What happens at the first brachioplasty consultation?

Cosmetic surgery is a personal decision and every man and woman has their reasons for deciding to undergo a procedure of this nature. During your first consultation, Dr Norris will focus on your expectations and find out more about what you would like to achieve and why. Dr Norris will then evaluate your arms by assessing your skin tone as well as the condition of your arm and fatty tissue. He will also measure your arms and photographs will be taken for your medical records. Dr Norris will then discuss how the operation is performed and where the scar can be placed. You will then be given a detailed quotation, which outlines your options for arm lift brachioplasty surgery. Use this first consultation to ask as many questions as you need to about the procedure. If you decide to proceed with brachioplasty surgery, Dr Norris will see you again at a second consultation.

It’s highly recommended that all patients stop smoking two months before any type of cosmetic surgery procedure. There are also specific medications and supplements that will need to be avoided in the weeks leading up to your surgery – Dr Norris will explain this to you during your second consultation.

How is the arm lift brachioplasty operation done?

Dr Norris always performs arm lift brachioplasty surgery in fully accredited medical facilities. Before you are taken into the operating room, you will be introduced to the anaesthetist that will be administering your general anaesthetic. Dr Norris will also take you through the final details on your incisions and what’s going to happen during surgery.

The type of incision that is used will depend on how much skin and excess tissue needs to be removed. Most of the time, incisions are made under or at the back of each arm. From there, the excess tissue and skin will be removed. The underlying structures of the arm may also be reshaped and tightened if need be. The entire procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours.

Once Dr Norris is happy with the result, the incisions will be sutured closed and removed after about a week. Arm incision lines generally take a little longer to heal due to the quality of skin in that area. Patients must remember not to stretch the area too soon after surgery as this could damage the scar line, which will interfere with the aesthetic result.

What happens after the surgery?

• Following surgery, you will need to spend several hours in recovery. In some instances, patients will need to spend a night in the hospital.
• Drains will need to be in place for approx. 1-3 days depending on how much fluid needs to be removed.
• A compression garment will need to be worn on each arm for at least 6 weeks.
• A friend, or responsible adult, must collect you from the hospital as you may not drive home – this is due to the aftereffects of the anaesthetic.
• You will leave with written post-operative instructions and a prescription for pain-relief, which will help make your recovery more comfortable.
• Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried adequately.
• Pain and discomfort levels will be at their worst two days after surgery but this can easily be managed with prescription pain medication.
• You will more than likely experience bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity. Swelling may vary from patient to patient and most of it will subside within 2 weeks.
• Light exercise will be possible 2 weeks after your procedure. However, your regular exercise routine can only be resumed after 6 weeks if Dr Norris clears you for it.
• You can return to work after 2 weeks unless it involves heavy lifting or use of the upper body. You may need to take on light duties for up to 3 weeks.
• A follow-up appointment will be booked for you on day 3 or 7 after the operation. This is to check your wounds and change the dressing.

How much does an arm lift brachioplasty surgery cost in Sydney?

Brachioplasty is a personalised procedure and every patient has slightly different requirements, which does end up affecting the final cost. There are also hospital, anaesthetist and aftercare costs to take into consideration. The only way to get the most accurate cost possible is to schedule a consultation with Dr Norris. If an arm lift brachioplasty is required because a patient is experiencing skin rashes and ulceration, the procedure will more than likely qualify for a Medicare rebate or it will be covered by private health insurance. You can speak to Dr Norris about this possibility during your one-on-one consultation.

Possible complications

• Haematoma A collection of blood in the incision area, which is either naturally absorbed into the body or sometimes requires further surgical drainage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, hot to the touch or itchy skin.
• Infection Infections are unpredictable and normally occur in the first 3 weeks after surgery. Any infections should be treated immediately with antibiotics.
• Seroma Is a build-up of fluid after your surgery that can sometimes require removal via a syringe in the clinic.
• Poor Scarring Arm reduction/lift brachioplasty scars typically take a little longer to heal and reduce in colour due to the skin under the arms being so fragile and of poor quality. To get around this issue you will receive strict instructions for scar treatment.