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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Perth

Brachioplasty / Arm Reduction

illustration of a woman showing her thin arm after a brachioplasty

 An arm lift, medically known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It aims to adjust the shape of the upper arm by removing excess skin and fat, addressing redundant skin that often results from significant weight loss, natural aging, or genetic factors.

 

The primary targeted area for an arm lift is the upper arm, specifically the region between the underarm and the elbow. Surgical treatment may involve tightening the skin, removing excess fat if appropriate, and reshaping the underlying tissue to change the contour of the arm.

 

Other names for the procedure include:

  • Brachioplasty: This is the medical term for the procedure, and it’s often used interchangeably with “arm lift.”

  • Upper arm lift: Another term that more specifically pinpoints the area of focus for the surgery.

  • Arm reduction surgery: This phrase emphasises the reduction of skin and, in some cases, fat from the upper arms.

Your first step to having an Arm Reduction is to schedule an appointment with Dr Khan at West Coast Plastic Surgery. Get your GP to send us a referral so we can apply for a Medicare rebate for your consultation (special conditions apply from Medicare) for upper arm lift surgery. You can also contact us by phone at 0862303041 or by fax at 0862303042. Alternatively, you can send an email to admin@westcoastplasticsuregry.com.au. Someone from the team will contact you to book your appointment and answer any questions you may have about arm skin removal or arm reduction.

Following an arm lift, recovery plays an important role in supporting the intended outcomes of surgery. Immediately after the procedure, compression garments are typically applied to help manage swelling and support the surgical site. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, and your surgeon may prescribe medication to assist with symptom management. You will also receive specific post-operative and scar care instructions from Dr Khan.

During the first week, patients are generally advised to elevate their arms, avoid strenuous activities, and may require assistance with daily tasks. Many individuals can return to non-strenuous work within a week, although recovery time can vary. From two to four weeks, swelling and bruising usually reduce significantly, though lifting heavy objects is still restricted. By one to two months post-surgery, most swelling has subsided, and light exercise may be resumed with guidance.

Around the three-month mark, many patients resume their regular activities, pending approval from their surgeon. Scars may continue to mature and improve in appearance over time, and recommended scar management strategies may be discussed. Throughout recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice, attend follow-up appointments, maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking to support the healing process.

After your first consultation with Dr Khan, he will be able to assess what procedure is perfect for you and will provide you with the cost for this personalised arm lift or Brachioplasty procedure.

Generally, the cost of such procedures is influenced by several factors, including surgeon and anaesthesia fees, medical testing, post-surgery care, required medications, and regional cost of living. For a precise breakdown tailored to individual needs, scheduling a consultation with Dr Qadir Khan at West Coast Plastic Surgery is recommended. Here, patients can get detailed insights into the costs and explore financing or payment plan options.

Risks & Complications

Infection, bleeding / hematoma, wound breakdown / healing issues, hypertrophic / keloid scars, swelling, bruising, seroma, pain, arm asymmetry, scar asymmetry, scar migration, paresthesia, fat necrosis (subcutaneous lumps), revision surgery, upper limb lymphoedema, axilla scar contracture restricting shoulder range of movement, clots in legs & lungs.

The Arm Lift Procedure

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is designed to refine the upper arm by removing sagging skin and unwanted fat, giving it a more toned appearance. The process starts with a comprehensive initial consultation with Dr Qadir Khan. During this session, patient goals are set, and a thorough examination of the arms is done to determine the surgical approach.

 

In preparation for the surgery, patients may undergo specific medical tests. It’s also recommended to halt certain medications and smoking. On the day of the surgery, anaesthesia, either local or general, is administered for comfort. The surgeon then makes an incision, typically inside the arm. 

 

The arm’s reshaping involves removing excess fat, possibly using liposuction, and tightening the underlying supportive tissue. After contouring, the skin is smoothened, and surplus skin is excised. The incision is then closed with sutures. Post-operation, bandages are applied to surgical wounds on the arms, and sometimes drains are inserted to remove excess fluid.

 

After the procedure, patients receive detailed post-op care instructions, including wound care and activity restrictions. While some results are immediate, final outcomes emerge after swelling and bruising subside. Maintaining a stable weight and regular physical activity ensures the long-lasting benefits of the more sculpted arm appearance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As with any surgical procedure, there are a number of potential risks and complications associated with arm lift surgery. Common risks include swelling, bruising, infection, bleeding, scarring, pain, asymmetry and numbness. Less common complications may include blood clots, delayed wound healing, or allergic reactions to anaesthetic. It’s important to discuss these potential risks with Dr Qadir Khan during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision.

Scarring is inevitable with any surgery, including arm lifts. However, Dr Khan employs advanced surgical techniques to place incisions in inconspicuous areas, usually along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow. Over time, with proper care, the scar associated with reducing excess skin and fat will fade and become less noticeable.

Typically, an arm lift is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day after a few hours of observation. However, in certain cases or if combined with other procedures, an overnight stay might be recommended.

Many individuals are able to return to light daily activities within approximately two weeks. However, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for up to six weeks, or as advised by Dr Khan based on your individual recovery.

You will receive detailed post-operative care guidelines. These will include how to care for your surgical site, any prescribed medications, signs to monitor, and when to follow up with Dr Khan. Following these instructions supports recovery and helps manage potential risks.

An arm lift surgery typically takes about 2-3 hours, but this can vary depending on the individual’s needs and if any additional procedures are being performed concurrently.

The results of an arm lift may be long-lasting for some individuals, particularly when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, natural ageing and weight fluctuations can affect the outcome over time. As with any cosmetic procedure, results vary and ongoing changes to skin elasticity may occur.

The surgery can take place in a hospital or an accredited surgical facility, depending on various factors like the patient’s health, the surgeon’s preference, and the complexity of the procedure.

Yes, arm lift surgery requires anaesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. The type, whether general or local with sedation, will be determined based on the procedure’s specifics and the patient’s overall health.

In most cases, arm lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and therefore not covered by Medicare. However, if the surgery is deemed medically necessary – for instance, due to significant discomfort or skin conditions caused by the excess skin following massive weight loss – it might be partially covered. It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider and Dr Khan’s office for more specifics.

There is no difference — “arm lift” is the commonly used term, while “brachioplasty” is the medical name for the procedure. Both refer to surgery performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, with the aim of improving arm contour.