Arm Lift or Brachioplasty surgery removes the excess fat and skin from the underside of the upper arm. The procedure tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm whilst reducing localised pockets of fat.  As you age so the upper arm area starts to droop and lose elasticity and even though exercise can strengthen muscles it will not improve the skin’s elasticity.

An arm lift procedure can significantly change the aesthetic appearance of sagging underarms which in turn can improve your self-confidence.

  • Is it right for me?

    Arm Lift or Brachioplasty surgery is a very personal decision and you should have realistic goals and expectations before undergoing surgery. But if you are unhappy with the appearance of your upper arms because of sagging and excess skin and you are considering surgery, Dr Vlad will examine your arms during your initial consultation. He will then evaluate how an Arm Lift procedure can achieve an improvement and meet your goals and expectations. If you are in good health and you are a non-smoker (or you are prepared to give up smoking for at least 6 weeks prior and after surgery) you may be suitable for Arm Lift surgery.

    Arm lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and arm lift techniques may be recommended.

  • Will I need anaesthesia?

    Arm Lift surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia and may require a hospital stay.

    Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks.   Ask Dr Vlad and your Anaesthetist for more information.  You can be assured that Dr Vlad will engage the services of a qualified Anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation and/or general anaesthesia.

    Dr Vlad and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Please make sure you have an up-to-date list before the surgery.

  • Will I have scarring?

    Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery and there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome.  After surgery, the scars are typically reddish in colour but these will fade in time to a light pink and after one or two years the scars should become barely noticeable. And, in our experience, most of our patients believe that the aesthetic results of the procedure are well worth the resulting scars.

    If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Vlad will provide you with a scar treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars.  There are several treatment options including silicone gel and laser.

    We have the Palomar® Artisan laser system, which is proven to give excellent results for scar reduction.   Laser offers a non-invasive solution that uses fractional laser technology to deliver rapid, reliable scar removal with minimal healing time, infection risk is virtually eliminated and little to no pain is felt.

  • What are the risks with Arm Lift surgery?

    As with all surgery there are risks and potential complications. Dr Vlad will discuss these with you prior to any surgery taking place.

  • Where will the surgery take place?

    Dr Vlad will only perform your Arm Lift surgery in safe, accredited operating facilities. You can read more here.

  • What is the recovery period after Arm Lift surgery?

    Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on the extent of the surgery. But expect at least 1 week off work to allow for complete rest and another 2-3 weeks for all swelling and bruising to disappear. Elastic bandages or a compression garment is recommended for several weeks but light exercise such as walking may be resumed within 2-3 days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 1 month. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any questions, please speak to Dr Vlad and/or his Practice Nurse.

  • What are the costs?

    Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery, but it should not be the only consideration. You have the right to be informed about the costs you can expect, before you have your surgery. This is called ‘informed financial consent’.

    Costs associated with the procedure may include:

    • Dr Vlad’s surgical  fee
    • Accredited hospital or surgical facility costs
    • Anaesthesia fees
    • Prescriptions for medication
    • Post-surgery garments
    • Medical tests

    After your initial consultation with Dr Vlad, you will receive a written estimate of fees and an information pack to read before your second pre-surgery appointment.  The second appointment is free of charge.   Once you book your surgery, you will also see our Practice Nurse who will take your pre-operative photos.

    We welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

Schedule a Consultation

Call us in MELBOURNE - (03) 9819 3786
Call us in CANBERRA - (02) 6260 4882