Can You Combine Brachioplasty with Other Procedures?

Can You Combine Brachioplasty with Other Procedures?

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat. It helps contour the upper arms and is often sought by patients following significant weight loss or due to ageing. But many people wonder if it’s possible — or even advisable — to combine brachioplasty with other cosmetic procedures. In this article, we’ll explore what procedures pair well with brachioplasty, the advantages of combining treatments, and what to expect during recovery.

Why Combine Brachioplasty with Other Surgeries?

Combining surgeries can be more convenient and cost-effective. Many patients want to address multiple concerns in one operation. For instance, someone undergoing brachioplasty may also wish to improve their abdomen, thighs or breasts. This approach reduces the number of surgeries and anaesthesia events. It also means one recovery period instead of several. Additionally, combining procedures often leads to more balanced results and an overall improved body silhouette.

Popular Procedures Combined with Brachioplasty

1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Patients often pair a tummy tuck with brachioplasty for a more complete upper body transformation. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens underlying muscles. This combination is especially popular after significant weight loss.

2. Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation

The breasts and arms are located in close proximity. As a result, many patients who want arm contouring also seek improved breast shape. A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises sagging breasts, while augmentation adds volume. Together with brachioplasty, these procedures can dramatically improve the upper body's appearance.

3. Thigh Lift

A thigh lift targets loose skin on the upper legs, similar to how brachioplasty reshapes the arms. For those who’ve undergone massive weight loss, both areas may need tightening. Performing these procedures together provides harmony and saves on recovery time.

4. Liposuction

Liposuction removes excess fat from targeted areas. It is commonly combined with brachioplasty to refine contours further. While brachioplasty addresses skin laxity, liposuction focuses on fat removal. This pairing is both functional and aesthetic.

5. Facelift or Neck Lift

Although this combination is less common, some patients opt for a facelift or neck lift along with brachioplasty. This is usually for those looking for a comprehensive rejuvenation, especially as part of age-related surgery planning.

What to Consider Before Combining Surgeries

Although combining procedures offers many benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. Factors to consider include:

• Overall health: You must be in good health to tolerate a longer surgery and recovery.
• Anaesthesia duration: Combined surgeries increase operation time. Your surgeon will assess what’s safe.
• Recovery planning: You may need more help during recovery, especially with multiple areas healing.
• Cost implications: While it may be cost-effective long-term, the initial investment can be higher.
• Realistic expectations: It’s important to have clear, achievable goals.

Your surgeon will help evaluate if combination surgery is appropriate based on your health, goals and anatomy.

Recovery After Combined Brachioplasty Procedures

Recovery from brachioplasty alone typically takes 2–4 weeks for light activities and up to 6 weeks for full return. Adding other surgeries can extend this timeline. You may experience more fatigue and swelling when multiple areas are healing simultaneously. Wearing multiple compression garments may also be necessary. 

Post-operative care includes:

• Pain management
• Wound care for multiple incision sites
• Limited physical activity
• Follow-up visits with your surgeon

Nevertheless, having one extended recovery can be more manageable than multiple short recoveries over a longer period.

Benefits of Combined Brachioplasty

• Time-saving: Addressing multiple concerns in one session reduces overall treatment time.
• One recovery period: Fewer disruptions to work and personal life.
• Cost-effective: Combining procedures may lower hospital and anaesthesia costs.
• Balanced results: Simultaneous improvements can create a more harmonious and proportional figure.
• Enhanced confidence: Seeing comprehensive results often boosts patient satisfaction and self-esteem.

Conclusion

Combining brachioplasty with other procedures can offer a powerful transformation with one recovery period. Whether you’re enhancing your arms, abdomen, thighs or breasts, planning combined surgery saves time and delivers balanced results. Consultation and careful planning ensure the outcome meets your expectations.

For more information and to book a consultation visit the ACIBADEM Beauty Center Brachioplasty webpage.