Dr. Dirk Lazarus

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

MBChB (UCT)
FCS (SA) Plast & Recon Surg

Arm Reduction

Thick, aged or unsightly upper arms can be treated either with liposuction, brachioplasty or a combination. Brachioplasty is a procedure for excision of excess skin and fat. These procedures are performed as a day case procedure (in and out the same day) in my own, private facility.

The surgery is done under sedation and local anaesthesia. You will be asleep, pain-free and unaware at the time of surgery and you will have a quick recovery.

The incision for brachioplasty is from armpit to elbow and is designed to lie in the bicipital groove – the groove on the inner aspect of the upper arm. Despite the length of the incision most women are satisfied with the procedure and find the resulting scar an acceptible price to pay for the improvement in arm shape.

After the excess is excised, the wounds are closed with dissolving sutures, tape is placed over the cuts and a dressing is applied. The procedure takes about an hour and a half. Painkillers will be prescribed for post-operative pain. Bruising and swelling will last about 2-3 weeks and once this has subsided, you can resume your normal activities. Out of town patients can go home after 2-3 weeks. It takes about a year for the scar to settle into a thin, fine, white line.

Potential complications of surgery include bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, scarring, benign lumps, sensory changes and cosmetic issues.

31 January 2023

More than a year since my tummy and arms lipo and it keeps getting better, I reserved my review for when I thought I could be more honest, he prioritized my safety first and my GP can’t agree more.! I got the results I wanted …high ten Doc ! Im so happy, the only drawback is I wasn’t prepared for the pain and the recovery it requires…well done Dr Lazarus