Brachioplasty

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

Brachioplasty is performed in an accredited hospital under a general anaesthetic.

Incisions and scars
The incision for arm reduction surgery is generally placed along the inner aspect of the arm, running from near the elbow to the armpit. In some cases, the incision may extend onto the side of the chest if there is a significant amount of excess skin and tissue to remove. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures that do not usually need to be removed. All surgery results in permanent scars, and their appearance varies between individuals.

What the surgery involves

• After the anaesthetic is administered, the skin of the upper arm is carefully lifted and re-draped.
• Excess skin is removed, and in some cases liposuction is performed to reduce localised fat deposits.
• The deeper supportive tissues of the upper arm may be tightened with sutures to help shape the arm.
• The remaining skin is repositioned before the incision is closed.
• Dressings and a compression garment are usually applied to support the arm and help reduce swelling.

Length of surgery
The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of skin and tissue removed. A brachioplasty may take one to three hours if performed on its own. If combined with other post–weight loss procedures such as abdominoplasty or thigh reduction, surgery will take longer and recovery may be more complex.

All surgical procedures carry risks, including brachioplasty. It is not possible to list every potential complication, but it is important to be aware of both the more common risks and the less common but potentially serious complications. A more detailed discussion of risks that are particularly relevant to you will take place during consultation.

General risks of surgery include:

• Bleeding from the operated site, which may require further treatment or transfusion.
• Infection, sometimes requiring antibiotics or further surgery.
• Allergic reactions to sutures, dressings, antiseptics, or medications.
• Formation of a blood clot (haematoma) beneath the incision, sometimes requiring further surgery.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening.
• Pain, bruising, and swelling.
• Delayed wound healing.
• Nausea or other complications related to anaesthesia.
• Scarring, which is an unavoidable outcome of surgery. The extent and appearance of scars vary between individuals and cannot be predicted with certainty.
• Higher complication risks in people who smoke, use nicotine products, are obese, or have other significant health problems.
• Medications, supplements, and recreational substances can affect surgical risk and should always be disclosed before surgery.
• Results of surgery cannot be guaranteed.

Specific risks of brachioplasty include:

• Scarring that may be prominent or extensive.
• Seroma (fluid collection under the skin).
• Asymmetry of the arms.
• Swelling or lymphedema.
• Bleeding or haematoma formation.
• Infection.
• Problems with circulation, with possible loss of skin or tissue requiring further surgery.
• Changes in skin sensation, including numbness.
• Recurrent skin laxity over time.
• Changes in skin or hair patterns in the arm or armpit.
• “Dog ears” (excess skin folds at the ends of scars).
• Displacement of the armpit fold (axilla).
• Need for revision surgery, which may prolong recovery.
• Prolonged healing time.
• Extended hospital stay in some cases.
• Deep vein thrombosis (clot in the legs) or pulmonary embolism (clot in the lungs).
• Dissatisfaction with the appearance or outcome.
• Allergic reactions to tapes, sutures, dressings, or medications.

Further information about risks associated with arm lift surgery can be found on the The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) website.

Hospital stay
Most patients remain in hospital for one to two nights following brachioplasty. This allows for monitoring of pain, wound healing, and any drains that may be placed to remove fluid. A longer stay may be required if the procedure is combined with other surgeries or if complications arise.

Time off work and activity
Depending on the complexity of surgery and the type of work you do, two to four weeks off work is commonly recommended. People with desk-based jobs may be able to return sooner than those with physically demanding roles that require lifting, repetitive arm movements, or manual labour.

Bruising and swelling
Bruising and swelling are expected after surgery. These generally improve within two to six weeks, though mild swelling may persist for longer, especially if the arms are used frequently during recovery. Elevating the arms when resting, wearing compression garments, and avoiding strenuous activity can help manage swelling.

Dressings, garments, and wound care
Dressings will be applied at the end of surgery. A compression garment or bandages are usually worn for around six weeks. These provide support to the healing tissues, help reduce swelling, and may improve comfort. The garment should be worn as directed, usually day and night, and only removed for short periods such as showering, depending on surgical advice.

Incision care instructions will be provided before discharge. Stitches used are generally absorbable, but follow-up appointments will monitor healing and remove any sutures or drains if required.

Pain management
Pain after brachioplasty varies between individuals. Discomfort is usually most noticeable in the first few days and when moving the arms. Pain relief is tailored to the individual and provided before leaving hospital. Adjustments to the pain management plan can be made if symptoms change during recovery.

Movement and exercise

• First 2 weeks: Gentle walking is encouraged. Arm movements should be limited, especially lifting above shoulder height or carrying objects.
• Weeks 2–6: Light daily activities are usually resumed, but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and overhead movements should be avoided.
• After 6 weeks: Gradual return to exercise, stretching, and strengthening may be possible if healing is progressing well. For combined procedures, recovery timelines may be longer.
• Full recovery: Some individuals take 8–12 weeks or longer to feel fully comfortable with unrestricted arm movement.

Scarring
All surgery results in permanent scars. For brachioplasty, scars are typically placed along the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit, and in some cases onto the side of the chest. The appearance of scars varies between individuals depending on skin type, healing response, and other factors. Scars are often red or raised at first, but usually fade over time, although their final appearance cannot be predicted.

Follow-up
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to check healing, review scar progression, and advise on activity levels.

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

Arm lift surgery, like other procedures performed after significant weight loss, is generally considered once weight loss is largely complete and your weight has remained stable for several months.

If weight loss has been achieved through bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, a longer waiting period is often recommended. In many cases, at least 12 months of stable weight is advised before proceeding with body contouring surgery.

A consultation can occur during your weight loss journey to provide information about potential options and timing, but the decision about when to proceed depends on individual health factors and clinical assessment.

Yes. All arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures result in permanent scars. These are usually located along the inner aspect of the arm, running from near the elbow to the armpit, and in some cases extending onto the side of the chest.

The length and position of scars depend on the amount of skin removed and the surgical approach. The appearance of scars varies between individuals, and while scars often fade over time, their final appearance cannot be predicted.

It is important to understand that scarring is an unavoidable outcome of surgery. The likely position and extent of scars will be discussed during your consultation.

In the first few weeks after surgery, arm movements are generally limited to light daily activities. Lifting heavy objects is usually avoided for at least 2–3 weeks. Even light lifting should be guided by your comfort and recovery, and should not cause pain or strain on the surgical area.

From around 4–6 weeks, gradual increases in activity and lifting may be possible if healing is progressing well. For people who have had more extensive surgery or combined procedures, restrictions may need to be longer.

Dr Avery will provide specific guidance for your situation, and activity levels will be reviewed during follow-up appointments.

Recovery after arm lift surgery varies between individuals and does not always follow a straight path. In general, patients are advised to limit lifting and strenuous use of the arms for about six weeks.

The usual pattern is a gradual increase in activity over the first four weeks, with many people able to resume near-normal daily function by six weeks. However, the timing differs depending on factors such as the extent of surgery, whether other procedures were performed, and individual healing.

Pain, swelling, and advice at follow-up appointments should guide how quickly arm use is increased. Some people may require longer before returning to unrestricted activity.

Recovery after arm lift surgery varies between individuals and does not always follow a predictable pattern. Light activity such as gentle walking is usually encouraged soon after surgery.

By around 4 weeks, some people may be able to increase activity, but movements involving the arms are generally restricted during this time. Strenuous or overhead exercise is often delayed until at least 6 weeks, and sometimes longer if healing is slower or if surgery has been combined with other procedures.

Progression back to exercise should be gradual and guided by pain, swelling, and advice provided at follow-up reviews.

Private health insurance usually only applies if a recognised Medicare item number is allocated to the procedure.

• Cosmetic arm lift (brachioplasty): When brachioplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons only (such as to change the appearance of the arms), it does not attract a Medicare item number. In these cases, private health insurance will not provide benefits for the procedure or hospital stay.
• Post–weight loss brachioplasty: In some circumstances, brachioplasty performed after significant weight loss may qualify for a Medicare item number (for example, item 30177 when strict criteria are met). These criteria generally relate to the presence of excess skin that causes recurrent skin conditions not responsive to other treatments, with weight stable for at least six months. If an item number applies, Medicare may contribute to part of the surgical fee, and private health insurance may provide benefits for hospital and anaesthetic costs, depending on the level of cover.

Eligibility for a Medicare item number and the extent of any private health insurance contribution can only be confirmed after a consultation and assessment. Patients should also check directly with Medicare and their health insurer to confirm coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Direct sun exposure can affect wound healing and may cause scars to darken or change colour. Scars should be protected from the sun until they have matured, which may take 12 months or longer. Protection may include clothing that covers the area or the use of high-SPF sunscreen once the wound has fully healed.

Artificial tanning products, such as spray tans, should only be considered after the wounds have fully closed. The timing varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing, and this can be discussed at follow-up.

The level of pain and movement restriction after surgery varies between individuals and depends on the extent of surgery performed.

• Pain management: Pain is most noticeable in the early days after surgery and is managed with a combination of local anaesthetic (used during surgery), prescribed medication, and supportive measures such as dressings, garments, and sometimes ice packs. A personalised pain relief plan will be provided before you leave hospital and can be adjusted if needed during recovery.
• Extent of surgery: Smaller procedures, such as an arm lift alone, may result in localised discomfort and earlier return of arm function. Larger or combined procedures, such as body lift or abdominoplasty performed with arm reduction, generally involve more discomfort and greater movement restriction in the early weeks.
• Movement restriction: Dressings and supportive garments provide stability to the operated areas and help reduce swelling. In the first two weeks, patients are generally advised to avoid stretching or lifting the operated areas. Gentle walking is usually encouraged, while heavier activities and lifting are delayed until healing progresses.
• Recovery progression: Activity is reintroduced gradually, guided by pain, swelling, and medical advice. Some people find they can resume light activities earlier, while others need longer before regaining comfort and mobility. Any increase in pain or swelling after activity should prompt a review.