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Procedures

Body

Arm Lift

Also known as Brachioplasty · Upper Arm Lift · Bat Wing Surgery

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm — the area between the armpit and the elbow — to create a firmer, smoother, and more toned arm contour. Sagging or loose upper arm skin is a common concern that develops with age, significant weight loss, or genetic predisposition and is typically resistant to exercise.

1.5–3 Hours

Duration

General

Anaesthesia

Day / 1 Night

Hospital Stay

Am I a Good Candidate?

An arm lift may be appropriate for those who:

  • Are in good overall physical health and at a stable weight
  • Are a non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Have excess, loose, or sagging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with exercise
  • Have experienced significant weight loss resulting in deflated or hanging upper arm skin
  • Have realistic expectations about results and are accepting of the resulting scar along the inner arm

What to Expect — The Procedure

IncisionAlong the inner upper arm from armpit to elbow — length varies based on the degree of correction required
TechniqueExcess skin and fat removed; remaining skin sutured into a tighter, smoother contour
Combined OptionLiposuction frequently performed alongside to remove excess fat prior to skin tightening

The length and placement of the incision will depend on the amount of skin to be removed. In minor cases, a shorter incision confined to the armpit area may be sufficient. More significant skin laxity requires a longer incision extending down the inner arm.

Pre-operative Care

  • Cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 2 weeks before surgery
  • Inform your surgeon of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and assist you for the first 24–48 hours
  • Arrange for assistance with daily tasks that involve raising the arms for the first 1–2 weeks
  • Prepare loose, wide-sleeved clothing that is easy to put on without raising the arms above shoulder height

The following are general guidelines only. Your assigned surgeon will provide personalised pre and post-operative instructions during your consultation.

Post-operative Care

  • Wear any prescribed compression garment as directed
  • Avoid submerging incisions in water until your surgeon confirms the wounds are fully healed
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for wound checks and progress assessment
  • Keep arms elevated where possible during the first few days to reduce swelling
  • Avoid raising arms above shoulder height for at least 2 weeks to reduce tension on incisions
  • Avoid any activity that involves pulling, gripping, or placing load through the arms until cleared by your surgeon

When to Call Your Surgeon

  • High fever (above 38.3°C / 101°F)
  • Sudden or rapidly increasing pain not relieved by prescribed medication
  • Excessive bleeding or unusual discharge from the incision site
  • Sudden swelling in one leg noticeably different from the other — may indicate a blood clot
  • Signs of allergic reaction — skin rash, severe itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise can build and tone the underlying muscle, but it cannot remove excess or loose skin. Once skin has lost its elasticity, surgical removal is the only way to achieve a significantly smoother arm contour.
Liposuction alone is appropriate for patients whose primary concern is excess fat with good skin elasticity. For significant loose or sagging skin, liposuction alone will not address the laxity.
Yes. Arm lifts are frequently combined with thigh lift, tummy tuck, or other body contouring procedures — particularly as part of a post-weight loss body lift plan.

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