Arm Lift

Ideal candidates for arm lift procedures are healthy men and women who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. You may be a good candidate for a brachioplasty procedure if you:

• Have loose, sagging excess skin on the upper arms
• Have arms that are disproportionately large compared to the rest of your body
• Have hanging skin on your upper arms that cannot be toned or eliminated with exercise
• Are in good physical and mental health
• Have reached a stable weight

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your arm lift procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a procedure that reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the elbow to the armpit. The excess skin and fat deposits are removed and the tissue is tightened, leading to a smaller and shapelier arm appearance. An arm lift procedure takes up to 3 hours depending on the amount of correction needed, and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthesia.

An incision will be made on either the inside or back of the arm. The inner tissues will be tightened and any excess skin will be removed. Liposuction may be used to remove fatty tissue during the procedure. The particular procedure and areas for incisions that are best suited to your needs will be discussed with you at length during consultation.

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

During office hours our patient coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

•  Fax, online, phone application
• Approval within 1 business day
• Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
• No down payment
• Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
• No penalties for early payments

Brachioplasty is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP.

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, these medications will pose an additional cost to you.

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling your arm lift surgery date.  This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Certified Cheques
• Mastercard or VISA
• E-transfers
• Financing plan

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience in performing the arm lift procedure will help to ensure that your post-operative recovery is minimized. Following your surgery, you will be discharged with dressings in place. You may be given compression garments to help minimize swelling after surgery.

You should refrain from any participating in any physical activity for the first week following your arm lift procedure. You are encouraged to keep your arms propped up on pillows during this time in order to decrease swelling and any discomfort. During the first 1 to 2 weeks your arms will feel tight and sore, and you may have mild bruising. Generally most patients begin light activity two weeks following your surgery. Arm exercises should be avoided for approximately 4 weeks after arm lift surgery.

Dr. Barr and his medical team will monitor your progress with follow up visits, and any changes to your physical activity levels will depend on your rate of recovery.

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to make ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Precautions that should be taken to minimize scarring will be discussed during consultation.