Arm Lift

An arm lift — brachioplasty — removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm, restoring a firm, contoured shape. It is the right operation for patients left with loose, hanging upper-arm skin after significant weight loss or with age-related skin laxity that no amount of exercise will reverse.

Who is a good candidate?

• Significant upper-arm skin laxity that diet, exercise, and strength training cannot resolve.
• Stable weight — within fifteen per cent of target.
• Non-smoking at time of surgery.
• Acceptance of a visible scar along the inner arm (the unavoidable trade-off).

Types of arm lift

Full brachioplasty

Scar runs from the armpit along the inner arm to near the elbow. Removes the maximum amount of skin and produces the most dramatic change. The right choice for heavy laxity.

Mini / short-scar brachioplasty

Scar confined to the armpit area. Suitable for patients with laxity limited to the upper third of the arm.

Liposuction-only

For patients with fullness but good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may achieve the goal without a skin-removal scar.

The procedure, step by step

Performed under general anaesthesia, typically two to three hours. One night in hospital. The surgeon marks the excision pattern standing, removes the skin and underlying fat, and closes with meticulous multi-layer suturing to give the scar the best chance of fading well.

Recovery timeline

First 2 weeks

Compression sleeves worn continuously for four to six weeks. Arm movement is restricted — no lifting or pushing. Office work typically resumes by week two.

Weeks 3–6

Range of motion gradually returns. Light exercise by week four to six.

Months 3–12

Scar maturation takes a full twelve to eighteen months. Honest framing: the scar is permanent and visible in sleeveless clothing. The trade-off for patients who need this operation is consistently worth it.

Risks and realistic expectations

Honest risks: scar quality is the most variable outcome — genetics and post-operative care matter enormously. Seroma, temporary numbness, and asymmetry are possible but uncommon in experienced hands.