What are the benefits of a brachioplasty?

A brachioplasty or arm lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the upper arms. By removing sagging skin, tightening supportive tissue, and eliminating localised fat deposits, brachioplasty creates a smoother and more defined arm shape.

The surgery involves making an incision along the inner or back side of the arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow. In some cases, liposuction is also used to enhance the results by removing stubborn fat deposits.

An arm lift is an excellent option for individuals who:

• Experience significant skin laxity on their upper arms due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or genetics.
• Maintain a stable weight, as significant changes can affect long-term results.
• Are in good overall health, free from conditions that could impair healing.
• Do not smoke, as smoking can delay healing and increase surgical risks.
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.

If you meet these criteria, you may be an ideal candidate for brachioplasty. During your consultation at Cormac Joyce Plastic Surgery, we will assess your suitability and discuss your goals in detail.

Brachioplasty offers a range of physical and emotional benefits that make it a life-changing procedure for many patients:

1. Improved Arm Contour

One of the most noticeable benefits of an arm lift is the improved contour of the upper arms. Sagging skin and excess fat are eliminated, leaving you with a toned and youthful appearance. Whether you’re wearing short sleeves, sleeveless tops, or swimwear, your arms will look firmer and more proportionate.

2. Enhanced Confidence

For many patients, sagging arms can be a source of self-consciousness. An arm lift can boost your self-esteem by addressing these concerns and helping you feel more confident in your appearance. With your newly sculpted arms, you’ll no longer feel the need to hide behind long sleeves.

3. Greater Clothing Options

Sagging upper arms can limit your wardrobe choices, as you may feel uncomfortable wearing clothes that expose this area. After an arm lift, you’ll enjoy greater freedom in your clothing options, allowing you to confidently embrace styles that show off your toned arms.

4. Long-Lasting Results

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. While the natural ageing process continues, the improvements achieved through brachioplasty can provide years of satisfaction.

Brachioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation for patient comfort. The surgical steps include:

1. Incision Placement: Depending on the amount of excess skin, the incision may extend from the underarm to the elbow or be limited to the underarm area.
2. Fat Removal and Tissue Tightening: Liposuction may be used to remove fat, and supportive tissue is tightened to create a smooth arm contour.
3. Skin Redraping: The remaining skin is carefully redraped over the arm’s new shape, and excess skin is excised.
4. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, and dressings are applied.

While some scarring is inevitable, our team takes great care to minimise visibility and place incisions discreetly.

Recovery from an arm lift typically takes a few weeks. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort initially, but these symptoms improve with time. Key aftercare tips include:

• Wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing.
• Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

At Cormac Joyce Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.