Arm Lift

An arm lift is also known as brachioplasty, and it’s a surgical procedure which is carried out to reshape and tighten the upper arm area.

Arm Lift

An arm lift is also known as brachioplasty, and it’s a surgical procedure which is carried out to reshape and tighten the upper arm area.

Key Points

Surgery at a Glance

Procedure Time:

1 - 2 hours

Hospital Stay:

1 night

Light Exercise:

4 - 6 weeks

Fully Recovered:

4 - 6 weeks

Procedure Time:

1 - 2 hours

Hospital Stay:

1 night

Light Exercise:

4 - 6 weeks

Fully Recovered:

4 - 6 weeks

Arm Lift Surgery in Detail

An arm lift is also known as brachioplasty, and it’s a surgical procedure which is carried out to reshape and tighten the upper arm area. You could benefit from this kind of procedure if you have excess loose skin and fat in the upper arm region, possibly caused by ageing or by weight loss – something which is often referred to as ‘bingo wings or ‘flabby arms.’ An arm lift can tighten up the area and help you feel more confident in tight or short sleeved tops and swimwear. 

  • Smoother, more contoured arms 
  • Reduced skin irritation and chafing 
  • Enhanced self confidence  
  • Wider range of clothing options 
  • Long-lasting results 
  • Can be combined with other procedures like liposuction for more comprehensive results 
  • Scarring 
  • Infection 
  • Bleeding 
  • Poor wound healing 
  • Nerve damage 
  • Fluid buildup (seroma) 
  • Blood accumulation (haematoma) 
  • Change in sensation 

You’ll be given either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the arm lift procedure. This will depend on the extent of your surgery and your surgeon’s recommendation. 

The operation will begin with your surgeon making incisions on the inside or back of your upper arms. Where these incisions are located, and their size, will depend on the amount of excess skin that you’re having removed. Your surgeon will try to place the incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimise visible scarring. 

They will then remove any excess skin and, if necessary, some underlying fat tissue from the arms through these incisions. The remaining skin and tissue are then reshaped to create a more toned and youthful appearance, and the incisions closed with sutures.  

Dressings and compression garments are applied to the arms to minimise any swelling and support the healing process. You should be prepared to wear any compression garments for up to 6 weeks. 

You might decide that arm lift surgery is an option because you have excess, sagging skin on your upper arms after substantial weight loss. Some patients have found that, as they age and their skin loses elasticity, it begins to droop in certain areas of the body, including the arms. Arm lift surgery can counteract the effects of aging by removing excess skin and restoring a more youthful arm contour. 

This type of procedure can improve the contours of naturally flabby or disproportionate arms that may make you feel self-conscious, making them more aesthetically pleasing and balanced.  

An arm lift can boost your self-confidence and body image, widen your clothing options and have a positive impact on your overall self-esteem. 

After your arm lift operation, you’ll spend a night in hospital and should be discharged the next day. You should plan to take at least 2 weeks off work, although the precise time period will depend on the nature of your job.  

You can expect your arms to have swelling and bruising for the first few days after your operation, but this will begin to reduce as your recovery progresses. Try to keep your arms elevated and continue to wear your compression garment for as long as recommended by your surgeon. Avoid any heavy lifting and make sure you have plenty of rest. 

After around 4-6 weeks, you can start to lightly exercise again. Full recovery can take several months to a year, and it can take up to a year for your scars to reach their final appearance.   

From Our Team

Karen Addison RGN INP, Founding Partner & Clinical Educator
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Mr Hassan SulaimanMD, MSc, FRCS, FRCSI, FWACS, Cosmetic Surgeon
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Mr Mubashir CheemaMRM, FRCS, MRCS, MBBS, Cosmetic Surgeon
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Mr Riaz AghaMSc, MBBS, FRCS, Cosmetic Surgeon
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Mr Douglas WhitelawMBChB, FRCS, Bariatric Surgeon
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Sur brings an innovative touch to bariatric surgery. It's more than a procedure; it's a promise of care, luxury, and excellence.
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Trailblazing, groundbreaking, and utterly patient-focused. That's 'The Sur Way', and I'm thrilled to be walking this path.
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Mr Vittal RaoMD, MS, MBBS, FRCS, Bariatric Surgeon
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Mr Alistair SharplesMSc, MBChB, FRCS, Bariatric Medical Director and Bariatric Surgeon
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Your Journey

Step 1

Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.

Step 2

Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.

Step 3

On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.

Step 4

At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.

Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.

Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.

On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.

At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.

Arm Lift FAQ's

Yes, you can achieve a more comprehensive body rejuvenation by combining arm lift surgery with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift. 

Although the natural ageing process will continue and can have an effect on the upper arms, the results of an arm lift surgery are generally long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and have a healthy lifestyle. 

Initially, you may be limited in how much you can move your arms after surgery, but these restrictions will gradually ease over time as your recovery progresses. 

During your operation, you won’t feel anything due to the anaesthetic. Afterwards, some pain and discomfort are normal, but you’ll be given pain medication to manage this during the initial recovery period. 

Meet Our Team

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Sur Wellness presents an approach that truly stands unparalleled. It brings a fresh, multidimensional perspective to patient care, taking the journey beyond just medical excellence. Coupled with our unique VIP and medical concierge offerings, Sur’s approach caters not only to the physical, but also to the emotional and holistic needs of our patients. It’s this synthesis of care, commitment, and luxury that offers a new, profound dimension to the patient experience, setting Sur Wellness apart in the realm of surgical well-being.

Mr Riccardo Frati, MD, Cosmetic Surgery Director

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Kinga’s Role: My responsibility is to assist patients right from their initial contact through to their post-operative care. Utilising video consultations, I can connect with patients regardless of their location across the UK, fostering a sense of trust and familiarity.

Most Enjoys: I find it gratifying to impart the essential information that patients require when contemplating surgery. Their post-procedure happiness is my driving force; it feels rewarding to have a hand in achieving the outcomes they desire.

Reasons to Choose Us: It’s not just the expertise of our carefully-selected surgeons but also our lifetime aftercare commitment that sets us apart. We focus on individualised care, appreciating that each patient is unique.

Outside the Office: Having recently relocated to Scotland, my leisure time is mostly spent exploring my new surroundings. I also enjoy moments with my partner and socialising with friends whenever possible.

Emma’s Role: I guide patients through their entire surgical experience, starting with their initial queries all the way to post-operative care. I walk them through every aspect of their chosen procedure and accompany them during their in-person consultations with surgeons.

Most Enjoys: Witnessing the transformation in patients’ self-confidence is incredibly rewarding. Hearing positive feedback, like a recent patient who was thrilled with her eye lift, affirms the high-quality care we provide.

Reasons to Choose Us: Our team is not only experienced but genuinely caring. We always strive to exceed expectations, delivering that little bit extra in every interaction.

Outside the Office: Socialising with family and friends fills my free time. I love travelling and exploring different cultures; so far, Mexico has been my favourite destination.

Emma’s Role: As a Surgeon Assistant, I’m here to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed decisions about surgery. From initial consultations to post-operative care, my role is to ensure a seamless and supported experience.

Most Enjoys: The transformation I witness in our patients is truly rewarding. It’s incredible to see the shift in confidence before and after their procedure. I recently assisted a woman who had been planning her surgery for seven years; her happiness post-procedure was infectious.

Reasons to Choose Us: Choosing a healthcare provider is a major decision, and it’s crucial that you feel safe and supported. Rest assured, that’s exactly the experience you can expect with us.

Outside the Office: When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me spending quality time with my family and friends. I have a bit of a shopping habit I must admit, and to balance it out, I make time for regular gym sessions to stay fit.