Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | New Zealand Cosmetic Surgical Specialists

What is brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that:

Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
Tightens and smoothens the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
Reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Fluctuations in weight, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise. Brachioplasty surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms is sagging or appears loose and full due to excess skin and fat.

Who is a suitable candidate for brachioplasty surgery?

In general, brachioplasty candidates include:

Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
Nonsmokers
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

What should I expect during a consultation for brachioplasty surgery?

During your brachioplasty surgery consultation, be prepared to discuss:

Your surgical goals
Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
Previous surgeries

Your brachioplasty surgeon will also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Take photographs
Discuss your options
Discuss likely outcomes of brachioplasty surgery and any risks or potential complications

Be sure to ask questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your brachioplasty procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) surgery?

Are you vocationally registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand as a specialist plastic surgeon?
Are you a member of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons?
Will the procedure be conducted in a hospital or office-based setting, and is the facility accredited for this type of surgery?
What type of anaesthesia is needed for this procedure?
Based on my medical history and condition, is surgery the best option for me? If so, am I a suitable candidate for this surgery?
Which surgical technique do you recommend for my case, and why?
What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure in my case?
What steps or lifestyle changes are necessary for me to get the best result from my surgery?
What is the anticipated duration of recovery, and what assistance will I need during this period?
What potential risks and complications are associated with this procedure? How would you manage these should they arise?
How will my results change over time?
If I’m unhappy with the outcome, what recourse options are available?

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Disclaimer: This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain. Patient information provided as part of this website is evidence-based, and sourced from a range of reputable information providers including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Better Health Channel and Mi-tec medical publishing.