Arm Lift

(Brachioplasty)

Length of Surgery

2-3 Hours

Arm Lift

Short and

Sweet

Price Range

$7,800-8,500 Plus HST

Draping of skin from upper arms due to weight lost or the natural loss of elasticity in the skin persists even with exercises and diet. Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.

Summary of Surgery:

Brachioplasty

Alternative names:

General Anesthesia

Type of Anesthesia:

1-2 weeks off from work

4-6 weeks before resuming physical activity

Recovery Period:

What is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

Suitable Candidates

Procedural Details

Recovery

Post-Op Instructions at a Glance

Helpful Links

Complimentary Procedures

What is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

Excess skin draping down from the upper arms is frequently experienced by individuals as they age or after excess weight loss. The skin in the upper arms is thin and has little resilience thus is often problematic as the skin and fat persists even with exercises. An arm lift procedures, technically called a brachioplasty, is a straightforward surgery that functions to remove the excess skin and soft tissue below the arms giving patients a smoother, more toned appearance.

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Suitable Candidates

During your initial consultation, Dr. Chivers can help determine whether arm lift surgery is the right option for you.

Ideal candidates are individuals who are in good health and experience one of the following:

Disproportionately large upper arms compared to lower arms and body mass.
Poorly toned and/or wrinkled skin on the upper arms.
Dissatisfaction with the shape, texture and appearance of the arms.
Willingness to accept a lengthwise permanent scar in exchange for the above cosmetic enhancements of an arm lift.

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Procedural Details

An arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia (you are put to sleep). During the procedure, Dr. Chivers will make an incision that runs from your underarm to your elbow. He will then remove excess fat and skin and finish with multiple layers of surgical stitches that are designed to leave as little scarring as possible. The final scar will be on the back of the arm and is minimally visible, although this scarring will be permanent and should be considered prior to deciding upon proceeding with surgery.

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Contact Us

Book a consultation

Recovery

Although arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, it doesn’t require an overnight stay in the hospital. Surgical staff will monitor you for a short time after the procedure is completed and then you may return home with follow-up arranged.

You are likely to experience mild to moderate pain for a few days, which can be adequately controlled with pain medication. Mild activity may resume 2 weeks following surgery but strenuous activities should be avoided for about 6 weeks total.

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Post-Operative Instructions at a Glance

You will find tensors along your arms after your surgery. Tensors will have to be worn for the first week after surgery.
You can switch into long-sleeve compression garment after your first dressing change. These garments need to be worn for 6 weeks in total.
Wait 2 days after surgery before having a shower. You may then shower daily. Please re-apply tensors or graments after the shower. You may require assistance with this.
Do not submerse your incisions in water until your incisions are completely healed and stitches are removed at 2 weeks after surgery. This includes baths, hot tubs and/or swimming.
Bruising and swelling is expected above and around the incisional areas. Most of it will disappear within 2 -3 weeks. The remaining swelling will take 2-3 weeks to completely resolve.
No lifting of objects or vigorous movements until Dr. Chivers or his nurse give you the clearance approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery.

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Helpful Links

Consent form and Lists of Complications:

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) with Liposuction

Standard Pre-Operative Procedure Instructions

Post-Operative Instructions

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Complimentary Procedures

Axillary Liposuction

This surgery compliments an arm lift as it functions to remove excess skin and soft tissue that maybe present beneath and on the backside of the axilla which causes the dreaded axillary folds.

Breast Lift

With excessive weight lost, many women experience excess skin in the upper arms and around their breast. For women who experience sagging in their breast after weight lost, a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with arm lift procedure or as solo procedure.

Just like the excess skin in your arms and legs, excess skin and fat often develops in the abdomen region after weight loss. Revision in the abdominal area with an abdominoplasty or a panniculectomy can slim down the extra tissue in your midsection. Click on the links below to learn more about each type of surgery or book an appointment with us to see which type of surgery is suitable for your needs.

Abdominoplasty is also know as a tummy tuck procedure which helps patients slim down the waste line by removing any excess skin, tightening their abdominal musculature, and to re-position the belly button to create a slimmer feel.

Panniculectomy is an OHIP covered procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat at the lower front edge of the abdomen. Many patient’s experience an overhang of skin after massive weight loss causing maceration, irritation and infections and the goal of this surgery is to address these health concerns.

However, at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, addressing your health concerns and creating a cosmetically satisfying appearance is our goal. Thus, cosmetic surgical techniques and liposuction, which is not covered by OHIP, are typically used to help patients achieve their aesthetic outcomes.