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Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)

Addressing Loose Skin and Excess Fat on the Upper Arms

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms to improve the overall contour. The goal is to tighten and reshape the arms, enhancing their appearance and helping them fit more comfortably into clothing.

A common reason for considering arm lift surgery is significant weight loss. While weight loss offers numerous health benefits, it often leaves behind loose skin, particularly on the arms.

Dr. Richard Hamilton offers arm lift surgery aka Upper Arm Reduction for patients with moderate skin excess confined to the upper arms.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your arms and are considering an arm lift, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamilton to determine if this surgery is right for you.

Hamilton House offers specialised arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures for patients concerned with loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arms—often the result of significant weight loss or natural ageing.

Your Consultation

Initial Consultation:
To proceed with arm lift surgery, you will need a referral from your GP, which includes a detailed letter. During your first consultation, Dr. Hamilton will take a comprehensive approach to assess your medical history and evaluate whether brachioplasty is a suitable option for you.

Dr. Hamilton will discuss the procedure in depth, including the technique to be used, potential risks, expected recovery time, and the costs involved. Photographs may be taken to assist in planning the surgery. You will also receive detailed information on the surgery, anaesthesia, aftercare, and any potential complications.

Second Consultation:
After reviewing the information from the first consultation and considering your options, you will meet Dr. Hamilton again for a follow-up consultation. This is a chance to ask any additional questions and discuss the next steps. You will also meet with the Patient Advisor and Practice Nurse to go over surgical documentation and receive detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions.

At this point, if you decide to proceed, your surgery date will be scheduled, and payment arrangements will be made, typically 7 days after the second consultation.

The Surgery

Arm lift surgery is performed at Hamilton House Day Surgery under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on your individual case. In certain instances, local anaesthesia may be appropriate for smaller procedures. Before surgery, Dr. Hamilton will mark the areas of excess skin and fat to guide the procedure. Liposuction may be used initially to reduce fat in the area, followed by the excision of the excess skin. The wound is closed in several layers, with dissolving sutures used when appropriate. Surgical tape is applied to support the healing process.

Aftercare

You will receive detailed written instructions for post-operative care. The surgical site must remain dry for the first 48 – 72 hours, after which you may shower. If a drain is used, it will be removed the day after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common but typically resolve within a few weeks. You will return for follow-up appointments on the first post op day then at 5 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery to monitor your healing and ensure that everything is progressing as expected.

Results

The results of arm lift surgery are typically noticeable once bruising and swelling subside. Brachioplasty can significantly improve the contour of the upper arms, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in their clothing.

While the full results will take several months to become apparent, most patients find that after about 6 – 12 months, the scarring has faded to a fine, pale line. Dr. Hamilton uses advanced techniques to place the scar along the inner arm, helping it blend with the natural lines of the body. As one of Adelaide’s most experienced plastic surgeons, Dr. Hamilton ensures that your results are as natural and aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Risks and Complications

Please Note re Risks & Complications: All surgery carries some degree of risk, and outcomes can vary from patient to patient. Dr. Hamilton will provide you with a full understanding of the potential risks, complications, and expected results during your consultation.

Risks and Complications
Like all procedures surgery for Brachioplasty caries potential risks and complications including:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Wound Breakdown
• Scarring
• Incomplete Correction
• Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Dr Hamilton will discuss these risks with you thoroughly during the consultation process to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with surgery.

Dr Hamilton does not offer treatment to massive weight loss patients where there is skin excess on the adjacent chest wall as treatment in a hospital may be required.
For more information or to schedule your consultation, please contact Dr. Richard Hamilton’s team at 08 8272 6666.

Please note that the information about procedures here is given as a general guide, and is not a substitute for an in depth, personal consultation with Dr. Hamilton. As with any surgery there are risks and complications to consider, all of which will be clearly communicated to you during your one on one consultation with Dr. Hamilton.

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