What to expect from arm lift surgery
Written by:
Plastic surgeon
Published: 07/01/2020
Edited by: Laura Burgess
Had weight loss surgery and left with loose or excess skin on the upper arms? Or perhaps your arms are the problem area that you just can’t seem to tone up with exercise? If this sounds familiar, then you might want to consider arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) to help remove your ‘bingo wings’.
Here, senior consultant plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, Miss Judith Hunter, explains what to expect from arm lift surgery and what happens during the process of healing.
Who is suitable for arm lift surgery?
During brachioplasty, the excess skin from the upper inner arm above the elbow, which sometimes extends into your armpit, is removed. The procedure is usually performed on patients who have lost a lot of weight and have folds of skin in this area.
Are there any scars following arm lift surgery?
The surgical scars can be tailored to the position of excess skin, but usually, they are long vertical scars in the inner aspect of your upper arm. They will be hidden when the arms are held by your sides but otherwise will be visible. The shape of the arms should be improved and the sleeves of your clothes will fit more easily. The excision may also be combined with liposuction.
Are the scars from brachioplasty permanent?
The scars will be permanent. They will be red and raised to begin with, and may take up to 18 months to settle down. Once they have faded, they will always be there if you look closely enough. Once the wounds are completely healed, moisturising and massaging the scars can help. If you have darker skin, it is possible to have problematic lumpy scars, but you will be given advice on this before the surgery.
What happens during brachioplasty surgery?
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between two to three hours. The following is what happens during brachioplasty:
It is advised not to eat or drink anything other than water for six hours before surgery. You will have a pre-op assessment where a garment will be fitted and occasionally where blood tests are taken. The procedure is performed as a day case. Supportive garments are fitted on the day of surgery, and will need to be worn both day and night for the following six weeks. You should take one to two weeks off work. Avoid heavy lifting or body work at the gym for a month. Driving is not advisable for up to two weeks as the wounds heal.
A wound check will be required the week after surgery and then the following week, depending on how the wound is healing. Your surgeon will oversee these consultations and should also see you in the clinic at around six weeks.
If you are considering brachioplasty, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Miss Judith Hunter now.