Upper Arm Fat Reduction Surgery

Reshape the upper arms

Arm Reduction (brachioplasty) Surgery involves treatment of excess skin in the upper arms (such excess skin may result in arms being referred to as “bingo arms” or “bat wings”). Commonly this issue arises after a significant amount of weight loss or with the normal ageing process. The result of this treatment is to obtain better proportion, tightness, and proportion in the arms.

Two techniques are possible. The first being a transverse incision with the majority being hidden under the arm pit. The overall effect is not very dramatic. Mr White generally recommends the longitudinal incision which extends along the arm. Whilst it is a long wound it is placed on the inner aspect of the arm to hide it as best as possible. It gives a much more dramatic and effective result.

Does brachioplasty result in scarring?

Yes, like any other surgical procedure, upper arm fat reduction surgery does leave scarring. However, Associate Professor Dean White takes extreme care in scarring effects and placement. His priority is to make the scarring as discreet as possible in order to get the best results. 

Surgical goals

• YOUR SAFETY.
• Tighten arms.
• Decrease excess skin and fat.
• Produce a more pleasing arm shape.

RISKS TO CONSIDER

Anaesthetic – In otherwise well people, general anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques. Mr White’s rooms will give you the details of your anaesthetist prior to surgery to discuss any specific concerns.

Bleeding/Haematoma – This may need a return to the operating theatre to evacuate a blood clot. This can impact on wound healing or skin survival. Infection in the wound – If this does occur, can usually be cleared up with antibiotic tablets.

DVT/PE (Deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus) – Blood clots that are potentially very serious and even life threatening, which can form in the legs and travel to the lungs. Multiple strategies are employed to minimise the risk of these occurring.

Wound healing issues – Stretch marks may not all be removed or new ones may be created. Gathers in the wound are often present at either end. These settle over several weeks to months in the majority of cases but sometimes may need a small revision often under local anaesthetic. Initially there is almost always some contour issues or puckers. These settle down in most cases over several weeks.

Scars – Typically are at their thickest and reddest at 6-10 weeks after surgery. Scars continue to mature and improve for up to 18 months after surgery. Scar management advice will be discussed in your follow up visit with Mr White to assist in achieving the goal of a thin, barely noticeable scar.

Asymmetry – The scars may be slightly different on your right compared to left side.

Wound separation/delayed healing – This is much more common in smokers or if there is an infection.

Skin necrosis/loss – Very rare complication and almost only seen in smokers. If it does occur it needs significant aftercare, possibly more surgery and even skin grafting in the most extreme cases.

Seroma – Clear/straw like fluid that can collect following surgery. Usually it settles down with no intervention but if persistent or large may require drainage in the rooms (sometimes on several occasions) or even a drain tube to be inserted.

Numbness – Generally settles down over weeks to months.