As we grow older, arm tissue relaxes and descends with gravity and with weight loss. The drooping of skin is from a stretching of the anchoring fascial system and loss of supporting fat.

The extra sagging can result in significant "loose hammock" like deformity from the underarm to the elbow. Sometimes this becomes so severe that it hangs down, creating a "bats wing deformity". Treatment for this condition is known as Brachioplasty.

Redundant skin folds can predispose areas to infections of the skin or fungal dermatitis. Excessive redundant folds of skin and fat can also cause difficulty of fitting into clothing, interference with personal hygiene, impaired ambulation as well as of psychological concerns of a disfigured appearance. Healthy men and women of all ages with excessive upper arm heaviness are candidates for this surgery, provided their expectations are realistic and that they understand all aspects of this procedure including all risks and complications. Brachioplasty will leave a scar that extends from under the arm to the elbow. This scar will fade with time, however will rarely disappear completely and may be visible in certain types of clothing.

Brachioplasty is usually performed on both arms and requires the use of a general anaesthetic. This Surgery can be performed as Day Surgery, or an inpatient stay of at least one night may be recommended. Follow-up care and wound checks are performed by our Nursing staff at our Rooms on a regular basis in the post-operative stage.

You will need to organise a responsible adult carer to take care of you in the first three to seven days following your Surgery. This person will need to take you home from the Hospital and assist you in travelling to and from your Nursing appointments as well as assist in your general care at home. You will be unable to drive for up to two weeks following your surgery, and unable to lift for up to one month.

Brachioplasty is a rewarding procedure, giving shape to large and pendulous upper arms, improving the aesthetic appearance as well as mobility of the arms. Minimal incision technique in the area under the arms, results in a fine scar, which can be concealed through clothing or in the shadow of natural light. This technique can be effectively used for arms which have loose skin and minimal fat, such as those in someone who has had a massive weight reduction and minimal skin shrinkage with the reduction, or in those who have a lipodystrophy or fatty deposit tendency in the upper arm area.