Arm Lift

Brachioplasty

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by removing excess skin and, where needed, reducing stubborn fat deposits. It is particularly effective for addressing the “batwing” appearance that can develop with ageing, significant weight loss, or genetics. By tightening the underlying supportive tissues and smoothing the skin, an arm lift can create a more toned and youthful arm contour, improving both comfort and appearance.

Procedure Overview

An arm lift is suitable for people who have loose, sagging skin on the upper arms that does not respond to diet or exercise. This may be due to ageing, weight changes, or hereditary factors. Ideal candidates are in good health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and its results. It is particularly beneficial for those who feel self-conscious wearing sleeveless clothing or who experience discomfort from excess skin movement.

Aim

The aim of an arm lift is to restore a smoother, firmer, and more contoured appearance to the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, enhancing proportion, and increasing comfort.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

Firmer, more contoured upper arms

Treatment time:

2–3 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthetic

Recovery time:

2–4 weeks

Return to work:

1–2 weeks

Lifetime of procedure:

Long-lasting with stable weight

Northwood Hospital - Arm Lift The Procedure

CONSULTATION

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess the skin quality, amount of excess tissue, and distribution of fat in your upper arms. They will discuss your goals in detail, review your medical history, and check for any underlying health issues that might affect your suitability for surgery. You will learn about the different surgical approaches — from incisions hidden in the armpit for smaller lifts to longer incisions along the inner arm for more significant reshaping. The surgeon will also explain the role of liposuction in enhancing results, what scarring to expect, the recovery timeline, and the steps you can take to optimise healing. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure, aftercare, and combining an arm lift with other surgeries for a more comprehensive result.

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PRE OPERATIVE PREPARATION

The general ways you can prepare for any surgery will include eating a healthy diet which includes all the macronutrients important for daily living. It will help to avoid ultraprocessed foods, and those foods high in refined sugars such as cakes, biscuits or chocolates.

It is important to avoid smoking (including passive smoking), and vaping for at least 6 weeks in the run up to your surgery as this can decrease blood flow to the skin and make the healing process slower. Similarly please avoid recreational drugs as these can interfere with having an anaesthetic.

Finally preparation of the body area to be worked on is equally important. For the upper arms we would recommend a program of 6 weeks of shoulder mobility, stretching, and strengthening of the upper back muscles, chest muscles, biceps and triceps so that these are strong before the surgery commences

SURGERY

An arm lift is performed under general anaesthetic. The exact incision pattern depends on the extent of correction needed. For minimal excess skin, an incision may be placed discreetly in the armpit. For more significant tightening, a longer incision is made along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin is removed, underlying tissues are tightened, and fat deposits may be reduced with liposuction. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and dressings or compression garments are applied to support healing and improve contour.

RECOVERY

You can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the first week after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Compression garments should be worn for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the arm’s new shape. Most patients can return to light activities after 1–2 weeks, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check your progress, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure your recovery is on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is arm lift surgery safe?

When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, an arm lift is generally safe. Like all surgery, there are risks including infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, and scarring. Careful adherence to aftercare instructions helps minimise these risks.

Will there be scars?

Yes, but they are placed in the least conspicuous locations possible, such as along the inside of the arm. Scars fade over time and can be improved with proper scar care.

Will the results be permanent?

Provided your weight remains stable, the results should be long-lasting. However, loss of skin elasticity over time is natural with ageing and will not be prevented by the surgery.