Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms to create a smoother, firmer and more proportionate contour. It is commonly performed after significant weight loss or when ageing has caused the skin to become loose and unable to contract naturally.
The operation may be limited to the armpit or extend towards the elbow when loose skin affects the full length of the upper arm. Liposuction can also be used to reduce selected areas of fat and refine the surrounding contour.
Who is an arm lift suitable for?
An arm lift may be appropriate if you have:
- Loose or hanging skin beneath the upper arms
- Excess skin following significant weight loss
- Skin that does not improve with exercise
- Discomfort, rubbing or recurrent skin irritation
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably around the arms
- A loss of confidence when wearing short sleeves
- An uneven or poorly defined upper-arm contour
Ideal candidates are in good general health, do not smoke and have reached a stable, sustainable weight. An arm lift is a body-contouring procedure rather than a treatment for obesity or an alternative to weight loss.
A personalised approach
The correct operation depends on the location and amount of excess skin and whether the main concern is loose skin, excess fat or both. I assess the full circumference of the arm, skin quality, the armpit and the relationship between the upper arm, shoulder and side of the chest.
My aim is to select the shortest scar that will provide a meaningful improvement. A limited procedure may be suitable for skin confined to the uppermost arm, while substantial laxity following major weight loss usually requires a scar extending towards the elbow.
Comparing arm-lift techniques
| Limited arm lift | Standard brachioplasty | Extended brachioplasty | Liposuction-assisted arm lift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ideally suited to | Mild loose skin confined to the area close to the armpit | Loose skin affecting most of the upper arm | Significant skin excess extending from the arm into the armpit or side of the chest | Loose skin combined with localised excess fat and some remaining skin elasticity |
| Skin removal | A limited section of skin is removed from the uppermost arm | Excess skin is removed along the inner or back of the upper arm | Skin is removed from the arm, armpit and, when required, the lateral chest | Skin removal is combined with targeted fat reduction |
| Liposuction | May be added selectively | May be used cautiously where appropriate | May be added selectively | A central part of the procedure |
| Scars | A shorter scar positioned within or close to the armpit | A scar extending from the armpit towards the elbow | A longer scar extending from the elbow through the armpit and onto the side of the chest | Depends on the amount of skin removed, with additional small liposuction access scars |
| Main advantage | Shorter and more easily concealed scar | Corrects loose skin along most of the upper arm | Provides the most comprehensive correction after major weight loss | Treats both excess fat and skin while helping to refine arm shape |
| Main limitation | Does not correct significant laxity lower down the arm | The scar may be visible when the arms are raised | Longer, more visible scars and greater potential for wound-healing problems | Liposuction alone cannot reliably correct markedly loose skin |
| Typical return to light activities or desk work | Approximately 1–2 weeks | Approximately 2–3 weeks | Approximately 3–4 weeks | Approximately 1–3 weeks |
| Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting | Approximately 4–6 weeks | Approximately 6 weeks | At least 6 weeks | Approximately 4–6 weeks |
Recovery varies between patients and may take longer following extensive skin removal or combined body-contouring procedures.
Scars
All arm lifts leave permanent scars. In a limited arm lift, the scar is placed close to or within the armpit. A standard brachioplasty requires a longer scar along the inner or back of the upper arm, usually extending from the armpit towards the elbow.
The final scar position is carefully planned, but a scar cannot be completely hidden in every arm position. Arm-lift scars can sometimes become widened, raised or darker than the surrounding skin. They are initially firm and pink but usually soften and fade over 12 to 18 months.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected during the early recovery period. The arms may feel stiff, and reaching overhead can be uncomfortable initially.
A compression garment is usually worn for several weeks. Gentle arm movement is encouraged, but stretching the wounds, lifting, pushing, pulling and strenuous exercise should be avoided until healing is established. Drains may occasionally be used depending on the extent of surgery.
The final contour develops gradually as swelling settles over several months.
Risks and limitations
Potential risks include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Seroma or fluid collection
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation
- Prominent, widened or asymmetrical scars
- Changes in sensation or persistent numbness
- Injury or irritation affecting small sensory nerves
- Residual skin laxity or contour irregularity
- Asymmetry between the arms
- Persistent swelling or lymphatic problems
- Tightness across the armpit or restricted shoulder movement
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- The need for revision surgery
Wound-healing problems are more common after extensive skin removal and in areas exposed to frequent movement. Smoking, obesity and certain medical conditions significantly increase these risks.
An arm lift can substantially improve loose skin and upper-arm contour, but it cannot remove every irregularity or prevent future changes caused by ageing or weight fluctuation. Maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving the result.
The extent of surgery depends on how much excess skin you have, and I plan this carefully with you at consultation.
Assessment & planning
I assess the degree of skin laxity along your upper arm to determine whether a full-length or a shorter, limited-scar approach will meet your goals.
Skin removal
For more significant excess, an incision runs along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow, allowing the loose skin to be removed and the arm recontoured. Where laxity is more limited, a shorter incision confined to the armpit may be sufficient.
Liposuction (if needed)
A limited amount of liposuction may be used to refine the contour, though it plays a smaller role here than in other body contouring procedures since excess swelling can stretch already fragile skin.
Closure
The skin is redraped and closed under carefully judged tension, balancing the tightest possible result against the length of the resulting scar.
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of an Arm Lift
A tighter, more toned arm contour
Removes skin that exercise alone cannot address once elasticity has been lost.
Greater comfort in daily life
Many patients find sleeves, watches and arm movement noticeably more comfortable.
Improved confidence in sleeveless clothing
A common and lasting benefit for patients after major weight loss.
Can be combined with other body contouring
Often performed alongside a thigh lift or abdominoplasty as part of a broader post-weight-loss plan.
Long-lasting results
Provided your weight stays stable, the improved contour is generally long-lasting.
Arm lift surgery is a private, cosmetic procedure. Every arm and every patient's goals are different, so an exact quote follows your consultation, with a price guide available on request. NHS funding is not typically available for this procedure.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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