A brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift or arm reduction, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more streamlined appearance. Soft tissue laxity in this area can occur as a result of a significant amount of weight loss, as well as the natural aging process. The results of this procedure can help patients feel more confident in their clothing, during physical activity, and in their overall appearance. A brachioplasty may be paired with liposuction of the treatment area if indicated.
Real Patient Results
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Who is a good candidate for a brachioplasty?
If you are experiencing significant loose skin and excess fat in the upper arms that is resistant to a healthy diet and exercise, brachioplasty could be the right solution for you. This surgery requires incisions that run along the underside of the arms. Although these incisions will heal and fade to a degree, patients will need to be comfortable with the fact that scars may remain visible in exchange for the benefits of improved contours. You should be in good overall health before pursuing cosmetic surgery.
What will my brachioplasty surgery be like?
Brachioplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited in-house operating facility and takes approximately 1.5-3 hours. Incisions are typically made on both arms from armpit to elbow to allow your surgeon access to the tissue to be removed. Following surgery, our attentive medical team will monitor your initial recovery in the calm, comfortable setting of our in-house recovery room. Your surgeon may ask you to stay overnight at the adjoined Parkside Hotel and will discuss this with you in advance if applicable.
How long is the recovery from a brachioplasty?
Following surgery, you and your caregiver will be given instruction on dressings, pain management, and positioning by our dedicated nurses. You will be discharged with a supportive garment or dressing in place. We will see you again in-clinic for postoperative care typically 1-2 weeks after surgery and subsequently as needed to support your recovery journey. Moderate bruising, swelling, and discomfort are normal after brachioplasty surgery. Some patients may require drains.
You must refrain from strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting (including lifting and carrying your children) for about six weeks after surgery. Most patients return to physical jobs and start to reincorporate physical activity around 3-4 weeks and gradually work up to their normal activity level. Supportive garments must be worn for at least six weeks.
As with any surgery, the healing process can vary from patient to patient and your final results will depend on many individual factors. It is important to be patient with your body; to allow yourself time to rest and recuperate and for your incisions to fully heal. Final results may not be apparent until 3-6 months after surgery.
Your Questions Answered
We strive to ensure our patients are thoroughly informed and equipped with the resources they need to make the best decision for themselves. Your consultation will include a discussion of your goals, your health history, education on your procedure(s) of interest, and a detailed explanation of potential benefits, risks, and complications. Your surgeon will also perform a full exam of the proposed surgical area. For more information, you can also review our guide to the surgical process from consultation to recovery.
Prior to booking, you should ensure you have a responsible adult available to care for and assist you 24/7 for the first 3-5 days after surgery. This includes mobility assistance, incision care, caring for your pets or children, cleaning, and preparing meals. We also recommend having someone available to drive you to your post-op appointment(s).
As with any procedure, post-operative complications after brachioplasty are rare but possible. These may include bleeding (hematoma), blood clots (PE or DVT), infection, seroma, asymmetry, contour abnormalities, delayed healing, and/or unsatisfactory scarring. Our skilled surgical team prioritizes your safety and meticulously works to minimize these risks. You may experience altered sensations such as numbness or tingling for several weeks or months, which are normal and should resolve with time.