Dr Isolde Hertess offers brachioplasty for suitable patients on the Gold Coast, and planning is based on your anatomy, your health, and what can be done safely. This includes discussing where scars may be placed, what recovery can be like, and the risks you should understand before making a decision.
What Is Brachioplasty?
This surgical procedure reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and, in some cases, a small amount of underlying tissue. The incision is typically placed along the inner arm or the back of the arm, depending on where excess skin is located and what scar placement is most appropriate for your anatomy.
The exact incision length varies between patients. Some patients have excess skin limited to the upper arm, while others have excess skin that continues closer to the armpit or side chest region, which can affect the surgical plan and scar placement.
Who Is Brachioplasty For?
Brachioplasty may be considered by patients who have:
- Excess skin in the upper arm following a significant weight loss
- Skin laxity that has progressed over time
- Ongoing irritation or rubbing in skin folds
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to excess upper arm skin
Whether brachioplasty is appropriate depends on your health and the factors that affect healing. Having a stable weight is usually important for planning, because ongoing weight changes can affect healing and the way your arm shape changes over time. Smoking or vaping can also increase the risk of delayed wound healing and other complications, so this is discussed during your assessment.
Planning Brachioplasty With Dr Isolde Hertess
Brachioplasty planning focuses on matching the incision pattern to the distribution of excess skin, while prioritising safe healing. During your consultation on the Gold Coast, Dr Isolde Hertess will assess your skin laxity, tissue thickness, symmetry between arms, and the position of the excess skin (inner arm, back of arm, or extending toward the chest wall).
Incision Pattern And Scarring
Brachioplasty involves scars. The length and placement depend on how much skin is removed and where the excess skin is located. Scars can remain visible, and scar appearance varies between patients.
Liposuction And Brachioplasty
In selected cases, liposuction may be discussed as part of the plan. Liposuction can remove fat, while brachioplasty removes skin. Whether liposuction is appropriate depends on tissue quality and skin elasticity, because liposuction alone does not address significant skin laxity.
Sensation Changes And Swelling
Temporary numbness or altered sensation can occur after brachioplasty. Swelling and bruising are also common early on, and the arm contour can continue changing as swelling settles. These points are discussed during planning, so you know what is common during recovery and what should be reviewed.
Anaesthetic And Hospital Setting
Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting. The exact plan depends on the extent of the procedure and whether it is combined with other surgeries.
More than 30 years of experience, Female support Dr Isolde Hertess – Plastic Surgeon
Offering a female perspective, with more than 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hertess is dedicated to providing patients with information, support, and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their surgical options.
Recovery After Brachioplasty
Recovery varies. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and discomfort are common early on, and you will usually need to reduce your activity while you heal. You may need time away from work, especially if your job involves lifting, and you will be advised when it is safe to return to heavy lifting and upper-body exercise.
Compression garments are often recommended, and you will be given instructions on keeping the incisions clean and dry, with follow-up appointments to check healing and adjust advice if needed. It is also common for the incisions to feel tight early on, particularly with arm movement, so following your aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments is an important part of recovery.
Brachioplasty Risks
All surgery carries risks. Brachioplasty involves longer incision lines, so wound care and follow-up are important parts of recovery.
General surgical risks may include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Wound healing problems
- Scarring that may be more noticeable than expected
- Anaesthetic risks and rare serious complications, including blood clots
Brachioplasty-specific risks may include:
- Delayed wound healing
- Noticeable scarring
- Changes in skin sensation, such as numbness
- Asymmetry
- Fluid collection
- Ongoing swelling that lasts longer than expected
- Tightness with arm movement during healing
- Need for further surgery in the future
Your risks depend on your health history and the surgical plan, and these should be discussed in detail before you decide to proceed.
