Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery)

Brachioplasty, or ‘arm lift’ surgery, reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. The surgery removes extra skin and fat to give a more toned and balanced appearance. Upper arm skin tends to droop with age, after significant weight loss, and for people with lymphedema.

Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot change any extra skin that has lost its elasticity.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence, there are alternatives. These may include lifestyle changes or learning to accept yourself the way you are.

Before you opt for brachioplasty, some important issues to keep in mind include: You will have a scar on the inside of your upper arm, running from your armpit to your elbow.

Although the scar may fade significantly with time, it may always be visible

Think about the financial cost

Cosmetic surgery does not usually qualify for rebates from Medicare or private health insurance. Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery.

If you are serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should try to quit smoking.

You may want to ask your doctor for advice about finding a suitable medical practitioner or hospital where brachioplasty is performed. At your first consultation, you should ask the medical practitioner about their training and experience. It is preferable to have this procedure done by a medical practitioner who is specially trained to perform brachioplasty and has a lot of experience in carrying out this type of surgery.

Before the operation, you will need to discuss a range of medical issues with your medical practitioner. They will talk to you about your: physical health – an examination will help your medical practitioner to decide if the treatment is appropriate medical history – some pre-existing medical conditions and surgery you’ve had in the past may influence decisions about this operation, including the type of anaesthetic that is used risks and possible complications – it is important that you understand the risks and complications so that you can weigh up whether brachioplasty is right for you medication – tell your doctor about any medication that you take regularly or have recently taken, including over-the-counter preparations like fish oils and vitamin supplements past reactions to medication – your doctor needs to know if you have ever had a bad reaction or a side effect from any medication, including anaesthesia preparation for surgery – the medical practitioner will give you detailed instructions on what you should do at home to prepare for surgery.

For example, they may advise you to take a particular medication or alter the dose of an existing medication.

Follow all instructions carefully

Brachioplasty is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and may take up to three hours. Generally speaking, the operation involves: The medical practitioner makes a cut on the inner surface of your upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. (Occasionally, the cut is made on the back of the arm.) Extra fat is removed with liposuction, which involves the insertion of a thin tube (cannula) into the fat deposit.

The fat is vacuumed out with a suction pump or large syringe. Underlying muscle is tightened with stitches to smooth and define the shape of the upper arm.

The extra skin is cut away

The cuts are closed with stitches

After the operation, you can expect: compression garments to help keep swelling down.

All surgery carries some degree of risk

Some of the possible complications of brachioplasty include:

• blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications
• such as heart attack
• deep vein thrombosis or stroke sensory nerve damage
• which may cause prolonged or permanent numbness in the upper arm or even in the forearm further surgery to treat complications

This is not a complete list

For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. You need to speak to your medical practitioner for more information. Be guided by your medical practitioner, but general self-care suggestions include: Rest as much as possible.

Follow all instructions on looking after your wound

Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least one month. You may need to wear your compression garment for several weeks. Report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner.

Having a brachioplasty will not stop your upper arms from sagging if you gain and lose a large amount of weight in the future. You must also expect a certain degree of sagging as you age. Scarring will be permanent, but should fade in time.

Be patient – improvements to scars may take around a year or so. Non-surgical options may include:

• accepting yourself – talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance
• you may decide that you like yourself the way you are
• American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Michigan Medical Licensing Board) Tel

Information Hotline Tel.

Before choosing brachioplasty Finding a brachioplasty medical practitioner Medical issues related to brachioplasty Brachioplasty operation Immediately after brachioplasty surgery a drainage tube in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up bruising and swelling possible numbness pain and discomfort dressings or bandages on your upper arms Complications of brachioplasty surgery risks of anaesthesia, including allergic reaction, which (rarely) may be fatal surgical risks, such as bleeding or infection collapsed lung fluid build-up under the wound tissue death along the wound, or skin loss prolonged swelling damage to underlying tissues such as muscles asymmetry (unevenness) of the skin unsightly, inflamed or itchy scarring Self-care at home after brachioplasty Long-term outlook following brachioplasty Alternatives to brachioplasty eating a healthy low-fat diet exercise wearing long-sleeved tops Where to get help Your GP (doctor) A medical practitioner specially trained and experienced in performing cosmetic surgery Cosmetic surgery hub and hotline (616) 555-0400 Cosmetic surgery , Department of Health and Aged Care, American Government American Society of Plastic Surgeons (616) 555-0100 American Foundation for Plastic Surgery (616) 555-0400 Royal American College of Surgeons (616) 555-0200 American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Michigan Medical Licensing Board) (616) 555-0495.

Key Points

• Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery
• All surgery carries some degree of risk
• For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications
• Report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner