What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery?
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure perform to reshape the upper arms from the underarm area (armpit) down to the elbow. The surgery removes excess loose skin and localised fat that results from aging, significant weight loss, or reduced skin elasticity. It removes this extra tissue to give your arms a smoother, firmer look that diet and exercise alone can't deliver.
Types of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
When someone decides to get an arm lift, they're aiming to reshape their upper arms by removing extra skin and fat and creating a smoother, more toned look. Depending on the amount of skin and its location, surgeons choose different techniques.
Mini (Minimal Incision) Arm Lift
This is ideal for patients with only a small amount of loose skin in the armpit area. The surgeon makes a small, well-hidden incision inside the armpit and removes the excess skin. This option leaves less visible scarring and is less invasive.
Standard (Traditional) Arm Lift
This is best for those with moderate sagging. The incision typically runs from the armpit down toward the elbow. This allows removal of more skin and fat, and offers better contouring of the upper arm.
Extended Arm Lift
This is designed for individuals with skin laxity that extends from the upper arm into the side of the chest. The incision runs past the armpit onto the chest wall. Although it results in a longer scar, this approach offers the most dramatic improvement.
Liposuction-Only (Non-Surgical) Arm Contouring
This is suitable for patients with good skin elasticity and localised fat. No large incision is needed, only a small entry point for the liposuction cannula. This won't remove excess skin but can slim down the area with minimal scarring and downtime.
2 to 3 hours
Surgery Duration
General anesthesia
Anesthesia Used
Discharge on the same day or after one night
Hospital Stay
6 to 8 weeks
Full Recovery Timeline
When Do You Need an Arm Lift?
You might consider an arm lift if you're bothered by the appearance and feel of loose, sagging skin on your upper arms that doesn't improve even with diet and exercise. This condition is most common after significant weight loss or simply due to aging, when skin loses its natural elasticity and no longer snaps back into place.
An arm lift may also be helpful when excess skin:
- Causes discomfort or skin irritation
- Interferes with hygiene or daily activities like wearing certain clothes, or
- Some individuals simply feel self-conscious, avoiding sleeveless outfits or activities.
Are You a Good Candidate?
You're likely a suitable candidate for brachioplasty surgery if:
- You have noticeable sagging skin that doesn't respond to exercise.
- You must have the same weight for several months.
- You must not have issues like uncontrolled diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.
How Can I Prepare for an Arm Lift Procedure?
Preparing for an arm lift surgery is essential to ensure a smooth and successful surgery. The preparation process involves several steps to ensure both the patient's and the optimal outcome of the surgery.
- Consultation: Meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations.
- Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will assess your overall health and may request lab tests to evaluate your suitability for surgery.
- Medications: To avoid complications, avoid medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding, as per instructions from your surgeon.
- Diet and Hydration: Follow your surgeon's instructions, eat balanced meals rich in lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains, and stay well-hydrated to support healing..
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol for a specified period before surgery to promote better healing.
- Arrange for Aftercare: Ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.
- Prepare Your Home: Create a comfortable space at home for your post-surgery recovery, with easy access to medications and rest.
How is Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery Performed?
After consultation and all necessary checkups, if you decide to undergo an arn lift surgery, you can expect the following during the procedure.
- When you're standing, the surgeon marks the incision lines and areas to tighten; this mapping guides skin removal and helps hide scars on the inner arm.
- You're taken to the OR and given general anesthesia.
- Arms are positioned and padded to protect nerves; the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- A dilute solution with local anaesthetic and adrenaline is injected to reduce bleeding and loosen fat.
- A thin cannula removes excess fat to shape the arm and preserve lymphatic channels. This step enhances results and reduces the amount of skin excised.
- The surgeon makes the planned incision depending on the type of surgery, such as Mini, standard, or extended.
- The thin layer under the skin is lifted carefully while protecting nerves and vessels.
- The inner arm fascia (SMAS/fascial system) may be tightened with deep sutures to support the new contour and reduce tension on the skin.
- The arm is temporarily stapled/sutured to preview the shape.
- Excess skin is measured and removed so both arms match in length and contour.
- All small bleeders are sealed (hemostasis) to lower bruising and seroma risk.
- Small drains may be placed when there's more dissection or combined procedures; many cases don't need drains.
- The incision is closed in layers with deep, absorbable sutures to hold shape. Superficial sutures/skin glue/steri-strips to fine-tune the scar line.
- A compression garment or elastic wrap is applied to limit swelling and support healing.
Who Conducts the Arm Lift Surgery?
A qualified and experienced plastic surgeon always performs an arm lift surgery. These surgeons have specialised training in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Arm Lift Recovery Tips
Recovering from an arm lift (brachioplasty) is a gradual process, and following the right steps can help you heal faster and get the best results.
- Follow your surgeon's instructions closely. Every patient's case is different, so stick to the recovery plan your doctor gives you.
- Keep your arms elevated. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the first few days
- Wear your compression garment. It supports healing, reduces swelling, and helps shape your arms.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. For at least 4-6 weeks, avoid any movement that strains your arms.
- Take pain medication as prescribed. This helps you stay comfortable and move around as recommended.
- Keep incisions clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight until fully healed.
- Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet. Nutrition plays a big role in healing and reducing recovery time.
- Drinking water supports your body's natural healing process.
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon, who will check your healing progress and guide you through each recovery stage.
- Be patient with the process. Swelling and mild bruising are normal in the first few weeks, but results improve over time.
Risks & Benefits:
Benefits of an Arm Lift Surgery
- Improves arm shape and contour
- Boosts self-confidence
- Removes sagging skin
- Makes the arms look more balanced with the rest of the body.
- With proper diet and exercise, results can last for many years.
- Reduces skin irritation and chafing caused by loose skin folds.
Brachioplasty Surgery Complications
- Scarring
- Swelling and bruising are common after surgery but usually improve in a few weeks.
- Infection is rare, but it can occur if post-surgery care is not followed properly.
- Numbness or tingling
- Asymmetry
- Delayed healing
- Bleeding or fluid buildup
How Much Does Brachioplasty or Arm Lift Cost?
Providing the exact cost of an arm lift is not possible because the cost of an arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery can vary, but generally ranges from Rs.35,000 to Rs.1,50,000. To get the exact price range, including all expenses, contact our hospital directly or by phone.
What Affects the Arm Lift Procedure Cost?
- Type of Arm Lift Procedure
- Surgeon's Experience
- Facility and Location
- Additional Expenses
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