Excess Skin and Fat on the Upper Arms
Loose skin and excess fat on the upper arms are common after major weight loss, with ageing, or through inherited skin laxity. Skin that has lost its elasticity does not tighten again with exercise or diet, and for some people it rubs, chafes and makes clothing difficult.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is an operation that removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper arm. It is carried out under anaesthetic, it leaves a long scar along the arm that does not go away, and it is not a treatment for being overweight.
Arm lift surgery at Lux Plastic Surgery in Bedford is carried out by Professor Sandip Hindocha, consultant plastic surgeon, GMC 6122218. He will examine you, explain what the operation can and cannot change, and set out the risks and the likely recovery before you decide.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, often after major weight loss, with ageing, or because of inherited skin laxity. The operation removes skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper arm and closes the wound along the inside or the back of the arm.
An arm lift is most often considered by people who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with loose skin that exercise and diet cannot change.
Service Details
Expected surgery time
3 hours
Done Under:
General Anaesthesia
Hospitalisation:
Day
drains required:
No Hours
Supporting Garment:
Need to wear compression garment for 4-6 weeks
Benefits of an Arm Lift
An arm lift is done for the following reasons:
- Less Skin on the Upper Arm: The operation removes excess skin and fat, so the upper arm is smaller around and the overhang is reduced.
- Confidence: Some people with excess skin on the upper arms avoid certain clothing because of it. Patients often say they feel better about their arms afterwards, though how you will feel is not something surgery can promise.
- Long-Lasting Results: Skin that is removed does not grow back, so the change to the shape of your upper arm is intended to last. It cannot be guaranteed, and weight change and ageing can still alter it.
- Improved Mobility and Comfort: Removing the excess skin can reduce rubbing and chafing under the arm, which some people find makes exercise and daily activity more comfortable.
Changes to Upper Body Proportions: An arm lift changes the shape of the upper arm, which some people find sits better with the rest of their upper body.
What to Expect During the Arm Lift Procedure
The arm lift procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the surgery. The surgery typically lasts between 2-3 hours, depending on the areas treated.
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Consultation: Professor Hindocha will examine your upper arms, ask about your medical history and your weight history, and tell you whether an arm lift is appropriate for you. He will also tell you if it is not.
- General Anaesthesia: You will be given an anaesthetic. An anaesthetist will see you beforehand and explain what that involves.
- Excess Skin and Fat Removal: The surgeon will make an incision along the inside or back of the arm, depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Excess tissue is carefully excised, and in some cases, the harvested fat may be purified and used for Fat Transfer to Body to enhance volume in targeted areas. The remaining skin is closed along the inside or the back of the arm.
- Closing the Incision: Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. The incision leaves a scar along the inside or the back of the arm.
Recovery and Healing Process
Recovery from an arm lift surgery varies from person to person and depends on how much skin was removed and on your general health. The timings below are a guide, not a promise:
1.) Next Follow-up: Scheduled for the first week after discharge, to check how the wound is healing.
2.) Return to Light Work: Most patients feel comfortable going back to light, non-strenuous work 1–2 weeks after discharge.
3.) Return to Moderately Heavy Physical Work: Activities that require more movement or effort can typically resume 2–4 weeks after discharge.
4.) Return to Heavy Physical Work or Workouts: You can expect to ease back into full physical activity and exercise between 4–6 weeks after discharge, depending on your recovery rate and your surgeon’s advice.
In the first days after surgery you can expect swelling, bruising and pain—this is normal and can be managed with prescribed medication. You’ll also wear compression garments to minimise swelling and support your arm as it heals.
Professor Hindocha will see you at follow-up appointments through your recovery, and you will be given written aftercare instructions and a number to call if anything concerns you.
Like any operation, an arm lift carries risks. The recognised ones include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, the wound separating, a scar that widens, thickens or stays visible, numbness or altered sensation in the arm and forearm, a collection of fluid under the skin (seroma), fat necrosis, asymmetry between the two arms, swelling of the hand or forearm, blood clots in the leg or lung, problems related to the anaesthetic, a result you are not happy with, and the possibility of a further operation. Professor Hindocha will go through these with you and explain which of them apply most to you.
Who is Suitable for an Arm Lift?
• Have excess skin and fat on the upper arms that is resistant to exercise or diet.
- • Have lost a significant amount of weight, especially following bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, and are left with loose skin.
- • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery.
- • Have stable weight and do not plan on future significant weight changes.
If you have loose skin on your upper arms after weight loss or with ageing, an arm lift is one of the options to discuss at a consultation. It does not suit everyone.
Why Choose Lux Plastic Surgery for Your Arm Lift?
At Lux Plastic Surgery, body contouring surgery is carried out by Professor Sandip Hindocha, consultant plastic surgeon, GMC 6122218. Alongside arm lifts he performs liposuction, and Mummy Makeover surgery. Each operation is planned around your anatomy and what you want to change, and what is realistic is discussed before anything is booked.
You will see Professor Hindocha at your consultation, on the day of surgery and at your follow-up appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long will the results of my arm lift last?
The results of an arm lift are intended to last, though they cannot be guaranteed. The skin removed does not grow back, but significant weight change and ageing will affect the appearance of your arms over time.
2. Will I have visible scars after the surgery?
Yes. An arm lift leaves a scar that runs along the inside or the back of the upper arm, usually from the armpit towards the elbow. It is placed where it is least visible, but it is a long scar and it does not disappear. It is red and raised at first and usually fades over a year or more, and how it settles varies from person to person.
3. Can I return to exercise after my arm lift?
You should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks while the wound heals. After that you can build back up gradually, following the advice Professor Hindocha gives you at your follow-up appointments.
4. Is arm lift surgery covered by insurance?
Arm lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is medically necessary due to skin issues or discomfort, some insurance policies may cover part of the cost.
5. How long does the arm lift procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and the number of areas being treated.
Considering Arm Lift?
Your consultation is with Professor Sandip Hindocha, a GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeon. He will examine you, talk through whether this procedure is appropriate for you, and explain the risks and the likely recovery before you decide anything.
Clinics in Bedford, London, Manchester, Cheshire and Newton-le-Willows.