Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Return your upper arms to their firmer, sleeker selves.  Arm lift surgery can have dramatic results and renew your confidence.

What is an Arm Lift?

Arm lifts are now routinely performed as cosmetic surgery procedures abroad.  Many people find that with ageing and particularly after drastic weight loss they have loose, sagging skin and tissue underneath their upper arms.  Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, can return the upper arm to a firmer, sleeker altogether more youthful look. 

The surgery, which emerged as a distinct technique in the last 1960s, is designed to remove excess skin and underlying fat from the upper arms.  It sometimes involves liposuction as well.  Arm lift surgery can have dramatic results and most people undergoing the operation feel comfortable being able to wear short-sleeved clothes again without feeling self conscious. 

The arm lift is a much requested intervention and is often a good option for those who have tried dieting and exercise but with little lasting effect.  You can expect long lasting results and your new contoured arms can give a much-need boost to your overall body image.

Why you might consider Arm Lift surgery

Arm lift surgery is a routine cosmetic surgery procedure these days and primarily sought for emotional and psychological reasons.  You may feel that you can’t wear short-sleeved or arm-revealing clothes because of the way your upper arms look or the way they make you feel prematurely aged. 

It is carried out ideally on people over 18 years who have a mature outlook and realistic expectations of the results.  You should be your ideal weight before the operation as drastic weight loss later might nullify the results of your surgery by giving you further loose skin. 

Since arm lift surgery does result in scarring, it is important to find out if it is right for you.  It might be possible to firm and tone your upper arm with liposuction alone, or by first following an exercise programme.  

As with all cosmetic surgery, you should be in general good health and preferably be a non-smoker (or be prepared to refrain from smoking before and immediately after the operation to aid your recovery). 

Arm lift surgery is suitable for people who:

• have tried regimes of dieting and/or exercise but failed to reduce fat or tighten muscle underneath their upper arms
• see themselves as having excessive fat and sagging skin on their upper arms in proportion to their overall body mass 
• have sagging skin and lax upper arm muscles as a result of ageing
• are not obese and are in general good health
• are not planning to lose excessive weight post op (it is important to tell your surgeon about any diet or exercise regime you are planning). 

The results of arm lift surgery are mostly lasting if you maintain your body weight following surgery.  As with all cosmetic surgery interventions, how you consider your body image after surgery will be determined by your pre-surgery expectations.   Patients who have tried other methods to reduce fat and improve the tone of their upper arms may be more satisfied with the results of their surgery than those who rely on the operation alone to correct their abdominal shape. 

In all cases, it is wise to understand the limitations of the procedure since it is a major operation entailing a considerable convalescence period. 

Arm Lift surgery will not necessarily:

• Prevent the ageing process from causing further muscle laxity and a build up of skin and fat again in the future.
• Prevent excess fat and lax skin caused by weight gain or fluctuations in the future.

Arm Lift surgery is not suitable if you have had a mastectomy or operations on the axilla lymph nodes or if you have a history of infection in the sweat glands.   The surgery affects the lymphatic system and drainage.  If you have arm lift surgery following any of these conditions or surgical interventions, you may find you have permanent, painful arm swelling

The Consultation

It is important at the consultation with your surgeon that you establish your aims for having arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery.  You need to explain clearly what physical and any psychological effects you expect from the surgery. 

Importantly, you will need to talk about the natural or hereditary aspects of any weight gain or fluctuations you have experienced.  Your surgeon will assess you and advise on the type of arm lift surgery best suited to you – whether you require liposuction as well.

Be candid throughout the consultation and honest about any emotional issues relating to your proposed surgery.  As with all cosmetic surgery, it is important you think through the implications of your surgery and the effects on your well being, both immediately and longer term. You will need to be clear about the after care required as arm lift surgery does require some weeks’ recovery.  It also results in scarring so be clear about the extent and the location of the incisions.

What to expect from the surgeon

Be prepared to supply information on and/or discuss:

• Your expectations of the surgery
• Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Any previous surgery
• Any family history that may be relevant such as hereditary characteristics of body frame, instances of obesity, and so on 

During the consultation, your surgeon is likely to:

• Assess your general health
• Evaluate any health conditions
• Examine your arm from under armpit to elbow and draw on it to indicate incision marks and likely post-operative positioning of the skin
• Discuss the likely results of your surgery
• Discuss the value of and any complications resulting from your arm lift surgery
• Take photographs for medical records
• Talk about the type of anesthetic used, its effects etc

You may be asked in preparation for surgery to:

• Take or stop certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Have certain lab tests or further medical evaluation
• Refrain from smoking in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Questions you should ask

It is important that you are fully informed of the after care, any possible complications and the likely results of your surgery.  You will also need to know how the procedure is carried out, in particular where incisions are made and where any scarring will be.  Below is a checklist of some key questions to ask:

• How will the surgery be performed?
• Where are incisions made and why?
• How do I best prepare for the operation
• Do I need assistance in post-operative care? 
• What results can I expect?
• What side effects or complications may occur? 
• What discomfort will I have? 
• How will my arm look immediately following surgery (bruising, swelling etc) and in the longer term?
• Are there any activities or environments I should avoid while I recover?
• Following the operation, how much exercise can I take and when can I start?  
• What other cosmetic procedures can I consider in conjunction with arm lift surgery?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?