Awake body surgery
Awake Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Ottawa
An arm lift removes loose skin and fat from the upper arms, often after weight loss. It is a bigger operation than liposuction, so awake surgery is considered carefully and offered only when it is safe.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 2 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is arm lift (brachioplasty)?
An incision along the inner arm allows excess skin and fat to be removed and the arm to be reshaped. Liposuction is sometimes added. The scar is permanent and its position is discussed before surgery.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with hanging skin of the upper arms
- Those with stable weight, often after weight loss
- Patients who accept a longer scar in return for a smoother contour
Why awake arm lift (brachioplasty) may work
Arm lift is typically done with sedation or general anesthesia, and procedure-specific published evidence for awake arm lift is limited. In selected patients, tumescent local anesthesia with sedation may allow a shorter arm lift to be done awake, particularly when liposuction does most of the work. We describe this as an option for selected patients and not an established standard.
When awake may not be the right choice
Longer arm lifts and those with extensive skin removal are often better done under general anesthesia, and we will tell you plainly if that is the safer plan.
Your awake arm lift (brachioplasty) journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We measure skin laxity and plan the scar position, and discuss wound-healing risks.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The arm is numbed and the skin removed. Awake or not, an anesthesiologist remains with you.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling, soreness and tightness. Compression sleeves worn. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Limit arm movement. Sutures and any drains removed. |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Gradual return to arm use. No heavy lifting. |
| 6 to 12 months | Scar matures. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Arm liposuction if skin is not very loose, or no surgery.
Risks
Visible scarring, wound-healing problems, seroma, asymmetry, numbness or nerve injury, bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake arm lift (brachioplasty)
Can an arm lift be done awake?
In selected patients with limited laxity. Many people do better under general anesthesia.
Will I have a scar?
Yes, along the inner arm.
Can it be combined with liposuction?
Yes, often.
When can I lift weights?
Usually after several weeks, as advised.
Related procedures
Starting from $12,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
Evidence note: published studies specific to this procedure under awake or local anesthesia are limited. The approach described here follows general principles of local anesthesia and is individualized to each patient. General references on local anesthetic safety are listed below.
References
- Conroy PH, O'Rourke J. Tumescent anaesthesia. Surgeon. 2013;11(4):210-221. PMID 23375489
- Dillane D, Finucane BT. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Can J Anaesth. 2010;57(4):368-380. PMID 20151342