Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty targets the upper arms, particularly the area between the shoulder and elbow, which can develop loose, sagging skin due to ageing, genetics, or significant weight loss.
During the procedure, the surgeon typically makes an incision along the inner arm or along the back of the arm, removes excess skin and fat and tightens underlying tissue to restore a smoother contour. In some cases, liposuction is combined to remove additional fat and refine arm shape.
The surgery is often sought after massive weight loss (e.g. following bariatric surgery) or when exercise alone cannot address sagging skin. The goal is to achieve proportional, toned upper arms with long-lasting results.
Who is a candidate?
- Individuals with:
- Excess, sagging skin on the upper arms
- Localised fat deposits not responsive to diet or exercise
- Stable body weight (significant weight fluctuations can affect results)
- Good overall health and realistic expectations.
- Ideal candidates do not smoke and maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimise healing.
Recovery timeline
May vary with provider.
- Hospital stay: Usually day surgery
- Initial recovery:
- Swelling, bruising, and discomfort for 1–2 weeks
- Surgical dressings and compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and support tissues
- Return to light activities: 1–2 weeks
- Resume exercise or heavy lifting: 4–6 weeks
- Final results: Visible once swelling subsides - usually 2–3 months.
Benefits
- Removes excess skin and fat for a smoother, toned upper arm contour
- Improves appearance and proportion of the arms
- Boosts self-confidence, particularly when wearing short sleeves or swimwear.
Risks
- Scarring along the inner or back arm (usually permanent but fades over time)
- Bleeding or infection
- Swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Delayed wound healing (more common in smokers or after massive weight loss)
- Seroma (rare accumulation of fluid or tissue changes).
Brachioplasty is the gold-standard procedure for upper arm rejuvenation, providing dramatic improvement after weight loss or sagging skin.
This is just an outline. Your specialist surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.