Brachioplasty in Perth (Arm Lift)

As we age and as our weight fluctuates, our arm contour can change. Sometimes, the arms excess skin can be difficult to remove through diet and exercise alone.

Brachioplasty, also referred to as an arm lift or arm reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to remove either excess fat and/or skin from the upper arm and occasionally the upper chest wall. The procedure aims to create firmer, more sculpted-looking arms, tailoring the results to each patient’s personal aesthetic preferences.

Our Plastic Surgeons performs brachioplasty surgery, or arm reduction surgery, at Rodin Clinic in Perth, understanding every patient’s needs and expectations and supporting each patient’s surgical journey, from preparation through to recovery.

Benefits of the procedure

Improving the contour of the arms, a brachioplasty surgery can remove the excess skin and prevents rashes, skin irritation and inflammation that can be a result of excess skin rubbing.

Reduces excess, unwanted skin in the upper arm area and gives arms a leaner and firmer appearance

The surgery can target stubborn fat deposits and excess skin that cannot be removed naturally.

The procedure is permanent, as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained long after recovery.

The Brachioplasty procedure steps

The brachioplasty procedure is performed as a day case, under general anaesthetic. You will be able to discuss the specifics of the procedure during your consultation, where your surgeon can outline what the most effective steps and techniques will be for your personal needs.

Generally, your surgeon will begin by making an incision either at the back of or on the inside of your arm. The incision size will vary from patient to patient, as it depends on the extent of lifting and/or skin and fat removal needed. If there is both skin and fat excess, your surgeon may recommend direct excision. This will result in a scar on the fold of the arm, extending from the elbow to armpit. When it comes to scarring, your surgeon will always aim to create the most aesthetically pleasing results possible and will make sure that you are aware of any potential scarring that could occur and where it will be located.

Alternatively, your surgeon may recommend liposuction alone if there is minimal skin laxity. Liposuction can involve smaller incisions and therefore less scarring.

Stitches are then used to close the incisions and tighten the tissue. You may also have a bandage on your arm to protect the incision site and reduce the chance of infection.

Depending on the complexity of your arm reduction surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours to perform. Once the procedure steps have been discussed during your consultation, your surgeon will be able to estimate the total procedure time.

Recovery from an arm reduction surgery can last for up to one to two weeks, with full results showing after swelling has fully subsided, which can take about one to six months.

The brachioplasty procedure is performed as a day case, under general anaesthetic. You will be able to discuss the specifics of the procedure during your consultation, where your surgeon can outline what the most effective steps and techniques will be for your personal needs. Generally, your surgeon will begin by making an incision either at the back of or on the inside of your arm. The incision size will vary from patient to patient, as it depends on the extent of lifting and/or skin and fat removal needed. If there is both skin and fat excess, your surgeon may recommend direct excision. This will result in a scar on the fold of the arm, extending from the elbow to armpit. When it comes to scarring, your surgeon will always aim to create the most aesthetically pleasing results possible and will make sure that you are aware of any potential scarring that could occur and where it will be located. Alternatively, your surgeon may recommend liposuction alone if there is minimal skin laxity. Liposuction can involve smaller incisions and therefore less scarring. Stitches are then used to close the incisions and tighten the tissue. You may also have a bandage on your arm to protect the incision site and reduce the chance of infection. Depending on the complexity of your arm reduction surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours to perform. Once the procedure steps have been discussed during your consultation, your surgeon will be able to estimate the total procedure time. Recovery from an arm reduction surgery can last for up to one to two weeks, with full results showing after swelling has fully subsided, which can take about one to six months.

What to expect during recovery

The total arm reduction surgery recovery time typically lasts for about one to two weeks, although swelling can last for one to six months. Post-operatively, soreness and swelling can take about two weeks to resolve. You may be prescribed pain medication by your anaesthetist to help make the recovery period more comfortable.

You will be required to wear compression garments over the operated area to support healing after arm lift surgery. Your surgeon will inform you on how long you will need to wear these compression garments for, as well as how to keep the incision sites clean. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about two weeks or until advised by your surgeon.

You should avoid using your arms to lift yourself up from a seated position after the procedure. Generally, you should try to rest your arms as much as possible, apart from light movements to encourage blood flow.

To help reduce swelling faster after an arm lift procedure, you can apply cold compress as often as advised. To remain as healthy as possible throughout recovery, be sure to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure can not only make recovery more efficient, but it can help you to achieve better results and maintain the results in the longer term.

Brachioplasty procedure costs in Perth

The costs of the procedure will depend on multiple factors, including total procedure time, the complexity of the surgery, anaesthesia fees, hospital fees and medication fees. You may also be asked to return to the clinic for a check-up appointment at some stage during your recovery.

Procedure costs can be outlined during an in person consultation, after all of each patient’s personal factors are thoroughly discussed. Patients can receive a personal quote, detailing the fees.

It is important to note that, since brachioplasty is typically performed for aesthetic driven reasons only, private health cover and Medicare cover will unlikely be available. Procedure fees are an important factor when it comes to deciding whether or not to undergo plastic surgery.

We recommend avoiding using previous patient’s procedure costs as a guide to estimate your own, as this can be misleading. To learn more about procedure costs and receive a personal quote, book your consultation today.

Risks and complications

There will always be a chance that complications may occur when undergoing any surgical procedure and of course brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is no exception. A qualified and experienced plastic surgeon will be trained to perform procedures in a manner that minimises serious risks. Every patient will be informed of the risks and complications of arm reduction surgery during a thorough consultation. It is very important that potential candidates for surgery disclose any previous or current health conditions, so that their subtility for the procedure can be assessed.

Minor and manageable risks of the surgery include post operative pain and swelling, which can be managed with the provided recovery instructions. Moderate to serious complications can include anaesthesia reactions, wound infection, seroma (a collection of fluid), nerve damage, blood clots, keloid scarring and asymmetrical results. It is important that any signs of complications, such as a fever, unmanageable pain or excessive bleeding from the incision site be reported to a doctor immediately.

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of brachioplasty surgery.

Brachioplasty Before and After

Brachioplasty FAQ's

We recommend recovering from an brachioplasty surgery – arm lift surgery at home, in a familiar place where you feel most comfortable. If you do elect to go away for your recovery, make sure that you can manage wound care efficiently and have someone to help you to complete daily chores that can feel more difficult straight after the procedure.

After arm reduction surgery, you may wish to take prescribed pain medication. This can be prescribed by your anaesthetist, and may be analgesic, an anti-inflammatory or a combination.

To become a plastic surgeon, you will need at least seven years of postgraduate study, with extensive training. However, under current legislation, anyone who is a doctor can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, even if they do not have the right experience needed. Our surgeons are qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, who can perform surgical procedures that can create optimal results and minimise risks.

Get In Touch with our Surgeons

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Timothy Cooper or Dr Robert Choa, get in touch with us or fill out the form below and one of our helpful staff will be in touch shortly

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