What is Arm Reduction Surgery?

This procedure involves the removal of excess skin from the upper arms, which can result in a more defined arm contour.

Reasons to Consider an Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery is a good choice for patients who have met their weight goal and maintained it for more than 12 months. In some cases, liposuction is used in conjunction with arm lift surgery to reduce localised pockets of fat from the underside of the arm. This option is particularly useful for patients with reduced skin elasticity. 

Brachioplasty Expectations and Outcomes

As the procedure is highly individualised, your Dr Turner will plan a treatment that best suits your needs and is within the safe limits of the operation. Our team will talk with you about your expectations from the surgery and discuss the potential outcomes, along with the risks of the operation and any possible complications.

Arm Lift Procedure

The surgical incision is placed along the inside of the arm, and may extend from the elbow into the armpit, depending on the individual case. Occasionally in weight loss patients, the incision may extend down onto the lateral chest wall to address further skin laxity. Scarring on the arm is inevitable but will fade over time. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and requires an overnight stay in hospital.

Potential Risks and Complications

Modern arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur. Specific risks and complications associated with arm lift surgery include the possibility of visible and prominent scars, numbness around the operation sites, and restricted movement of the tightened skin. For more general and specific risks and complications of arm lift surgery, please click here to download.

Arm Lift Recovery

Dressings will be placed over the incisions, and a compression garment is worn to minimise swelling and support the arms in healing. A small drainage tube may be placed under the skin temporarily to drain any excess fluids that may collect in the surgical site.

Patients usually return to normal activities around two to three weeks after surgery. Strenuous activity including exercise, swimming, sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. Our team will regularly consult with you to ensure your health and wellbeing during your recovery period.

After recovery, some individuals may experience a change in how their arms feel and choose to wear different styles of clothing based on personal preference

Contact Dr Turner’s office to book a consultation with our brachioplasty surgical team to learn more about the arm reduction techniques that will suit you.

Read further information about arm lift surgery and the brachioplasty procedure on the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons' website here