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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery in Sydney

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Overview

An Arm Lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that may be considered to address excess skin and/or tissue of the upper arms. Some people seek assessment after significant weight change, ageing-related skin laxity, or when exercise has not changed the appearance of loose skin. The procedure involves incisions and results in scarring. A consultation is required to confirm suitability and to discuss expected changes and limitations, scarring, risks, recovery, and alternatives.

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Before & After

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

About This Procedure

Brachioplasty is a body contouring operation that removes excess skin and, in selected cases, excess fatty tissue from the upper arm. The incision pattern depends on the amount and location of excess skin and may extend from the underarm toward the elbow. In some cases, liposuction may be used as part of the surgical plan where clinically appropriate.

All surgery results in scars, and scar visibility varies between individuals.

Your Consultation with Dr Lajevardi

Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing exceptional results to each patient. He takes a caring approach, working with patients to create an individualised treatment plan that helps them feel confident in their outcomes. Book your appointment to receive professional care and guidance from Dr Lajevardi, and find out if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.

Key Benefits

The goals of brachioplasty depend on anatomy, skin quality, and the agreed surgical plan. Depending on individual circumstances, potential physical outcomes may include:

Reduction of loose upper-arm skin

where clinically appropriate.

Change in upper-arm contour

results vary and depend on skin elasticity and healing.

Clothing comfort considerations

some people report changes in how sleeves fit; this varies.

Skin-fold symptom considerations

in some individuals, reducing skin-on-skin friction may help with irritation; this varies.

Outcomes vary and no specific result can be guaranteed.

Complete Body Guide

Get step-by-step insights, recovery tips, and expert recommendations for your Body. Download our free guide today.

Ideal Candidate

A suitable candidate is generally an adult seeking assessment for upper-arm skin laxity and/or excess tissue, and who is in good overall health. Suitability depends on general health, nutritional status, smoking status, weight stability, skin quality, and individual risk factors. Candidates should have realistic expectations about scarring, recovery time, and variability in outcomes. A consultation is required to confirm suitability.

You May Be a Good Candidate If

You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:

Have excess upper-arm skin that you would like assessed
Have stable weight (where relevant to surgical planning)
Are in good overall physical health
Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)
Understand that scarring is expected and outcomes vary
Are willing to follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments

Who Should Not Undergo This Procedure

Brachioplasty may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
Have an active infection
Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required (as nicotine can impair healing)
Have unstable weight or are planning major weight change in the near future (timing may be deferred depending on clinical advice)
Have unrealistic expectations about scarring, symmetry, or outcome variability
Have a history of problematic scarring or wound healing issues (assessment required)

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

The technique is individualised based on the degree and location of skin excess and the distribution of fatty tissue. Options may include:

Limited-incision brachioplasty:

may be considered when skin excess is mild and mainly near the underarm.

Standard brachioplasty:

commonly involves an incision along the inner or back aspect of the upper arm; the length varies with the amount of skin removal required.

Brachioplasty with liposuction (selected cases):

liposuction may be used to address fatty tissue where appropriate, either as part of the arm lift or as a staged approach.

Your surgeon will explain incision placement, expected scarring, trade-offs, and whether additional procedures are recommended during consultation.

Anesthesia

Brachioplasty is commonly performed under general anaesthesia, though local anaesthesia with sedation may be considered in selected cases depending on the extent of surgery and facility protocols. The anaesthesia plan will be discussed during consultation.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Preparation typically includes:

Medical review: health history, medications and supplements, and relevant investigations where required.
Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support after discharge.

Recovery Process

Recovery varies depending on the extent of skin removal, whether liposuction is used, and individual healing.

Timeline

Activity & Expectations

Immediately Post-Op

Dressings and a compression garment may be used. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur.

First 24–48 Hours

Rest is commonly recommended. Keeping arms supported/elevated may be advised. Drains may be used in some cases.

Week 1

Follow-up is typically scheduled for wound review and dressing/drain management (if applicable). Arm movement may feel tight and lifting is usually restricted.

Weeks 2–4

Gradual increase in light daily activity may be possible depending on healing. Compression garment use may continue as advised.

1–3 Months

Ongoing changes in swelling, contour and scar healing occur. Activity may be increased gradually as advised.

6+ Months

Scars continue to mature and contour can continue to evolve. Timelines vary between individuals.

Recovery Milestones

Return to Work

Timing varies depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of your role.

Return to Exercise

Light activity may be resumed as advised. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body training are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon.

Appearance over time

Swelling reduces gradually and scars mature over months. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.

Resources & Guides

A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.

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Procedure Walkthroughs

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Patient Preparation Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

How long does an arm lift take?

The duration varies depending on the surgical plan and whether liposuction or additional procedures are performed. Your surgeon will provide an estimate during consultation.

Will I have noticeable scars?

All surgery results in scars. Brachioplasty usually involves a scar along the upper arm and sometimes into the underarm region. Scar visibility varies between individuals and can change over time.

How long will the results last?

Longevity varies. Weight changes and natural tissue changes over time can affect the appearance of the arms. Your surgeon can discuss factors that may influence longer-term outcomes.

What are the risks associated with brachioplasty?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, seroma (fluid collection), contour irregularity, asymmetry, changes in sensation, anaesthetic risks, and the possibility of revision surgery. A detailed discussion of risks and alternatives will occur during consultation.

Pain & Recovery

Is the arm lift procedure painful?

Discomfort varies. Many people report soreness and tightness early in recovery. Pain management guidance will be provided as part of your care plan.

What pain management will be provided?

Your treating team will provide a pain management plan appropriate to your procedure and circumstances.

When can I shower after surgery?

This depends on dressings, drain use (if applicable), and incision healing. You will receive written guidance before discharge. Submerging incisions (bath/pool/ocean) is usually restricted for a period.

Safety & Credentials

Where will the surgery be performed? Is the facility accredited?

Surgery is performed in an appropriate licensed surgical facility or hospital setting. Facility details and aftercare arrangements will be discussed during consultation.

What qualifications should I look for in a surgeon?

You can confirm a practitioner’s registration on the AHPRA public register and ask about their training, scope of practice, and experience relevant to the procedure.

Important Safety Information

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.