An arm lift brachioplasty may pose some risks, including:

• Scarring. Incision scars from an arm lift are permanent, but are typically placed in areas that aren’t easily visible. Rarely, incisions can result in raised, red scars. Injections of a corticosteroid medication or other treatments might be used to improve the appearance of scars.
• Asymmetry in the shape of your arms. This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process. Also, while the surgeon will try to make your arms look as symmetrical as possible, perfect symmetry isn’t possible.
• Changes in skin sensation. During an arm lift, the repositioning of your arm tissues can affect superficial sensory nerves. You’ll likely feel some temporary numbness.
• Problems with stitches. Stitches used to secure the arm’s new shape might work their way to the surface of the skin and need to be removed. This can cause inflammation of the affected skin. As a result, you might need additional surgery.

Like any other type of major surgery, an arm lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia

After the procedure

After an arm lift, your incisions will be covered in bandages. Your arms will be loosely wrapped in elastic bandages to minimize swelling. Small tubes might be placed in your arms to drain any excess blood or fluid.

You’ll likely see someone from your plastic surgery team within a day or two after your arm lift. He or she may remove your bandages and drainage tube if used. Some plastic surgeons may have you wear a compression sleeve for a few weeks to keep swelling down.

In the first few days after an arm lift:

• Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level for three to four weeks.
• Avoid physical and athletic activities with your arms that might stretch the incisions for four to eight weeks after surgery.
• Take pain medication as needed and use topical or oral antibiotics as directed to prevent wound infections.