An arm lift, arm liposuction or brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat, reducing the circumference and reshaping the upper arm area.

In selected patients, the modified arm lift (a smaller procedure) confines the scar to only the armpit and is usually combined with liposuction to remove the fat through a keyhole wound.

An upper arm lift is part of a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure called ‘body contouring’ which is designed to remove skin and fat from various body areas. This sagging skin in the upper arm is usually caused by weight loss, but the natural ageing process also causes skin to lose elasticity. Many individuals find that arms, in particular, lose their firmness as the layers of muscle and supporting fat become thinner. In such cases, an arm lift can help to restore and tighten these areas.

The LipoSoft Procedure

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on the condition of your arms and skin tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with him. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. He will also explain the type of anaesthesia to be used in your situation.

The best candidates for an arm lift are men or women who are looking to improve the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. This surgery is not suitable after mastectomy or other operations in the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.

The Surgery

The procedure is usually done under General anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. The extent of the procedure depends on the amount of extra skin present and looseness of the supporting tissues. Extra skin is removed from incisions along the inner arm. The incision must be placed where the tissue can be best tightened. The incision may extend anywhere from the inside of the elbow to the inside of the armpit. Surgical sculpture involves not just the superficial skin but also the deeper attachments that have loosened. In some cases of limited extra skin, the incision can be hidden in the armpit. This can re-suspend tissues is some cases. Liposuction performed through a puncture wound is the procedure of choice when there is excess fat and the skin is reasonably tight.

Regardless of the location of the surgical incision, every effort is made to ensure that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Drainage tubes following the operation are usually not needed and the surgery usually takes about 2 hours to complete. Dissolving stitches are used to close the incisions, which will also be taped for greater support.

After Surgery

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and assist you for a few days.

You’re likely to feel sore in the arms for few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and about in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication that your surgeon will prescribe. Within several days, the dressings tape will be removed, and you will be asked to wear a compression garment. This is to reduce swelling and assist in shrinking and tightening of the skin. You should wear it as directed. Elevation of the arm with pillows whilst sleeping will increase comfort. The sutures are absorbable and don’t need to be removed.

Getting You Back to Work And Normal Activities

Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for one’s job. Limiting heavy lifting is important for 1-2 weeks.

Exercise and normal activities may be resumed in 2 weeks.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. They may remain the same size for several months. After 6 months, your scars will begin to fade to a thin white line For most patients, the results of an arm lift are extremely satisfying and well worth the surgery, the recovery and the scar. Your decision to have an arm lift is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. What is important is how you yourself feel about it. If you’ve met your personal goals, then your surgery was a success.

An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision along the inner or back part of the arm, removes excess skin and fat, and then tightens the remaining tissue. The incision is carefully closed to minimize scarring.

Recovery usually takes about 1–2 weeks of rest, with most people returning to light activities after 10–14 days. Full recovery can take up to 6 weeks, during which strenuous activities should be avoided. Swelling and bruising are common in the initial days.

Yes, there will be scars as a result of the incisions, but they are strategically placed in less visible areas, typically along the inside or back of the arm. Over time, these scars can fade, but they will remain visible to some extent.

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting. Once excess skin and fat are removed, those tissues will not return. However, it is important to maintain a stable weight to avoid new sagging or changes in the arm’s shape.

An arm lift typically takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on the extent of the procedure. More complex cases may require additional time for larger areas of skin removal and sculpting.

The most effective treatment for sagging upper arms is arm lift surgery (brachioplasty). This procedure removes excess skin and fat, tightening the area for a smoother, more toned appearance. Non-surgical options like radiofrequency or laser treatments can help tighten skin but do not provide the same dramatic results as surgery.

Non-surgical alternatives to an arm lift include CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis), radiofrequency treatments, and laser lipolysis. These methods target fat and skin laxity, but they are typically less effective than surgery for significant sagging skin.

An arm lift is ideal if you have excess skin or fat in the upper arms, especially after weight loss or aging, and non-surgical treatments aren’t giving the desired results. It’s best to consider surgery when your weight is stable and you’re looking to achieve a more toned and youthful arm contour.

Pain is manageable with medication. Swelling and bruising may last a few days, and discomfort typically subsides within 1–2 weeks.

You can typically return to light activities and walking after 1–2 weeks. More intense exercises, such as lifting weights or high-impact activities, should be avoided for 6 weeks to ensure proper healing.

A consultation can be booked at any time. Your surgeon will review your medical history, assess the condition of your arms, and discuss your goals for improving the contour and appearance of the upper arms.

Bring your referral letter with you. A medical and psychological history form will be filled out during your visit.

The cost of arm lift Sydney depends on several factors, including the technique, surgeon’s expertise, and hospital fees. At Australia Plastic Surgery, the rage of our surgery is around $9,990-$16,990 with a transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and detailed consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Book your personalised arm lift Sydney consultation today and take the first step towards a refreshed, confident you!!

What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

For additional information, please refer to our FAQ page.