If you have excess skin on your upper arms that is causing you discomfort, you may be a candidate for an Arm lift (Brachioplasty).
What you need to know about Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
Arm lift surgery, (Medical term Brachioplasty), is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms and underarm area, resulting in a reshaped upper arm.
It is an option for those who have skin laxity/loose skin on their upper arms that cannot be alterd through diet or exercise. The primary causes include; ageing, significant weight loss, and prolonged sun exposure.
Arm lift surgery is not a guarantee of specific results, and individual outcomes may vary.
What Causes Loose Skin?
Several factors can lead to the development of lax skin on your arms. These include, but are not limited to;
- Ageing
- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a crucial role in the structure, elasticity, and firmness of our skin, tendons, and cartilage.
- As we age, our body’s ability to produce collagen gradually starts to slow down, possibly contributing to a decline in the elasticity and firmness of our skin, which can cause wrinkles, ptosis, and other visible signs of ageing.
- Weight fluctuations
- Significant weight loss may impact skin elasticity on upper arms and other body parts.
- When you lose a large amount of weight, you will likely develop loose and excess skin because carrying extra weight for an extended period of time can weaken your collagen and elastin fibers.
- As a result, your skin often does not return to its prior appearance after extreme weight loss.
- Prolonged sun exposure
- The ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause photoaging, a condition in which your skin loses a significant amount of collagen. [1] Because collagen holds and tightens your skin structures together, sun-induced collagen loss may contribute to developing lax skin on various body parts, including the upper arms.
Are you a suitable Candidate for an Arm Lift?
During your consult, Dr Patrick Briggs will assess your body type, health history, and cosmetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a Brachioplasty.
The candidate should be someone who has excess skin and stubborn fat on their upper arms that cannot be improved through exercise and weight loss. They should also be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
It is also essential that they do not smoke and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery to ensure long-lasting results.
It is important to note that an arm lift is a surgical procedure, and as with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine if someone is a good candidate for an arm lift and what the best course of action may be for their specific situation.
What are the reasons for an Arm Lift?
The procedure can be done for the following reasons:
- Alter body proportion
- Increased range of motion and mobility
- For some people, excess skin on the upper arms can limit their range of motion and potentially restrict their ability to perform certain activities. An arm lift can remove this excess skin and increase mobility capacity.
- Hygiene
- Excess skin on the upper arms can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to skin irritations. Removing this skin can improve hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.
- Long-lasting results
- While an arm lift does not prevent the ageing process or significant weight fluctuations, it can provide results that persist for many years, especially with proper care and maintenance.
Before and After Arm Reduction / Arm Lift Surgery Gallery
Photos of Before and After Arm Reduction/Arm Lift by Dr Briggs. These exhibit a variety of patient outcomes at the Coco Ruby Melbourne Cosmetic Clinic, an Australian surgery location.
Due to the recent updates in guidelines by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), our website is currently undergoing substantial revisions. As a result, we have had to remove the majority of our Before and After photos to comply with these new regulations. Our utmost priority is to maintain the accuracy and compliance of our content, and we are actively working to reintroduce a more extensive collection of before and after photos in the near future. You can view additional Before and After photos of Dr Briggs’ patients, during an in-person consultation at our clinic.
See more real patient before and after photos performed in Melbourne by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Patrick Briggs.
Photo Disclaimer
The photos on this website and in our office are for informational purposes. The images demonstrate the potential outcomes of procedures. Individual results will vary, and effects cannot be guaranteed. The photos do not promise or guarantee specific results. They are meant to help visualise potential outcomes.
Each patient is unique, and many factors affect surgical results.
In consultations, Dr. Briggs evaluates each patient and discusses realistic expectations.
Risks and Complications of Arm Lift Surgery
All surgical procedures carry certain risks and potential complications. Some potential risks and complications of arm lift surgery include:
- Scarring: Arm lift surgery results in scars, which can be quite extensive, running along the inner arm.
- Your surgeon will attempt to make the incisions as discreet as possible.
- Infection: Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection.
- Your surgeon will provide guidelines to minimize this risk.
- Hematoma: This is a collection of blood under the skin.
- May require additional surgery to drain.
- Seroma: Similar to a hematoma, a seroma is a buildup of fluid under the skin at the incision site.
- It may require drainage.
- Poor wound healing: Some individuals may experience delayed wound healing or wound separation.
- Numbness or altered sensation: Changes in sensation around the incision site, including numbness or increased sensitivity.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging. There may be slight differences in the appearance of each arm.
- Persistent looseness or laxity: Over time, some individuals may experience a recurrence of lax skin.
- Anesthesia complications: Risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or adverse effects.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots: Prolonged immobility during recovery can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or blood clots.
- Unsatisfactory results: Individual outcomes may vary, and some patients may not achieve the desired appearance.
- Need for revision surgery: In some cases, further surgery may be required to address complications or refine the results.
It’s advisable to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in arm lift procedures and follow both their pre- and post-operative instructions diligently to minimise these risks. Always consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if arm lift surgery is right for you and to discuss your specific risks and potential complications.
Dr Patrick Briggs Melbourne
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Dr Patrick Briggs FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is a Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
Both he and his team are dedicated to patient care and are committed to treating each and every patient with respect and privacy.
Furthermore, he is experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.
How can we help?
Dr Briggs’ Patient Coordinators take pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the Hawthorn East clinic in Melbourne between 8 am – 6 pm on Weekdays.
Phone 1300 599 990, Email us or Book a free 15-minute Call with Dr Patrick Briggs’s team.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on 1300 599 990.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- If you like, please bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
- Take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents your surgeon provides.
- You may need to undress so it’s a good idea to wear simple clothes.
How to Book a Consultation
- Dr Briggs’ Consultation fee is $300.
- A referral from your GP or your specialist is essential (as of the 1st July 2023).
- Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational proposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The author and publisher of this article make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content of this article. The information contained in this article is strictly at your own risk.
