An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose, hanging skin and excess fat from the underside of the upper arms to create a tighter, slimmer contour. It is most often chosen after significant weight loss or when age-related skin laxity has not responded to exercise.
Price: From £11,500 · Consultation £150, charged separately · Full price list
What is an arm lift?
Brachioplasty is an operation that removes a section of excess skin and fat from the inner or back of the upper arm and tightens the remaining tissue. It is designed for skin that has lost its elasticity, which diet and exercise cannot restore. Loose upper-arm skin can develop with ageing, genetics, pregnancy-related changes and, most noticeably, after major weight loss, whether through diet or bariatric surgery. The trade-off for a tighter arm is a scar, which is the most important thing to consider before choosing this procedure.
Who is an arm lift suitable for?
An arm lift may be suitable for adults aged 18 and over who:
- Have loose skin: that hangs from the upper arm and is bothersome in clothing or during activity.
- Are at a stable weight: ideally maintained for at least several months, particularly after major weight loss.
- Are in good general health: and are non-smokers or willing to stop well before and after surgery.
- Accept the scar: understanding that it runs along the inner arm and is visible with the arms raised.
If the main problem is fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone may be a better option, and Mr Nassab will explain this honestly at consultation.
Techniques
- Full brachioplasty: the incision runs along the inner arm from the armpit towards the elbow. This allows the most skin to be removed and suits moderate to severe laxity.
- Extended brachioplasty: the incision continues onto the side of the chest wall to treat loose skin extending from the arm onto the upper chest, which is common after major weight loss.
- Limited or short-scar arm lift: the scar is confined to the armpit area. This suits mild laxity close to the armpit only.
- Liposuction-assisted arm lift: liposuction is used alongside skin removal to reduce fat and refine the contour.
Mr Nassab will assess the amount and position of loose skin and fat, and discuss the likely scar position with you before surgery.
What happens on the day
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to three hours. Mr Nassab will mark your arms while you stand with them raised, confirm the plan and answer any final questions. Depending on the extent of surgery you may go home the same day or stay overnight. Your arms will be dressed and supported in compression garments. You will need someone to take you home and help you for the first few days, as lifting and reaching overhead will be limited.
Recovery timeline
- First week: swelling, tightness and bruising are expected. Keep the arms elevated on pillows when resting and avoid lifting. Gentle movement is encouraged.
- Weeks 1–2: wound check and dressing changes. Many people return to light desk work after about two weeks.
- Weeks 2–6: compression garments are usually worn for around six weeks. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing or strenuous arm exercise.
- Weeks 6–8: gradual return to the gym and normal activity as advised at your review.
- 6–18 months: the scar matures, typically becoming flatter and paler over this period. Scar care and sun protection help.
These timings are a typical guide and individual recovery varies.
Risks and possible complications
The main consideration is the scar, which can stretch, thicken or become raised, particularly on the inner arm. Other risks include bleeding, haematoma, seroma, infection, delayed wound healing (especially near the armpit or elbow), asymmetry, contour irregularities, swelling of the forearm and hand, numbness of the skin of the inner arm and forearm, and, rarely, injury to sensory nerves. General risks include anaesthetic reactions and blood clots. Call 999 for chest pain or sudden breathlessness, and seek same-day advice for a painful, swollen leg. Smoking increases the risk of wound problems significantly.
Results and cost
An arm lift aims to give a slimmer, smoother upper arm and can make it easier to wear fitted sleeves. Results are long-lasting provided your weight stays stable, although natural ageing continues. Swelling may take several months to settle fully. Arm lift surgery with Mr Nassab costs from £11,500. The final price depends on the technique and whether liposuction or an extended excision is needed, and will be confirmed in writing after your consultation. The consultation fee of £150 is separate.
Why choose Mr Nassab
Mr Reza Nassab FRCS (Plast) is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (GMC 4704243). He is a Council member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group, and consults in Manchester, Knutsford (Cheshire) and London. Body contouring after weight loss is part of his practice. He will examine you personally, explain where your scars are likely to sit and talk you through realistic expectations before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the arm lift scar?
For a full brachioplasty the scar usually runs along the inner arm from the armpit towards the elbow, placed to be as discreet as possible with the arms by your side. A limited arm lift keeps the scar within the armpit.
Can I have liposuction instead of an arm lift?
Liposuction suits arms with excess fat but good skin elasticity. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone can make it hang more, so skin removal is usually needed.
When can I drive after an arm lift?
Most people are comfortable driving after around two weeks, once they can move their arms freely and could perform an emergency manoeuvre. Check with your insurer.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?
It is sometimes combined with procedures such as a breast lift or liposuction elsewhere. Mr Nassab will advise on whether combining is safe and sensible for you.
How long do arm lift results last?
Removed skin does not come back, so results are long-lasting if your weight remains stable, although natural ageing gradually affects all skin.
