Arm Lift Surgery

Due to aging, weight fluctuations, and changes in skin elasticity, the upper arm area may gradually develop a loose and sagging appearance. This is a common concern for both women and men. Gravity also plays a role in skin laxity, and sagging is most often seen in the inner and back part of the upper arm.

At this point, brachioplasty, commonly known as arm lift surgery, may be considered. Arm lift surgery is designed to improve upper arm contour by removing excess skin and, when necessary, addressing localized fat deposits.

Can Arm Lift Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Arm lift surgery can be performed on its own, but it may also be combined with other body contouring procedures when medically appropriate. Some patients prefer a combined surgical plan if they have concerns in multiple areas.

Common procedures that may be performed together with brachioplasty include:

• Breast surgery (breast augmentation, reduction, or lift)

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

• Thigh lift (leg lift surgery)

• Other body contouring treatments to improve overall silhouette and proportional balance

This type of planning is often considered for individuals seeking a more comprehensive improvement after pregnancy or weight changes.

Excess Skin After Weight Loss: When Exercise Is Not Enough

After significant weight loss, the amount of fat tissue may decrease considerably. However, if the skin has lost elasticity, it may not tighten adequately on its own. As a result, excess skin can remain and create an unwanted appearance. In such cases, upper arm lift surgery may help improve body contour by removing loose skin and refining the arm's shape.

How Long Does Arm Lift Surgery Take?

The duration of arm lift surgery can vary depending on individual needs and surgical technique. If liposuction is added to the plan, the procedure may take longer. For this reason, the operation time is not identical for every patient.

In general, brachioplasty is commonly completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Procedures focused only on removing excess skin may be completed in a shorter time, whereas surgery that also addresses fat accumulation in the underarm (axillary) region or inner arm area may require a longer surgical time.

Physical Activity After Brachioplasty

After surgery, patients are usually advised to take a break from intense physical activity and sports for a period of time. This recovery period may range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on healing and the surgeon's recommendations.

During recovery, it is important to avoid movements that strain the arms and to protect healing tissues from trauma. Following these basic precautions supports safer healing and more stable long-term results.

Will There Be a Scar After Arm Lift Surgery?

Many people hesitate about arm lift surgery due to concerns about scarring. Since brachioplasty involves an incision, some degree of scarring is expected. However, scars typically become less noticeable over time and may gradually fade closer to the natural skin tone.

The scar's location depends on several factors, including where the sagging is most prominent. Therefore, the incision site and scar pattern may differ among patients.

For example, in some individuals, sagging may be limited mainly to the underarm area. In these cases, the scar may be positioned primarily within the underarm crease, where it is generally less visible.

Discussing scar placement and expectations during consultation is helpful for setting realistic goals and understanding what can and cannot be achieved through surgery.

Who Can Benefit From Arm Lift Surgery?

Patients who are overweight and actively losing weight are generally advised to first reach a stable and healthier weight. Surgery after achieving an ideal or near-ideal weight may provide more predictable and satisfying outcomes.

Both women and men may benefit from this procedure. However, candidates should not have medical conditions that prevent surgery. Also, pregnancy and breastfeeding are not suitable periods for brachioplasty.

After evaluation, eligible individuals may choose arm lift surgery to achieve a firmer, smoother, and more youthful upper arm appearance. Many patients can return to daily activities within a few days, and long-term downtime is usually not necessary.

Modern brachioplasty techniques also support a more comfortable recovery experience than many patients expect.

When planning arm aesthetics and upper arm contouring, it is important to evaluate not only the skin, but also the amount and distribution of fat tissue. If the patient has good skin quality, no significant sagging, and the main issue is localized fat accumulation, liposuction may be sufficient and can provide successful contouring results.

However, when there is a clearly visible degree of loose or sagging skin, liposuction alone may not achieve the desired appearance. In such cases, arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) becomes the more appropriate option. The procedure can generally be described as follows:

• The operation may be performed under local anesthesia, and in some cases general anesthesia may be preferred based on medical needs and patient evaluation.

• Due to anesthesia, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

• An incision is commonly made along the inner and back aspect of the upper arm, often in an elliptical pattern.

• Through this incision, excess fat tissue and loose, sagging skin are removed to refine the arm contour.

• If necessary, liposuction (including laser-assisted techniques in selected cases) may be added during the same procedure to improve contouring.

• After excess tissue removal, the incision is closed using layered suturing techniques, typically with two internal layers of sutures.

• The treated area is covered with a soft dressing/bandage, and the procedure is completed.

After arm lift surgery (brachioplasty), most patients do not require extended clinical rest in a hospital setting. The typical recovery and aftercare points are as follows:

• After the procedure, hospitalization is usually not necessary. Many patients can be discharged and return home a few hours later, depending on the surgeon's assessment.

• The next day, the dressing is usually opened and the surgical area is checked during a follow-up visit.

• Patients are commonly advised to wear a compression garment (arm binder/corset) for approximately 2 to 3 weeks, as recommended by the surgeon.

• After brachioplasty, keeping the arms elevated is often advised to support comfort and reduce swelling.

• For about 3 weeks after surgery, patients should avoid sports and movements that strain the upper body.

• After the first 3 weeks, light exercise may be allowed as long as arm movements are limited, based on individual recovery and medical advice.

• Taking prescribed medications regularly and exactly as directed is important for safe healing.

• When post-operative recommendations are followed carefully, many patients experience a smooth and relatively comfortable recovery period.

• Discussing the recovery process in detail with the surgeon before surgery helps set realistic expectations and provides clearer guidance for the healing period.