It’s that time of year when we start thinking about the warmer months and with it, summer clothing, which typically involves sleeveless outfits. Do you wish you could wear whatever you like, but you are too afraid to due to how your arms look, or the wobble that they make when you lift them? If the appearance of your arms impacts the style of clothes you would love to wear then brachioplasty surgery could be an option.

In this article we explain the surgery that can correct sagging upper arms and give your arms a more toned appearance.

Why Consider Brachioplasty Surgery?

Excess skin and fat on the upper arms may be a result from bariatric (weight loss) surgery, significant weight loss through diet and exercise or following pregnancy. It has the potential to cause skin irritation, infections and issues with hygiene.

Brachioplasty surgery involves removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arms to give your arms a tighter and more toned appearance. This surgery is best considered when your weight has been stable for at least 3 months. In appropriate patients, liposuction can be used as an adjunct to the brachioplasty procedure. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation. Your surgeon will also explain the extent and length of the scars and that a wedge of skin and fat tissue will be removed to optimise the contour of the upper arm.

The Surgery Explained

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic administered by Specialist Anaesthetists in an accredited hospital. The incisions are placed on the inside of the arm extending from the armpit to the elbow.

The internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and there may be a small number of external skin stitches. At the completion of surgery, a waterproof dressing is applied which is suited to showering and a compression garment applied to minimise soft tissue swelling.

Following Surgery

You will need to be patient following the surgery as you will need to rest while the soft tissue swelling subsides and the healing process is complete. To minimise bruising and optimise healing, you should keep your arms elevated on pillows for one week.

Driving a motor vehicle should be avoided for two weeks following surgery. Physical activity such as walking for exercise can commence three weeks after surgery, progressing to running at six weeks and normal exercise including swimming at eight weeks. It is important to avoid upper arm trauma from being knocked or hit accidentally for six weeks after surgery. Return to work can be anticipated after two to three weeks.

Next Step

If you are considering brachioplasty surgery and have questions you would like to ask or if you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140, click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your expectations in regard to the surgery.