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Arm Lift

Brachioplasty

An arm lift removes excess loose skin and tightens the underlying tissue of the upper arm. It is designed for patients left with sagging skin after significant weight loss or as part of natural ageing, when exercise alone cannot correct it.

Arm Lift
Duration2–3 hours
AnaesthesiaGeneral
Hospital stayDay case
Back to work10–14 days

Who this procedure suits

This surgery addresses excess, loose skin on the upper arm that hangs or swings with movement, usually after weight loss or with age-related skin laxity. It does not treat isolated fat without skin excess, which liposuction alone may address instead.

A good candidate if

  • Loose, hanging skin on the upper arm that persists despite a stable weight
  • Skin laxity following significant weight loss
  • Discomfort or chafing from excess arm skin
  • Good general health with realistic expectations about scarring

Not suitable if

  • Ongoing weight loss or weight not yet stable
  • Fat excess without loose skin, better suited to liposuction alone
  • Smoking that cannot be stopped before and after surgery
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or a bleeding disorder

How the procedure is performed

Consultation

We examine your skin quality, the degree of laxity, and discuss your goals and medical history. Photographs and measurements help plan the incision pattern.

Preparation

You will have pre-operative blood tests and a medical clearance. You should stop smoking and certain medications ahead of surgery, as advised.

Surgery

Under general anaesthesia, excess skin and, where needed, fat are removed through an incision usually placed on the inner or back of the arm, extending from the armpit toward the elbow. The remaining tissue is tightened and the incision closed in layers.

Follow-up

You are seen within the first week to check the wound, then again at intervals over the following months to monitor healing and scar maturation.

Arm Lift

Recovery — what actually happens

Day 1-3Rest with your arms elevated on pillows. Mild swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected and managed with pain relief.
Week 1Dressings are checked and changed. Avoid lifting or raising your arms above shoulder height.
Week 2-4Stitches or clips, if used, are removed. You can gradually resume light daily activities and return to desk-based work.
Month 2-3Swelling continues to settle. You can resume gym work and more strenuous arm use as advised.
Month 6-12The scar continues to fade and flatten. Final arm contour and scar appearance become clear.

Honest medicine — the risks

Every surgical procedure carries potential risks. Risks vary with the procedure and your health, and the surgeon will discuss them with you along with the measures used to reduce them:

ScarringThe incision runs along the inner arm and will always be visible; careful placement and closure technique aim to keep it as fine as possible
InfectionSterile technique and antibiotics where indicated reduce this risk; you are shown how to care for the wound at home
Delayed wound healingMost common at the elbow end of the incision; avoiding tension on the wound and not smoking supports healing
Thromboembolism (blood clots)Early mobilisation, compression measures and, when appropriate, blood-thinning medication reduce this risk
Seroma or fluid collectionDrains may be used temporarily, and compression garments help reduce fluid build-up
Changes in skin sensationTemporary numbness or altered sensation along the inner arm is common and usually improves over months
Asymmetry or contour irregularityCareful pre-operative marking and surgical technique aim to minimise this, though minor differences can remain

Frequently asked questions

Will the scar be very visible?

The scar runs along the inner or back surface of the arm and fades over the first year, but it does not disappear completely. Its final appearance depends on your skin type and healing.

Is an arm lift the same as liposuction of the arms?

No. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin. An arm lift removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue, and can sometimes be combined with liposuction.

When can I lift my arms above my head again?

Most patients are advised to avoid raising their arms above shoulder height for two to three weeks to protect the healing incision.

Will I need a drain after surgery?

A temporary drain is sometimes placed to reduce fluid build-up and is usually removed within a few days.

Is this surgery suitable after major weight loss?

Yes, provided your weight has been stable for some months. Skin laxity after significant weight loss is one of the most common reasons patients seek this operation.

Is this procedure right for you?

The only correct answer comes from a clinical examination. Book a consultation — in person, or by video if you are outside the UAE.

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