Category: Brachioplasty

From Surgical Procedure to Full Healing: Tips for Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Recovery
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

From Surgical Procedure to Full Healing: Tips for Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Recovery

Upper arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and fat. This might help a person who is concerned about extra skin due to weight loss or the natural ageing process.

Recovery is a vital part of the process when undergoing any surgery. It’s important to know what to expect in a recovery from brachioplasty so that you can prepare and feel ready to go ahead with your surgery.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon performing fat and excess skin removal procedures in Sydney, NSW.

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Stages of Recuperation Following an Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Procedure

The recovery from an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery is typically divided into several phases, each with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here is a general overview of the different recovery phases:

1. Initial Recovery Phase

This typically lasts for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. In the first few days after surgery, you will need to rest and avoid any strenuous activity. You may need to take pain medication and other medications as prescribed by your surgeon to manage any discomfort. To help reduce swelling, you may need to wear an arm compression garment and keep your arms elevated as much as possible.

You will need to care for your incisions, keeping them clean and dry to prevent infection. You should avoid exposing your incisions to sun or other elements, and they may need to use sunblock to protect their skin. It is also important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during this time, as this can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Despite the challenges, the initial recovery phase is a critical time for patients, as it will set the foundation for the rest of the recovery journey. With the right care and attention, you can increase your chances of successful results.

2. Mid-Recovery Phase

The mid-recovery phase following an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery typically begins 2-4 weeks after the procedure and lasts for several more weeks. During this time, you should begin to experience a reduction in swelling and pain, and you will be able to resume some normal activities.

However, it is still important to take it easy during this time and avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve mobility and strength, and you will need to continue to wear an arm compression garment as directed by your surgeon.

You will also need to continue to care for the incisions, keeping them clean and dry and avoiding exposure to sun or other elements.

It is during the mid-recovery phase that you will start to see the final results of the surgery, and you will be able to get a sense of how your arms will look and feel in the months to come. This can be an exciting time, but it is important to remember that the recovery is not yet complete, and you will need to continue to follow your surgeon’s instructions.

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3. Final Recovery Phase

The final recovery phase following an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery typically lasts for several months, and it is during this time that patients will typically experience full functionality and see the final results of their procedure.

During this time, you will be able to return to normal activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, although you should still be mindful of your incisions and avoid exposing them to sun or other elements.

You should continue to follow the care instructions provided by your surgeon, as well as any recommendations for physical therapy or other treatments. It is also important to continue to monitor your incisions and report any unusual symptoms or changes to your surgeon.

Note: The length of each phase and the specific recommendations may vary based on the individual and the type of (brachioplasty) surgery they have received. This outline is meant to provide a general overview and should not replace the advice of a licensed medical professional.

5 FAQs about Upper Brachioplasty Surgery

How long will it take to fully recover from an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery?

  • The length of time it takes to fully recover from brachioplasty surgery can vary depending on the individual and the extent of their procedure. Generally, patients can expect to take several weeks to several months to fully recover. During this time, patients will need to take certain precautions and avoid any strenuous activities to allow their body to heal properly. During the initial recovery phase, patients will experience swelling, pain, and bruising, which will gradually subside. Over the next several weeks, they will be able to return to normal activities, although they may need to wear an arm compression garment to reduce swelling. Patients will also need to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure that their incisions are healing properly. They may also be required to attend physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility to their arms. It is important for patients to understand that recovery from an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery is not a quick process and that it may take several months to see the final results of their procedure.

Is there any pain involved during the recovery process?

  • There may be some pain involved during the recovery process after an upper arm brachioplasty surgery. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, while others may experience more significant pain. To help manage any discomfort during the recovery process, patients may be prescribed pain medication. This medication can help to reduce pain and improve comfort levels, allowing patients to focus on their recovery. In addition to pain medication, patients may also find relief from other pain management techniques, such as ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy may also be recommended by the surgeon to help manage pain and promote healing.

What can I expect during the initial recovery phase?

  • During the initial recovery phase after brachioplasty surgery, patients can expect to experience some swelling, pain, and bruising. These are normal symptoms that will gradually subside over time. In the first few days after surgery, patients will be required to wear an arm compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the arms during the healing process. They may also be required to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their recovery. During the initial recovery phase, patients will need to limit their physical activity and avoid any strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects or participating in high-impact sports. This will help to prevent any damage to the arms during the healing process. Patients may also experience some discomfort or pain during the initial recovery phase, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by their surgeon or other pain management techniques, such as ice or heat therapy.

When can I return to work after an upper brachioplasty surgery?

  • The length of time it takes to return to work after an upper arm lift surgery will depend on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the patient’s individual recovery, and their job requirements. On average, patients may need to take anywhere from 7 to 14 days off work to fully recover from their procedure. However, some patients may be able to return to work sooner if their job does not involve any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity. In these cases, patients may be able to return to work within just a few days after their procedure. Patients who have jobs that involve manual labour or heavy lifting may need to take a longer period of time off work to fully recover from their procedure. In these cases, patients may need to take up to 4 weeks off work or more to allow sufficient time for their arms to heal and for any swelling to subside. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding returning to work and to listen to their body during their recovery. If patients experience any discomfort or pain, they should avoid returning to work until they have fully recovered.

Will I have any visible scarring after an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery?

  • Scars are a normal part of the healing process after an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery. The location and extent of scarring will depend on the type of procedure performed. Most brachioplasty procedures involve incisions along the inner part of the arm, which can result in scars that are easily concealed within the natural creases of the arm. In some cases, the incisions may extend to the elbow or armpit, which can result in longer scars that may be more visible. It is important to note that while all scars will mature and fade over time, they will not disappear completely. The appearance of scars can be influenced by several factors, including the patient’s skin type, age, and genetics. To minimise the appearance of scars, it is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s instructions for wound care and to protect their incisions from sun exposure and other environmental factors that can cause hyperpigmentation.

Further Reading about Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Medical References about Upper Arm Brachioplasty

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.

Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) vs. Arm Liposuction for Arms Reduction & Contouring
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) vs. Arm Liposuction for Arms Reduction & Contouring

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) and arm liposuction procedures are commonly performed to address loose skin on the arms and reduce excess tissue. But which one is the most suitable procedure for you? Both procedures can be done to contour the upper arms, tone them, and help provide a slimmer appearance.

A Brachioplasty or arm lift is designed to remove both excessive fat and extra skin from the upper arm and address any remaining loose skin. Whereas liposuction only removes extra arm fat and doesn’t address any loose skin concerns. An arm lift (brachioplasty) may also be combined with arm liposuction to maximise fat removal and give the arms a more desired shape.

NOTE: There are some doctors using specific types of liposuction devices that promise ‘skin tightening’ but these are rarely suitable or effective for most patients and should be avoided.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon performing fat and excess skin removal procedures. He offers his patients upper arm options after major weight loss including brachioplasty, arm liposuction, or a combination of both.

What Causes Loose Upper Arm Skin?

The upper arm is the area extending between your shoulder and elbow and contains the major arm muscles – biceps and triceps. The mass and tone of these muscles contribute to the core appearance of your upper arms. Soft tissue like fat and skin also affect the cosmetic appearance of the arm and are highly dependent on diet, genetics and weight fluctuations.

There are several factors that can lead to cosmetic concerns in the upper arm, including:

  • Ageing: as you age, your arm skin loses some of its elasticity and your arm muscles begin to relax. Your upper arms can also start collecting more fat deposits
  • Significant weight loss: when you gain weight, the skin on your arms stretches to make room for the extra fat. After you lose a lot of weight, your skin might not be able to return back into its original shape
  • Reduced physical activity: your upper arm muscles start to lose mass and tone if they’re not regularly worked or exercised
  • Sun damage: over time, the UV radiation from sun exposure can damage your arm skin and tissues
  • Genetics: your body may be genetically programmed to store more fat in the upper arm area than elsewhere in the body or to have poor skin quality

As a result, the tissues in your upper arm may become loose. Loose tissue in the arms can be characterised by:

  • Loose upper arm skin: sagging skin under your upper arm is common after significant weight loss and as you get older
  • Excess upper arm fat: your upper arms can collect extra fat deposits especially as you grow older or gain a lot of weight
  • Reduced upper arm muscle tone: without regular exercise, with time, your upper arm muscles become relaxed and less firm

Targeted exercises and a low-calorie diet can help you slim and tone your arms. However, you can’t exercise your skin so you may benefit from an arm lift (brachioplasty) or liposuction if you want to get rid of excessive saggy skin and pockets of fat on your upper arms.

What Is Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is an arm surgery that can help remove extra skin and fat from the area between your armpit and elbow.

You may be a candidate for an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) if:

  • You’ve lost significant weight and your skin wasn’t able to contract to fit your smaller arms
  • You lack definition in your upper arm
  • You’ve lost a lot of muscle tone and skin elasticity
  • You have stubborn fat and sagging skin under your upper arm

By performing a Brachioplasty, Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to remove both unwanted fat and extra skin from your armpit to your elbow and tighten any remaining loose upper arm skin.

During an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery:

  • First, Dr Hunt will carefully make an incision within your armpit extending into your inner arm area
  • Then, excess skin and fat are addressed
  • Liposuction may be used to removet extra stubborn fat deposits
  • After this, the remaining skin is pulled tightly to fit the smaller arm contour
  • Finally, Dr Hunt will use atraumatic suturing techniques to close your wounds

Arm lifting surgery (brachioplasty) takes around 2-3 hours depending on the amount of excess skin and tissues that need to be removed. It’s the right cosmetic procedure if you want to slim, sculpt, and tone your upper arms.

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Why Patients Might Consider Brachioplasty

A brachioplasty can change the appearance of your arms and patents often choose to undergo this procedure for a number of different reasons, including:

  • Reduces excess upper arm skin which cannot be done using liposuction
  • Smoothes the upper arm tissue
  • Tightens the skin in the upper arm area
  • Removes extra folds of skin in the upper arm that can cause infection and irritation

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) also produces more visible and durable results than other fat removal procedures such as liposuction.

What Is Arm Liposuction?

Arm liposuction is a less invasive fat removal procedure than brachioplasty, which targets extra fat located under your upper arms.

You may be one of the very few patients that is suitable an arm lipo if:

  • You don’t have much loose skin and your skin quality is High and elastic
  • You have unwanted upper arm fat to remove
  • You don’t have lax or overhanging skin in your upper arm area
  • You lost weight but your arms still look bulky

Dr Hunt performs arm liposuction to get rid of your underarm batwing fat and give your upper arms a leaner contour. During arm liposuction procedure:

  • Dr Hunt will make tiny incisions in your upper arm area
  • Then, a cannula (thin hollow tube) is inserted through the incisions and moved back and forth through the fat to break it up
  • After, a suction device connected to the cannula will suck out the unwanted fat pockets
  • Finally, Dr Hunt will close the small incisions

You generally start noticing your results almost immediately after upper arm fat removal by liposuction. Your arms will continue to improve as they heal.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) vs Arm Liposuction – or a combination?

A combination of both liposuction and brachioplasty may help you address certain areas on your arms.

An arm lift (brachioplasty) aims to remove both excess fat and loose skin located between your armpit and elbow. Conversely, liposuction only aims to remove unwanted fat but cannot reduce loose skin. Moreover, a brachioplasty aims to remove larger amounts of excess fat and tissue from the upper arms than arm liposuction.

On the other hand, an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) requires a longer incision than liposuction. Therefore, the scar from a brachioplasty is more visible.

When Should Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Or Arm Liposuction be considered?

If you’re looking to address your upper arms, you might find yourself trying to choose between getting an arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) or a liposuction.

Choosing between arm liposuction and brachioplasty depends on the type of cosmetic concern you have in your upper arms.

If you have both lax skin and excess fat, then an upper arm lift (brachioplasty) will be more suitable for you. Unlike arm liposuction, a brachioplasty aims to tighten your upper arm skin after removal of your extra arm fat and loose skin.

Meanwhile, if you only have extra fat deposits in your upper arm but your skin isn’t loose and hasn’t yet lost its elasticity, liposuction might be a more suitable option for you. Liposuction may help you lose extra arm fat almost immediately. It also takes less time and leaves less visible scars than an arm lift (brachioplasty). Nevertheless, some patients or patients whose skin isn’t very tight may be left with excess skin under the arms.

Dr Hunt may combine arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) with a liposuction to maximise fat removal. Dr Jeremy Hunt will assess your arms and health condition and recommend whether it’s more suitable for you to choose an arm lift (brachioplasty), liposuction, or both to get the results you desire.

FAQs about Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) and Arm Liposuction

What’s the difference between arm lift (brachioplasty) and arm liposuction?

  • Arm Liposuction and brachioplasty are both procedures performed to fix cosmetic concerns in the upper arms. The main difference is that liposuction focuses on removing excess fat whereas an arm lift (brachioplasty) addresses both extra fat and excess loose skin in the upper arm.

Does liposuction work on loose arm skin?

  • Maybe in a few patients, Liposuction alone results in excess loose skin in most patients. Dr Hunt can use liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits as part of a Brachioplasty. If there is excess skin after this fat removal then an arm lift (brachioplasty) may be needed to achieve the desired results.

Does Liposuction on arms tighten skin?

  • After arm liposuction, where your skin is elastic enough, it may be able to tighten up a little around your new arm contour. Nonetheless, liposuction itself does not tighten your upper arm skin, it only removes stubborn fat pockets.

What is the most appropriate procedure for loose arm tissue?

  • Loose arm tissue can be caused by loose lax skin, excess arm fat, or both. An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that can tighten the skin, remove unwanted fat, and get rid of saggy arms appearance. Liposuction can be a good alternative to arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) if the skin has enough elasticity and you’re only concerned with the excess fat in your upper arms.

Will an arm lift (brachioplasty) get rid of crepey skin?

  • An arm lift (brachioplasty) is designed to tighten the skin on your arms after removing excess skin and fat. The remaining skin will be pulled tightly, smoothed, and re-draped over the new smaller arm contour.

Can an arm lift (brachioplasty) be combined with other procedures?

  • An arm lift (brachioplasty) may be combined with liposuction to produce good cosmetic results. Dr Hunt may also combine your brachioplasty with other body procedures such as a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty, a breast lift mastopexy, a thigh lift (thighplasty), and even a full Body Lift (belt lipectomy) to remove excess loose skin after massive weight loss.

Further Reading about Body Contouring Procedures

Medical References about Brachioplasty and Arm Liposuction

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.