Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Sydney

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR ARM LIFT CONSULTATION WITH DR DONA

If you’re interested in Arm Lift surgery, the first step is to book an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona at his Sydney clinic. Here, you can ask any questions, express your concerns and gain all the information you need to know. Dr Dona will also conduct a thorough physical examination and ask about your complete medical history and any medications you are taking. He will then create a tailored surgical plan to suit your unique requirements.

CAN LIPOSUCTION ALONE RESOLVE THE ISSUE?

Liposuction seems an attractive option for most people, as it removes fatty tissue without leaving scars. However, liposuction alone is not enough for individuals who have already lost significant amounts of fatty tissue and are left with large amounts of excess skin. Consequently, further surgery is required.

HOW ARM LIFT SURGERY IS PERFORMED

There are various types of arm surgeries available, depending on your requirements. If you simply have excess fatty tissue, you may only require Liposuction. As mentioned, this has the advantage of minimal scarring. However, if you have excess loose skin on the upper arm, you may need further surgical intervention.

Suppose you have only a small amount of excess skin near the armpit. In that case, you may only require a Minimal Incision Arm Lift. This involves creating a surgical incision where the inner upper arm joins the armpit.

Alternatively, suppose you have lost significant weight and have excess skin and fatty tissue extending from your armpit to the elbow level (or beyond). In that case, you may require a Traditional Arm Lift (full Brachioplasty). This involves creating incisions on the inside of the upper arm from your armpit to the level of your elbow. Then, the excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, and your skin is tailored and closed using several layers of internal stitches. This results in an upper arm without loose, hanging skin.

RECOVERY FROM ARM LIFT SURGERY

Our nursing team will give you a detailed recovery plan. This involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our team for several weeks. Before your surgery, you’ll also be given a post-operative clinic appointment schedule. This schedule allows our team of nurses and Dr Dona to monitor your progress, commence post-operative treatment and wound care, and ensure you achieve all the appropriate recovery milestones.

To help expedite your healing, we also integrate light-based therapy (LED). This helps to promote cellular healing. It also helps to mature your surgical scars faster, providing optimal scar formation.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING AFTER SURGERY?

You must consider the first four weeks after surgery as recovery. Then, after four weeks, consider all activities as rehabilitation. Therefore, your first four weeks will be spent convalescing, then after this time, you can gradually return to regular training and physical activities. You may undertake any physical activities you wish to do, but be guided by your comfort and strength, which will slowly improve

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER SURGERY?

The time required before you return to work depends on your occupation. If you have a sedentary job, you may return after approximately two weeks. You may have to wait four weeks for more physical work, such as work in the hospitality industry. Work that requires significant physical exertion must be avoided for six weeks.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST FROM ARM LIFT SURGERY?

Once the surgical results have fully settled, which would typically take around 6 months, then those results are ‘permanent’. However, we will all continue to age, and time, gravity, lifestyle and genetics will continue to change our bodies, including any area that has had surgery. So, how do you minimise changes to your body over time? There are several things you can do. Most importantly, maintaining a stable weight is imperative, as constant weight fluctuations can cause your skin to lose elasticity while also allowing stubborn pockets of fat in the upper arm to develop.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

All surgeries carry the risk of complications. To find out more, please see the information provided here.

No surgical procedure should be considered ‘minor’. There is always a risk of things going wrong. While the chances of the following potential problems occurring are minimal, it’s imperative that you are aware of them.

Anaesthetic issues – This may affect the lungs and heart or cause strokes

Allergic reactions – These may be mild to life-threatening

Clots

Superficial vein clots – These are complications of the cannula or drip placed in your vein.

Deep vein clots – These can potentially spread to the lungs and be life-threatening. We perform several activities during and after surgery while you’re in hospital to minimise the risk of developing these.

Wound problems – Such as infection and breakdown.

Bleeding – Early or late.

Death – While the chances of death are extremely rare, any of the previous issues can result in this devastating complication.

The above potential problems are standard for any operation; however, some operations and patients have an increased risk of developing them.

Other specific potential complications may include:

Asymmetry – Differences between the left and right arms or unevenness of the skin may occur.

Swelling– Swelling after Brachioplasty surgery is normal. However, the swelling may take several months to resolve in some cases.

Loss of sensation – You may experience a loss of sensation around the scars on the upper arm or possibly in the forearm. This typically subsides over several months.

Scars – Your scars may appear worse during the first six months of healing. It is not uncommon for Brachioplasty scars to become quite thick and dark. Keloid formation is common. Occasionally, scar revision surgery may be required.

Circulation – Circulation may be poor in some parts of the skin around the surgical area. This may lead to a loss of skin and a wound that needs to be addressed until it heals.

Seromas – A seroma is where fluid builds up under the wound. If this occurs, it may need to be drained with a needle.

COSTS INVOLVED IN BRACHIOPLASTY

MEDICARE AND HEALTH INSURANCE: Brachioplasty is an elective surgical procedure. In some instances where a patient is experiencing significant excess skin, Brachioplasty surgery may be partially covered by Medicare and your private health insurance. During your Initial Consultation, Dr Dona will advise whether you qualify for any Medicare or health insurance rebates.

ALL COSTS: There are several costs involved in your Arm Lift procedure. For example, the following must be considered:

• Anaesthetist’s fees
• Choice of the surgeon (their level of expertise, credentials and experience will affect the price)
• The specific type of Arm Lift procedure required (considering the complexity and duration of surgery)
• Hospital fees (Including theatre fees and possible overnight fees)
• Level of private health insurance cover and whether it applies to you

Given the number of variables involved, providing a specific quote for your procedure is not possible. However, after your Initial Consultation with Doctor Dona, you’ll receive an itemised list of all expenses required for your surgery.

This quote from Dr Dona’s clinic will include:

• An individualised surgical plan
• Confirmation of private hospital insurance coverage, if available and confirmation of private hospital and overnight stay if required.