Brachioplasty in London

Time in surgery can vary from patient to patient, but usually an arm lift takes between 2-3 hours, requiring roughly 6 hours of hospital time. Most patients are able to return home the same day and walk comfortably immediately after leaving the hospital.

Yes, brachioplasty does leave a scar – usually in the inner parts of the upper arm where it can be well disguised and least visible. The arm lift scars will usually extend from the armpit area to the elbow, and should fade into a thin white line once swelling has completely subsided.

Over time, the scars left by your brachioplasty will fade into a slim white line. In the hands of the skilled surgeon, scars are usually well disguised. Our aesthetic doctor is skilled in the use of laser scar removal and can help improve the appearance of the scars once you have fully recovered.

Brachioplasty targets lax skin and deposits of fat in the upper arms, aiming to remove upper arm concerns such as ‘bingo wings’.

Different arm lift techniques are available depending on the needs of the patient. A traditional arm lift requires an incision from armpits to elbow in the inner arm and also uses liposuction, whereas an extended arm lift makes an incision into the side of the chest – this is only in cases of very severe lax skin. BodyTite can also be used to complement and arm lift as a liposuction technique that also tightens up lax skin.

A limited-incision brachioplasty requires only a small incision under the armpit, and is used in cases of mild to moderate laxity in the arms.

You will see a difference in the tightness of your upper arm skin immediately after the surgery, but the final results of your brachioplasty will become most apparent around six months after the procedure, when all inflammation has subsided.

The results from a Brachioplasty are long-lasting as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid fluctuations in your weight. Furthermore, since the natural ageing process causes a loss of skin elasticity, the results of your surgery will diminish as you age.  

A mini arm lift is the least invasive form of Brachioplasty. It involves a crescent-shaped incision in the underarm, which allows the surgeon to remove a small amount of excess skin in the upper arm. The surgery leaves behind a scar that’s discreetly hidden in the crease of the armpit. However, a mini arm lift is most effective for mild skin laxity around the underarm. 

Dr. Tillo will assess your suitability for a Brachioplasty during your consultation. In general, most people in good health and who have skin laxity in their upper arms that they want to get rid of are good candidates for the arm lift procedure. Furthermore, patients should wait to have the surgery until they have reached their ideal weight to maintain results. 

Cosmetic surgeons primarily perform arm lifts to remove excess skin, but the cosmetic procedure also removes a small amount of fat. If you have a significant amount of excess fat in the upper arm, your surgeon may recommend combining an arm lift with liposuction to achieve a more contoured outcome. 

The upper arms are a prominent feature of the body that are exposed when wearing certain clothes, and many people want toned arms that they feel confident displaying. Therefore, many patients with saggy skin in their upper arms consider brachioplasty a worthwhile cosmetic procedure and are happy with the outcome as it contours their arms and restores their confidence.

There is no particular age limit for brachioplasty – the surgery can only be performed on adults (18+) and each patient will be assessed based on their medical history as well as their aesthetic goals. Provided the procedure is deemed safe to perform and appropriate for your needs, there is no age-related impediments.

The discomfort and pain experienced after arm lift surgery varies from person-to-person, but pain during downtime can typically be managed with pain medication. No pain is experienced during the surgery as the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.

In the case that large amounts of excess lax skin impede mobility or cause discomfort in the upper arm, a brachioplasty may be considered a medically necessary treatment. This degree of lax skin is most common after very significant weight loss, such as the weight loss experienced after a bariatric weight  surgery.

Most patients find they are able to go back to work and return to their daily routine within 1-2 weeks time, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a minimum of 4-6 weeks post surgery – this will ensure optimum healing and aesthetic results.

It can. Where necessary, liposuction is used as part of the brachioplasty procedure to reduce fat deposits and create the best possible contour.

Brachioplasty is considered safe and is generally well tolerated, but it is still crucial to seek a qualified surgeon who is experienced in the procedure. Choosing a surgeon who has performed many successful brachioplasties will minimise the risk of any complications, like poor wound healing, and provide the highest quality results.