Upper Arm Lift / Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is a procedure aimed at addressing the excess of tissues in the upper arm, most evident when the patient has the arms held out at right angles from the sides, so called ‘tuck shop’ arms.
On occasion this can be dealt with surgically through liposuction alone. This relies upon good skin elasticity. Where the problem is somewhat more marked, an axillary (under arm) incision is added to the liposuction to achieve some tightening of the skin.
More often the excess is beyond the scope of these techniques and a combination of liposuction ad an incision from under the arm along the inner aspect of the upper arm to near the elbow is used. This is disguised when the arm is by the side but is otherwise visible depending upon the type of clothing worn.
If you have excessive and lax skin in your upper arms – so called “tuck-shop arms or “bingo wings” – it can be distressing. Brachioplasty or upper arm lift may be a consideration for you.
A/Prof Gianoutsos performs brachioplasty under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetic will be done by one of the expert and experienced specialist anaesthetists with whom A/Prof Gianoutsos works on a regular basis. As an isolated procedure it can be done as a day only or overnight stay procedure.
A variety of incisions can be used depending upon the exact nature of your upper arm excess. Most often in significant excess an incision will extend from the arm pit to the elbow. The incision often remains prominent for a longer period than in other areas of the body. It is, however, placed in a relatively inconspicuous position. A/Prof Gianoutsos uses liposuction as part of the procedure to give maximal contour improvement.
Following surgery you will placed into a customised garment which keeps even pressure and helps control swelling and bruising. You will generally wear this for around 6 weeks.
As mentioned, A/Prof Gianoutsos can do brachioplasty both as a day only and overnight stay procedure depending upon your wishes and the extent of the procedure.
After discharge you will be seen at A/Prof Gianoutsos’ rooms at around a week to remove your dressings and place surgical tapes on the incision lines. You will generally be seen again the following week for a check up. You will then be reviewed at around 6 weeks and then six and twelve months. You will wear your garment for 6 weeks.
A/Prof Gianoutsos and his staff are available at any time, however, should you have any queries or concerns.
A/Prof Gianoutsos generally recommends a few days to a week off work following your brachioplasty depending upon its extent and location. At this point you will still have some swelling and sometimes some bruising but you will be comfortable to do normal day to day activities. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for around 6 weeks.
Initially you will have swelling and bruising. Your swelling will resolve over around 6 weeks at which point your final result will be seen although subtle changes can occur over a longer period.
All surgery carries at least some degree of risk. These are minimized by ensuring you are as healthy as possible and prepared for the operation, by selecting a properly qualified and experienced surgeon and allowing yourself a proper recovery period. The particular risks as well as the expected perioperative course will be discussed in detail with you at your consultation and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Our Procedures
Our philosophy is to treat all patients as we would be expected to be treated ourselves.
A/Prof. Mark Gianoutsos
