Brachioplasty Perth

Dr Nathan Stewart specialises in brachioplasty surgery in Perth.

What is Brachioplasty surgery?

Brachioplasty is also referred to as an arm lift surgery, designed to create a more defined upper arm shape by removing excess fat and skin from the area. Several factors can contribute to sagging skin in the upper arms, including weight gain and loss, genetics and the natural ageing process.

Why people choose Brachioplasty surgery:

• Remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms
• Create a defined shape
• Tighten the skin of the upper arms

What does the operation involve?

Brachioplasty is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and may take up to three hours. Generally speaking, the operation involves:

• Dr Stewart will make a cut on the inner surface of your upper arm from the armpit to the elbow.
• Extra fat is removed with liposuction, which involves the insertion of a thin tube (cannula) into the fat deposit. The fat is vacuumed out with a suction pump or large syringe.
• The extra skin is cut away.
• The cuts are closed with stitches.

After the operation, you can expect:

• a drainage tube may be placed in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up
• bruising and swelling
• possible numbness
• pain and discomfort
• dressings or bandages on your upper arms
• compression garments to help keep swelling down.

Complications of Brachioplasty Surgery:

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of brachioplasty include:

• surgical risks, such as bleeding or infection
• blood clots (you will receive prophylactic medication)
• fluid build-up under the wound
• sensory nerve damage
• swelling
• asymmetry (unevenness) of the skin
• unsightly, inflamed or itchy scarring
• further surgery to treat scars or fullness that can occur at the elbow or armpit.

Self-care at home after Brachioplasty

Dr Nathan Stewart will provide specific information for your recovery, but general self-care suggestions include:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Follow all instructions on looking after your wound.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least one month.
• You may need to wear your compression garment for several weeks.
• Report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner.

Will my private health insurance cover a Brachioplasty?

This depends. If you have had massive weight loss, you may meet the Medicare criteria for a MBS item number of 30169.

After your initial consultation with Dr Stewart our team will provide you with a surgical estimate which will include any applicable item numbers. If you are interested in having a Brachioplasty, it is always good to touch base with your insurer to see if you are covered for this item number.

Further Resource from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/arm-lift/