An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is an operation that removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms. Depending on your needs, it may also involve removing excess fat through liposuction or direct excision. The aim is a smoother, firmer and more proportionate upper arm contour.
Ageing, significant weight loss and weight fluctuations can leave loose skin hanging beneath the upper arms. Exercise can strengthen the muscles, but it cannot remove substantial excess skin. An arm lift may be suitable if you want to reduce this loose skin and improve the shape of your arms.
A standard arm lift usually involves an incision along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, extending from the armpit towards the elbow. Excess skin is removed, the underlying supportive tissue is reshaped, and the remaining skin is positioned over the new contour. Liposuction may be included when excess fat also contributes to fullness. A limited-incision arm lift may suit selected patients with a small amount of loose skin near the armpit. An extended arm lift continues onto the side of the chest to address more extensive skin excess.
“A beautifully sculpted arm restores the confidence to wear sleeveless garments and move with absolute freedom.”
Removes loose, hanging skin beneath the upper arms.
Reshapes the upper arms for a firmer appearance.
Reduces excess bulk when additional fat removal is appropriate.
May make fitted sleeves more comfortable.
May help you feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing.
Each stage is designed around your comfort, safety, and outcome. Dr. Gus walks every patient through this process in detail during your fully private consultation.
Dr Gus will discuss what you would like to change and examine your skin quality, the amount and distribution of excess skin and fat, and any existing scars. Together, you will discuss the appropriate procedure, likely scar position, expected result, recovery time and possible risks. This is also the time to discuss whether liposuction alone or an arm lift with liposuction would best address your concerns.
Before surgery, all relevant medical information is reviewed and factors that could influence your procedure and recovery are optimised. You will receive clear instructions for preparing for surgery and caring for your arms afterwards. Arrange help with tasks such as shopping, childcare and household work while lifting and reaching are restricted.
An arm lift is performed under anaesthesia. Incisions are placed according to the amount and location of excess skin. Excess skin is removed, fat is treated when indicated, and the underlying supportive tissue is reshaped. The remaining skin is positioned and the incisions are closed. Dressings are applied, and a compression garment may be used. Drains may be placed temporarily.
Recovery is generally highly manageable, requiring a temporary restriction of upper body movement to ensure the incisions heal seamlessly.
Expect swelling, bruising and tightness in your arms. Rest with your arms supported on pillows as instructed, and take short, regular walks. Use your hands and arms gently within the movement limits you are given. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and reaching overhead. You may need help with dressing and household tasks.
Discomfort and bruising usually begin to improve, although swelling remains common. Continue gentle daily activities without stretching or pulling on the incisions. Some patients can return to desk work if they feel comfortable. Drive only when you can safely steer and are no longer taking medicines that impair driving.
You may feel more independent and be able to manage most light daily activities. Continue walking and gradually increase comfortable movement within your prescribed limits. Avoid carrying heavy shopping, lifting children or doing strenuous housework. Stop activities that cause pain or pulling along the incisions.
Swelling and tightness generally continue to settle. If your wounds are healing well, Dr Gus may allow you to introduce more cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking or a stationary bicycle. Continue avoiding activities that place substantial strain on the arms until you are cleared to progress.
Most gentle daily activities should feel easier, although the arms may still feel firm, numb or mildly swollen. Continue following your lifting and exercise restrictions. The scars may remain pink and raised at this stage. Scar care can be introduced once the incisions are fully healed and Dr Gus advises it.
After a review of your healing, you may gradually return to heavier activities and upper-body exercise. Begin with light resistance and increase slowly. Some patients need longer before unrestricted activity. Residual swelling and changes in sensation may continue, while scars usually take many months to soften and fade.
An ideal candidate is someone who is self-conscious about upper arm laxity that has not improved with exercise.
You may be a candidate if you:
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
An arm lift removes excess skin and sometimes fat, but it is a contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss treatment.
Yes. A standard arm lift usually leaves a scar along the inner or back portion of the upper arm. Its length depends on how much skin must be removed. Scars generally soften and fade over time, but remain permanent and may be visible in sleeveless clothing.
Liposuction may be suitable when excess fat is the main concern and the skin has enough elasticity to contract afterwards. Significant loose skin usually requires an arm lift to achieve a meaningful improvement.
A limited lift treats a smaller area of loose skin near the armpit. A full lift addresses skin excess along more of the upper arm. The appropriate approach depends on the distribution of your loose skin.
Gentle walking is encouraged early. Exercise that strains the arms is restricted during healing. Resistant arm exercise are gradually introduced after 6 weeks.
Results can be long-lasting, particularly with a stable weight. Ageing and significant weight changes can affect the skin and arm contour over time.
A private, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Gus is the first step. Come with questions, leave with clarity. We keep availability limited to ensure every patient receives undivided attention.
