Arm Lift

An arm lift is also known as brachioplasty, and it’s a surgical procedure which is carried out to reshape and tighten the upper arm area. You could benefit from this kind of procedure if you have excess loose skin and fat in the upper arm region, possibly caused by ageing or by weight loss – something which is often referred to as ‘bingo wings or ‘flabby arms.’ An arm lift can tighten up the area and help you feel more confident in tight or short sleeved tops and swimwear. 

• Smoother, more contoured arms 
• Reduced skin irritation and chafing 
• Enhanced self confidence  
• Wider range of clothing options 
• Long-lasting results 

• Can be combined with other procedures like liposuction for more comprehensive results 

• Scarring 
• Infection 
• Bleeding 

• Poor wound healing 
• Nerve damage 
• Fluid buildup (seroma) 
• Blood accumulation (haematoma) 
• Change in sensation 

You’ll be given either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the arm lift procedure. This will depend on the extent of your surgery and your surgeon’s recommendation. 

The operation will begin with your surgeon making incisions on the inside or back of your upper arms. Where these incisions are located, and their size, will depend on the amount of excess skin that you’re having removed. Your surgeon will try to place the incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimise visible scarring. 

They will then remove any excess skin and, if necessary, some underlying fat tissue from the arms through these incisions. The remaining skin and tissue are then reshaped to create a more toned and youthful appearance, and the incisions closed with sutures.  

Dressings and compression garments are applied to the arms to minimise any swelling and support the healing process. You should be prepared to wear any compression garments for up to 6 weeks. 

You might decide that arm lift surgery is an option because you have excess, sagging skin on your upper arms after substantial weight loss. Some patients have found that, as they age and their skin loses elasticity, it begins to droop in certain areas of the body, including the arms. Arm lift surgery can counteract the effects of aging by removing excess skin and restoring a more youthful arm contour. 

This type of procedure can improve the contours of naturally flabby or disproportionate arms that may make you feel self-conscious, making them more aesthetically pleasing and balanced.  

An arm lift can boost your self-confidence and body image, widen your clothing options and have a positive impact on your overall self-esteem. 

After your arm lift operation, you’ll spend a night in hospital and should be discharged the next day. You should plan to take at least 2 weeks off work, although the precise time period will depend on the nature of your job.  

You can expect your arms to have swelling and bruising for the first few days after your operation, but this will begin to reduce as your recovery progresses. Try to keep your arms elevated and continue to wear your compression garment for as long as recommended by your surgeon. Avoid any heavy lifting and make sure you have plenty of rest. 

After around 4-6 weeks, you can start to lightly exercise again. Full recovery can take several months to a year, and it can take up to a year for your scars to reach their final appearance.