Brachioplasty Risk Profile

Brachioplasty Risk Profile

Brachioplasty (arm lift) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically after significant weight loss or due to ageing. It leaves a scar along the inner arm that may be visible in short sleeves or when arms are raised.

This page provides general and specific information only. Individual risks vary depending on your age, general health, smoking status, diabetes, BMI, and the extent of skin and fat removal. A detailed, personalised risk assessment will be provided during your consultation with Dr Kelly Thornbury in her Sydney rooms.

Important AHPRA note: All cosmetic surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period. Results vary from patient to patient and cannot be guaranteed. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before proceeding.

General Risks of Plastic Surgery

Refer to our General Risks of Plastic Surgery in Sydney page for full details on anaesthesia-related complications (including heart attack, stroke, chest infection, death, DVT/PE, sore throat/breathing difficulty, nausea), wound infection (higher in smokers and diabetics), heavy bleeding, poor or delayed wound healing, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bruising and swelling, haematoma/seroma/oedema, pain and discomfort, allergic reactions, altered sensation, adverse scarring, need for revision surgery, and psychological impact.

Specific Risks of Brachioplasty

  • Long, visible scarring along the inner arm (may be noticeable when arms are raised or in short sleeves)
  • Widened, hypertrophic, or keloid scarring
  • Altered or permanent numbness along the inner arm or forearm
  • Contour irregularities, residual skin laxity, or asymmetry between arms
  • Wound breakdown or delayed healing (especially near the elbow or high-tension areas)
  • Asymmetry
  • Seroma or fluid collections
  • Lymphoedema or chronic swelling of the arm
  • Bleeding or haematoma requiring return to theatre
  • Neurovascular compromise of the arm, forearm or hand
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Infection
  • Need for revision surgery to improve scars or contour

Factors that significantly increase risks Smoking, diabetes, and higher BMI significantly increase wound healing complications and infection rates. We will thoroughly assess these during your consultation and may recommend optimisation or advise against surgery if risks are considered too high.

Recovery Considerations Arms must be kept elevated and compression garments worn for several weeks. Limited arm movement is required initially. Final scar maturation takes 12–18 months. Signs of complications (increasing redness, pain, fever, or swelling) should be reported immediately.

Next Steps Consult Dr Kelly Thornbury, FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney for a full assessment of whether brachioplasty is suitable for you.

This information is educational and based on current Australian medical standards and AHPRA/Medical Board guidelines for advertising cosmetic surgery. Last reviewed April 2026.