Armlift (Brachiaplasty)

What does this involve?

Armlift surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and you may need to stay in hospital one to two nights.  You will also need to plan time off work so that you can relax and recover at home.

Your surgeon will make appropriate incisions on the inner under surfaces of your arm between your elbow and armpit.  Excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining skin is stretched and stitched back together.  There will be some visible scarring and your consultant surgeon will discuss this with you before your operation.

Your surgeon will explain the results you can expect after arm reduction surgery, and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives to the procedure before going ahead.

When will I recover?

You will be taken from the operating theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this, you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular intervals.

The anaesthetist will prescribe painkillers and you should take these regularly for the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so please discuss any discomfort with nursing staff.

You may have drainage tubes in your arms - these have bottles attached to them and are in place to drain away any excess fluid. These are removed before you are discharged home.

There may be a drip in one of your arms - this is to keep you well hydrated. This will be removed when you are able to drink a satisfactory amount.   You will have wound dressings and a supportive compression garment in place.   Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need to rest.

You will be visited by your surgeon who will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Providing you are not feeling nauseous, you may start to drink and eat when you feel ready.  Nursing staff will give you advice on getting out of bed, personal hygiene, and diet.

You will be visited by the Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse before you are discharged home. She will give you advice about caring for your wounds and dressings, the wearing of your supportive compression garment and support stockings, and discuss your post-operative activity. 

Hospital contact details will be provided should you require any advice once you have returned home, and a post-operative follow-up appointment with your surgeon will be arranged.

The length of time you will need to take off work will depend on your type of employment - usually one to two weeks.

Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required to wear your supportive compression garment and whether it is to be worn day and night.

You will receive a post-operative telephone call from the Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse 1 - 2 days after your discharge home to ascertain your progress and well being.

At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your normal activities.

What risks should I know about?

After a Brachiaplasty you are likely to have some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and pain in your arms. These are temporary and should subside after the first few weeks. You will be left with visible scars following your surgery. Initially they will be red and slightly raised, but they should gradually soften and fade over the following months.

Any major operation with a general anaesthetic carries a small risk of chest infection particularly among people who smoke and there is also a small risk of thrombosis in the veins of the leg, particularly for patients who are taking the contraceptive pill.

Circle care

Brachiaplasty is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the art hospital, which provides you with the best facilities and superb patient care.  We have a dedicated team of Cosmetic Surgeons and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have.