time, the scars improve significantly in appearance.
  • The use of silicone gels or dressings can greatly enhance the final appearance of the scars.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

What You Need to Know

When excess fat is present along with loose skin, liposuction can be combined with brachioplasty for a more harmonious aesthetic outcome. In some cases, liposuction is used to facilitate a less invasive and bloodless skin separation. Your plastic surgeon will assess your individual case and recommend the best approach.

Possible complications include haematoma, seroma, wound separation, and temporary numbness in the area. Healing-related complications, such as hypertrophic or keloid scarring, may also occur but can be managed with targeted treatments.

While initial results are visible immediately, the final outcome stabilises within 3-6 months as swelling subsides and scars mature.

The results are permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Although natural ageing affects the skin, it will not lead to the same degree of sagging as before the surgery.

Non-invasive methods, such as radiofrequency and ultrasound-based treatments, may improve skin firmness in mild cases. However, they are generally not effective for significant skin laxity.

The cost of brachioplasty varies depending on the extent of the concern and the surgical interventions required. The final price is determined following a clinical assessment.

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