Brachioplasty – also known as Arm Lift Surgery.
What is a Brachioplasty Consultation?
A brachioplasty consultation is an appointment with a specialist plastic surgeon to discuss concerns related to loose, sagging or excess skin on the upper arms.
Some people seek a consultation following significant weight changes, ageing or ongoing discomfort related to upper arm tissue.
Only a specialist plastic surgeon can determine whether brachioplasty is appropriate after reviewing your medical history, general health and physical examination.
What areas does it address?
Brachioplasty focuses on the upper arm area, typically from the armpit to the elbow. A brachioplasty consultation focuses on the upper arm region between the armpit and the elbow.
During the appointment, the surgeon assesses:
• The amount and quality of excess skin
• The position and structure of the upper arm tissue
• Any localised fat contributing to arm contour
• Skin irritation, functional issues or hygiene concerns
• Overall arm shape and symmetry
The goal of the consultation is to understand your concerns and determine whether surgery is suitable or whether other approaches should be considered.
Who may be suitable for this procedure?
A GP may refer someone for a surgical opinion if they:
• Have significant excess skin on the upper arms
• Experience issues such as skin irritation or difficulty with hygiene
• Prefer a professional review of arm contour changes
• Have concerns related to comfort, movement or appearance
A referral does not mean surgery will be recommended. Suitability is confirmed only after a full assessment with a specialist surgeon.
What happens during the consultation?
Your surgeon will review:
• Your medical and surgical history
• Lifestyle factors that may affect healing
• Findings from the physical assessment
• Whether conservative or non-surgical options may be appropriate
• Whether brachioplasty aligns with safety considerations and your goals
If the surgeon believes the procedure may be suitable, they will explain the approach in general terms. This includes how excess tissue is usually managed, where incisions are commonly placed and what to expect during recovery.
Specific procedural detail is only discussed in a clinical context to support informed consent.
Is there downtime or aftercare?
If a brachioplasty is recommended, your surgeon will outline general recovery expectations. This may include guidance on:
• Typical swelling or tightness in the early stages
• Temporary limitations on lifting or strenuous arm movements
• The use of compression garments
• Follow up appointments and wound care instructions
Recovery varies widely. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice based on your procedure and health circumstances.
Surgical or non-surgical?
Surgical
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure and must be performed by a qualified specialist in a licensed medical facility.
Who performs this procedure?
In Australia, brachioplasty must be performed by:
• A Specialist Plastic Surgeon registered with the Medical Board of Australia
These procedures must take place in accredited hospitals or surgical facilities with appropriate anaesthetic and postoperative support.
Patients are encouraged to:
• Confirm the surgeon’s qualifications
• Ask about experience with upper arm procedures
• Ensure the facility is accredited
• Discuss postoperative care and expectations
Referral required?
Yes. People considering elective cosmetic surgery need to follow a regulated pathway designed to support informed and safe decision making. Every person must complete the following steps before any procedure can be booked:
• A current GP referral is required before seeing a surgeon. This helps ensure your broader health needs are reviewed and that cosmetic surgery is the right pathway to explore.
• You must attend a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon who would perform the operation. At least one of these appointments must occur in person. These consultations allow time to review your medical history, assess suitability and discuss risks in detail.
• A cooling off period is required after the final consent appointment. This time is set aside for you to think carefully about the information provided, ask more questions if needed and decide whether to proceed.
These steps apply to all elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. They are in place to support careful consideration and protect patient safety.
Risks and considerations
All surgery carries risks.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explain risks that may include:
• Bleeding or infection
• Delayed wound healing
• Scarring
• Changes in skin sensation
• Irregularities in contour
• The possibility of requiring revision
A full risk discussion is part of the informed consent process.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is brachioplasty covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates may apply only when strict medical criteria are met. Your surgeon can assess this after examination.
Q: Will there be scars?
Your surgeon will explain where incisions are commonly placed and how scars are managed over time.
Q: How long until I can return to normal activities?
This varies. Your surgeon will outline a personalised recovery plan during your consultation.
Q: Can brachioplasty be combined with other procedures?
Your surgeon will explain whether this is appropriate based on safety, health status and individual goals.
