Brachioplasty
WHAT IS A BRACHIOPLASTY?
Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing unwanted skin, and in some cases fat, from between the armpit and elbow. The surgery aims to reshape the upper arm to create a more toned appearance.
This surgery may be considered if you have lost significant weight and have loose hanging skin on the upper inner arm.
THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and may take up to 3 hours. The length of the surgery will depend on the amount of tissue removed and whether or not additional procedures such as other body contouring surgeries are performed.
The procedure involves liposuction to the inner arm and then excision of the skin/ fat to preserve lymphatic flow and sensation. Scarring can be prominent on the posterior aspect of the arm and occasionally requires steroid injections if it becomes raised red or thickened.
Brachioplasty surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital. The procedure requires a 1-2 day hospital
stay.
RECOVERY & HEALING
The recovery time can vary significantly from person to person, but the general rule, however, is that you should allow 4-6 weeks for recovery following your surgery.
The surgery will result in some visible scars on the inside of your upper arm, running from your armpit to your elbow. Although the scar may fade significantly with time, it may always be visible.
It’s important to understand that an arm lift is not a weight loss procedure and it should not take the place of a healthy diet and exercise regime. Having a brachioplasty will not stop your upper arms from sagging if you gain and lose a large amount of weight in the future.
BENEFITS OF A BRACHIOPLASTY
- Firmer, more toned-looking upper arm area
- Prevents rashes, skin irritation and inflammation that can be a result of excess skin rubbing
MEDICARE CRITERIA
The Medicare item number is 30171. We encourage our patients to check with their health fund that they are covered before their consultation/surgery.Â
You may be able to claim a rebate from Medicare and your health fund for an armlift if:
- You have lost a significant amount of weight – it must be at least 5 BMI pointsÂ
- Your weight has remained stable for at least 6 months
- You experience persistent skin rashes or excoriation that has not responded to medical treatment
- You have excessive skin that interferes with your daily activities
With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery. Â
Some risks and complications specific to genaral surgery may include:Â
- Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusionÂ
- Wound infection (treatment with antibiotics may be needed)Â
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutionsÂ
- The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgeryÂ
- Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threateningÂ
- Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)Â
- Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetesÂ
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesiaÂ
Specific risks and complications associated with arm lift surgery include:Â
- Visible and prominent scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. These scars are raised, red and thickened, and may form over healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health. These scars may restrict the clothing you can wearÂ
- Numbness around operated sites. In most cases, this is temporary and will improve over many monthsÂ
- Skin that does not heal and may require a skin graftÂ
- Restrictive movement to the tightened skinÂ
- Excess fluid accumulation under the skin (known as a seroma) around an operated site that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needleÂ
- Fat that has a poor blood supply may result in a discharge from the surgical wounds or palpable lumpsÂ
Dr Kirstin Miteff will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation.Â
