Brachioplasty, or “arm lift” surgery, can be suitable for both men and women. But not everyone is a candidate. Candidates for surgery normally meet certain requirements beyond just the amount of skin laxity they have.
If you’re interested in a surgical procedure, the best way to find out if it’s right for you is to consult a specialist plastic surgeon. Dr Justin Perron holds private consultations with each potential patient to determine their needs and develop a plan for their surgical treatment.
What happens during a brachioplasty?
When you hold your arms out horizontally, you may notice some degree of loose skin on your upper arm, particularly between the elbow and underarm. For some people, this laxity can be severe and may even impact everyday movement and mobility. This is the purpose of brachioplasty surgery – to remove loose skin and tissue from the upper arms.
Like any other surgery, brachioplasty begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon such as Dr Justin Perron. This involves a discussion about your suitability for surgery, reasons for wanting brachioplasty, risks, recovery, and expectations. The surgery itself involves anaesthesia and linear incisions along the arm, from underarm to elbow. Once the incision is made, Dr Perron removes the excess skin and carefully secures the wound closed. Following this, the recovery process begins, which can take several weeks.
Who is a good candidate?
Generally, a person may seek brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) if they have significant excess skin under their arms. This is often due to weight loss or as a component of post-weight-loss skin removal surgery. In other cases, the excess skin may be due to natural ageing and skin laxity.
To be a good candidate, you should aim to be physically healthy. This means maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, good hydration, and staying physically active. You should also aim to have a stable weight (within a healthy BMI range), for several reasons. Firstly, being a healthy weight reduces your chances of post-operative complications and helps your body heal. And secondly, gaining or losing weight after surgery can alter your results and lead to poor aesthetic outcomes.
Additionally, a good candidate should have clear and reasonable expectations about their surgery. It will help to do your research and make sure you understand:
- What the surgery can achieve
- The risks and possible complications
- The recovery involved
- Your personal reasons for seeking surgery
A qualified professional can talk you through these factors and help you develop a clear vision for your goals and expectations of brachioplasty surgery.
Who is not a good candidate for brachioplasty?
Although there are no specific age limits for getting this procedure, certain factors may make a person unsuitable. For example, you may be unsuitable for brachioplasty if you are:
- Significantly overweight or obese
- A smoker (and unwilling to quit smoking both before and after your surgery)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- At a higher risk of complications due to a medical condition
- Have unrealistic expectations
Understanding recovery
Part of being a good candidate for surgery is understanding what’s involved in the recovery process. Preparing well for recovery can help set you up for success as you approach your brachioplasty surgery.
So, what’s involved? Below are some key things to keep in mind about recovery:
- After surgery, you will need to care for your incisions, keeping them clean and dry
- You will need to wear a compression garment
- Expect some soreness and swelling, especially in the first few days post-surgery
- Take time off work (you might be able to return to work in 10 days, or longer if your work is physically strenuous
- Avoid all strenuous activities and exercise for at least four weeks or until advised
- Scar management techniques are available; however, some scarring is unavoidable
How do I know if the surgery is right for me?
The best and surest way to know if surgery is a good option for you is to consult a qualified surgeon such as Dr Justin Perron. A qualified surgeon will be able to assess your concerns, skin quality, health history, and circumstances, taking all these things into account to make well-founded recommendations.
Why choose Dr Perron for brachioplasty surgery in Brisbane?
If you want to pursue brachioplasty surgery, choosing a reliable surgeon is an important step. Dr Justin Perron is an experienced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who maintains a broad knowledge of the latest surgical techniques. His approach is personalised, attentive, and patient-focused.
When you see Dr Perron in a consultation, he will assess your circumstances and answer any concerns or questions you may have. If you are deemed to be a good candidate for surgery, you will also receive a personalised treatment plan that considers your needs and goals. To find out more about brachioplasty in Brisbane, book your private consultation with Dr Perron.
