Arm lift or brachioplasty is a surgical technique that aims to improve the appearance of the arm by removal of excess fat and skin from the inner arms. When people undergo significant weight loss, either through dieting or bariatric surgery, they will often be left with folds of excess skin and fat on the inner arms.
There are a number of names associated with this operation: short-scar brachioplasty, full Brachioplasty and extended brachioplasty.
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, a marked area on the medial aspect of the upper arm is treated with liposuction and the layers of excess skin and fat are removed. The skin edges are then stitched together over drains, resulting in a scar running along the inner aspect of the upper arm and sometimes extending into the arm pit. Tissue glue and a padded dressing is placed on the scar, and all patients are put in an elasticated compression garment.
The results are usually lifelong but may be impacted by weight change/pregnancy and ageing.
There is a significant amount of evidence that suggests a strong association between smoking, high body mass index (BMI), hormone therapy and diabetes on increasing complications, particularly wound healing, infection and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Minor wound Infection and wound dehiscence are the most common complications, followed by bleeding and/or seroma formation. Occasionally some excess skin and fat remains at the corner of the scars termed “dog ears”, and these can be removed under local anaesthesia once the scar has settled. Mr Saour will discuss the potential risks during your consultation.
| Surgery duration | 3 hours |
| Type of anaesthesia | general anaesthetic |
| Compression/support garment | yes |
| Time in hospital | 1-2 nights |
| Time off work | 2 weeks |
| Recovery time | 4-6 weeks |
| First follow up appoinment | 1 week |
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, a marked area on the medial aspect of the upper arm is treated with liposuction and the layers of excess skin and fat are removed. The skin edges are then stitched together over drains, resulting in a scar running along the inner aspect of the upper arm and sometimes extending into the arm pit. Tissue glue and a padded dressing is placed on the scar, and all patients are put in an elasticated compression garment.
The results are usually lifelong but may be impacted by weight change/pregnancy and ageing.
There is a significant amount of evidence that suggests a strong association between smoking, high body mass index (BMI), hormone therapy and diabetes on increasing complications, particularly wound healing, infection and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Minor wound Infection and wound dehiscence are the most common complications, followed by bleeding and/or seroma formation. Occasionally some excess skin and fat remains at the corner of the scars termed “dog ears”, and these can be removed under local anaesthesia once the scar has settled. Mr Saour will discuss the potential risks during your consultation.
Surgery duration : 3 hours
Type of anaesthesia : general anaesthetic
Compression/support garment : yes
Time in hospital : 1-2 nights
Time off work : 2 weeks
Recovery time : 4-6 weeks
First follow up appointment : 1 week
Once you have decided you are interested in cosmetic surgery
Mr Saour’s aim is to help you look and feel your best through high quality personalised care.
You will receive all the information preoperatively allowing you to make an informed decision.
Understanding the benefits, implications and potential risks of any type of surgery is of paramount importance.
Internationally recognised
proud to be part of :
