Home > Cosmetic Surgery >
Arm Lift / Liposuction
At The Braham Institute, an Arm Lift—also known as Brachioplasty—is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and contour the upper arms by removing excess skin and stubborn fat, resulting in a firmer, more toned appearance. This treatment is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or who struggle with sagging skin and fat deposits in the upper arms that do not respond to diet or exercise. Our experienced clinical team performs the procedure in a safe, professional setting using the latest techniques, including VASER Liposuction.
What is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
Arm lift surgery London, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and contours the upper arms by removing excess fat and/or skin. It is often chosen by individuals who experience lipoedema, disproportionately big arms, sagging or loose skin due to ageing, significant weight loss, or genetic factors. These changes can lead to a lack of tone and definition in the upper arms, causing many people to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable in tight clothing or sleeveless outfits. Arm lift surgery addresses these concerns by removing stubborn fat deposits through liposuction, and/or excising loose skin to create a smoother, slimmer, and more proportionate appearance. The procedure can significantly enhance overall body balance and boost confidence, making it easier to wear more fitted clothing and feel comfortable exposing the arms in social or professional settings.
At the Braham Institute, Dr. Braham provides a personalised consultation to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for an arm lift. During your one-to-one appointment, your surgeon will examine the upper arms, determine the amount of excess fat and tissue that needs to be removed, and discuss your individual goals and expectations. They will also evaluate your physical and mental health to ensure you are fit for surgery. To be eligible, you must be over 18 years of age, in good general health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Arm lift surgery is a highly effective solution for restoring firmness and contour to the upper arms, allowing you to enjoy a more toned and youthful appearance.
Speak to a Patient Coordinator
Leave your details and we’ll call you back to discuss your options and next steps.
What is Involved in a Brachioplasty?
A surgical arm lift, or brachioplasty in London, is a procedure that typically takes between two to three hours and is performed under local anaesthetic or sometimes under sedation. At the Braham Institute, arm lift surgery combines two key techniques—liposuction and/or skin excision—to achieve a more toned, contoured appearance in the upper arms. During the procedure, Dr. Braham will begin by using liposuction to remove unwanted fat deposits. This involves making small, discreet incisions in areas such as the armpit and the back of the elbow, then using a specialist cannula to extract the fat. Depending on your individual goals, fat may also be removed from surrounding areas including the shoulder, armpit, upper back, and elbow. Once the excess fat is removed, skin excision is performed if necessary to eliminate any remaining loose or sagging skin—commonly referred to as ‘bingo wings’. The excess skin is removed in a long oval shape along the inner upper arm and extending into the armpit.
Dr. Braham will take great care to place the incisions in a way that minimises visible scarring, while also ensuring your results are as symmetrical as possible. Since it’s common for each arm to differ in shape and size, the approach may be slightly adjusted for each arm to ensure a balanced and natural-looking outcome. In some cases, particularly in younger patients with good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may be sufficient without the need for skin excision, as the skin can retract naturally after fat removal. Conversely, slimmer patients with significant weight loss may only require skin excision if there is little to no excess fat present. Your surgeon will advise on the most appropriate technique based on your unique anatomy and desired results.
What are the Risks?
occur and can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Asymmetry between arms
- Swelling and bruising
- Skin laxity
- Restricted movement during recovery
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
- Swelling or bruising
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic result
- Nerve vessel injury
What is the Aftercare Process?
Post-Surgery Pain: Mild pain and discomfort are normal in the first few days after arm lift surgery, with prescribed medication available to keep you comfortable.
Movement: You’ll be encouraged to start gentle movement within 24 hours to aid recovery.
Bathing: Bathing is typically allowed after seven days post-surgery.
Compression Garment: A specialised compression garment must be worn on your arms for up to eight weeks to reduce swelling and support contouring.
First Follow-Up: One week after surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with nursing staff to check incisions and receive personalised wound care advice.
Six-Week Surgeon Review: At six weeks, you’ll meet your surgeon to review healing progress, discuss results, and plan the next steps.
Ongoing Support: Our specialist team remains available for ongoing support and advice throughout your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
You may be a suitable candidate if you have loose, sagging skin or stubborn fat on your upper arms, are in good general health, and maintain a stable weight. You must be over 18.
What causes sagging skin on the arms?
Common causes include lipoedema, genetics, ageing, significant weight loss, and all of which can affect the skin’s elasticity and lead to drooping or “bingo wings.”
What does the procedure involve?
The surgery usually combines liposuction to remove fat and surgical excision to remove excess skin. It is performed under local anaesthetic and typically takes 2-3 hours.
Will I have scars after an arm lift?
If the procedure consists solely of liposuction, there will be no significant scars. However, if any skin excess is excised, longer scars are anticipated. These longer scars will be strategically positioned on the inner arm to ensure they are as inconspicuous as possible. With appropriate aftercare, scars typically diminish over time.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery, including resuming exercise, can take 6–8 weeks, depending on individual healing.
Are the results permanent?
The results of an arm lift can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, natural ageing may still affect the skin over time.
