Arm lift.
A plan for loose skin.

An arm lift removes excess upper-arm skin. Learn what it can change, where the scars may sit and how to plan for healing.

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Illustrative consultation photograph of a woman discussing her upper arm with a clinician.

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What is an arm lift?

An outstretched upper arm highlights a loose skin fold underneath.

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes sagging skin from the upper arm and reshapes the supporting tissue. Local fat may also be removed.

It may be considered after weight loss or age-related skin changes. Exercise can strengthen muscle, but it cannot remove a substantial loose skin fold. Surgery changes the contour and leaves a scar.

What is causing the fullness?

A fold of upper-arm skin is highlighted.

Mostly loose skin

A hanging fold needs a skin assessment. Removing fat alone may leave the looseness more noticeable.

The upper-arm area is highlighted on a body outline.

Mostly local fat

If skin can adapt well, liposuction may be discussed for selected fat. It is a different operation from skin removal.

Explore liposuction

Skin and the fat beneath it are shown as separate layers.

Skin and fat together

A combined plan may address both. The surgeon should explain what each part adds and how it affects healing.

The skin pattern guides the incision.

An example short incision near the underarm is marked on an arm outline.

A limited incision

Selected small areas of looseness near the underarm may allow a shorter incision. It cannot correct every fold extending towards the elbow.

An example scar line runs along the inner upper arm towards the elbow.

A longer upper-arm incision

More extensive loose skin may need an incision along the inner or back of the upper arm. The line can run from the underarm towards the elbow.

An example incision continues from the upper arm towards the side of the chest.

An extended skin-removal plan

When loose skin continues beyond the underarm, an extended plan may reach the side of the chest. A wider skin assessment helps explain the additional scar and recovery.

These are example scar patterns, not a personal surgical plan. Ask to see where the proposed scar would sit when your arms are resting and raised.

A smaller fold comes with a scar.

A dashed line shows one possible upper-arm scar position.

01
Visibility depends on position
An inner-arm scar may be less obvious with the arm down, but visible when you lift or turn it. No incision placement can guarantee a hidden scar.
02
Healing takes time
Scars may be firm, raised or discoloured at first. They can soften and fade, but do not disappear completely.
03
Your scar history matters
Tell the surgeon about thick or raised scars from previous injuries or operations. Ask about wound care and when scar care can safely begin.

Could an arm lift suit you?

A checklist covers the concern, method and recovery.

01
Your weight is stable
Further weight change can affect skin and contour. Discuss your current goals and whether the timing is right.
02
Your health supports healing
The assessment includes smoking, diabetes, anaemia, medicines and past surgery. Report existing arm swelling, movement problems or changes in sensation.
03
You can accept the recovery and scar
Consider work, lifting, exercise and help at home. The likely benefit should matter enough to you to accept a lasting scar and surgical risks.

OUR PROCEDURE

Before, during and after an arm lift.

STEP 01

Agree the surgical plan

Examine and compare
The plastic surgeon assesses the skin, fat, symmetry and arm function. Discuss alternatives, the incision and whether liposuction has a role.
Prepare and arrange support
Confirm the surgeon, facility, anaesthesia and follow-up. Follow individual instructions for tests, smoking, medicines, food and drink, and transport. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.

A planning checklist represents preparation.

STEP 02

Remove excess skin

Anaesthesia and reshaping
Sedation or general anaesthesia may be used. Through the planned incision, the surgeon removes excess tissue and reshapes the supporting layer.
Close and dress the incision
The skin is closed over the new contour. Dressings, a support garment or temporary drains may be used as part of the plan.

The planned upper-arm incision area is shown schematically.

STEP 03

Protect healing and return for checks

Follow written aftercare
Ask how to care for dressings and any drains, which medicines to take and how to use a support garment if prescribed.
Build activity back gradually
Follow the team’s guidance for arm movement, lifting, work and exercise. Attend follow-up and report unexpected changes promptly.

An example upper-arm support sleeve illustrates postoperative care.

Make room for recovery.

A support sleeve is shown over the upper arm.

01
Expect early swelling and soreness
Bruising, tenderness and swelling are common early on. Dressings and any support garment should be used as directed.
02
Everyday tasks may need help
Plan for dressing, carrying bags, childcare and tasks above shoulder height. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until the team clears you.
03
The contour settles gradually
Swelling can take weeks to settle and scars change over longer periods. Stable weight helps maintain the change, although normal ageing continues.

Know the possible complications.

Wound and fluid problems

Bleeding, infection, fluid collections or wound separation can occur. Some areas of skin or fat may heal poorly.

Sensation and deeper structures

Numbness, persistent pain or injury to nerves, blood vessels or muscles are possible. New hand or arm movement changes need prompt assessment.

Scars and the final shape

Scars may be thick or noticeable, and the two arms may not look identical. Some people need revision. Anaesthesia also carries risks.

Compare other approaches.

Surface radiofrequency acts beneath the skin.

Mild skin looseness

Selected skin-firming devices may help mild laxity. They cannot remove a hanging fold in the way surgery does.

Understand skin laxity

A body outline separates local fat from excess skin.

Changes in several body areas

A wider body-contouring assessment can help prioritise concerns. Several operations may be better planned in stages.

Explore body contouring

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IN OUR PATIENTS’ WORDS

Consultation experiences at Layers.

These verified Google excerpts describe general consultations and care. They do not identify arm lift surgery or show its results.

DOONDI NEERAJ19Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

★★★★★

“The doctors listened carefully to my concerns and explained the treatment in a clear and professional manner.”