Procedures
Arm Lift – Arm Reduction Surgery
Arm lift surgery, medically known as brachioplasty, is a procedure designed to reshape and improve the appearance of the upper arms. This surgery addresses issues such as excess sagging skin that droops downward, localised fat deposits, and weakened underlying tissues that contribute to a less defined arm contour. These concerns are often the result of significant weight loss, ageing, or genetic factors. Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna, a distinguished plastic surgeon in the UK, performs arm lift surgery, offering her patients a way to achieve more toned, defined, and aesthetically pleasing arms. Her approach focuses on minimising scarring and achieving results that complement the natural beauty and balance of the patient’s body, enhancing both their appearance and confidence.
At a glance
2-3 hours
General anaesthetic
Overnight
7-10 days off work
6 weeks
Table of Contents
Who Needs Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery is an effective option for patients looking to address concerns with the appearance of their upper arms that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. Candidates for this procedure include:
- Men and Women with Significant Weight Loss: Those who have lost a large amount of weight may have excess skin and fat in their upper arms that contribute to a sagging appearance. Arm lift surgery can remove this excess skin, creating a tighter, more contoured arm profile.
- Ageing Individuals: As part of the natural ageing process, the skin loses elasticity, and the tissues in the arms can become lax. An arm lift can help restore a more youthful contour to the arms by tightening the skin and underlying tissues.
- People with Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to accumulate fat or experience sagging skin in the upper arms. Arm lift surgery can address these hereditary factors, improving the overall appearance of the arms.
It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of arm lift surgery and to be in good general health. Anca emphasises the importance of a thorough consultation to ensure that arm lift surgery is the best option for achieving your goals and will discuss the potential outcomes, risks, and benefits of the procedure.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery offers numerous benefits that go beyond the removal of excess skin and fat, contributing significantly to your physical and psychological well-being. Anca, with her detailed approach, ensures that the benefits are maximised for each individual, leading to highly satisfying outcomes.
- Improved Arm Contour and Tone: The primary benefit of arm lift surgery is the more toned and contoured appearance of the arms. By removing excess skin and fat, Anca can sculpt the arms to achieve a more defined look, enhancing the overall proportion and balance of the body.
- Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Many patients experience a boost in self-confidence following their arm lift procedure. The ability to wear short-sleeved and sleeveless clothing without feeling self-conscious about sagging skin can be liberating. This newfound confidence often encourages a more active and social lifestyle.
- Enhanced Comfort and Mobility: Excess skin on the arms can cause discomfort, chafing, and even limit physical activity. Following arm lift surgery, patients frequently report increased comfort during daily activities and exercise, contributing to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
- Permanent Results: The results of an arm lift are generally long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and adhere to a healthy lifestyle. The removal of excess skin and fat is permanent, and while natural ageing will continue, the improvements from the surgery can be enjoyed for many years.
- Reduction in Skin Irritations and Infections: Excess skin folds can trap moisture, leading to skin irritation and infections. By eliminating these folds, arm lift surgery can reduce the risk of skin conditions and improve overall skin health.
- Motivation for a Healthier Lifestyle: The aesthetic improvements achieved through arm lift surgery often motivate patients to maintain their results through regular exercise and a balanced diet. This can lead to a more health-conscious mindset and overall improvements in physical health.
Procedures
Before & After
See the difference Arm Lift – Arm Reduction Surgery
has made for our clients
Types of Arm Lift Surgery
Traditional Arm Lift
The traditional arm lift involves an incision that runs from the underarm area to just above the elbow. This technique is good for patients with a significant amount of excess skin and fat. It allows for the removal of skin and fat along the inner arm, providing a more dramatic reshaping and tightening effect.
Limited-Incision Arm Lift
For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and less excess fat, a limited-incision arm lift may be suitable. This technique involves smaller incisions, hidden in the underarm area, resulting in less scarring. It is best suited for those who require a subtle lift and have good skin elasticity.
Extended Arm Lift
This technique is often recommended for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and have extensive excess skin that may extend to the side of the chest. The extended arm lift involves a larger incision that extends from the elbow, through the armpit, and onto the side of the chest, allowing for a more complex removal of skin and fat.
Liposuction with Arm Lift
In some cases, Anca may recommend combining liposuction with an arm lift to achieve optimal contouring results. Liposuction can remove localised fat deposits, while the arm lift addresses excess skin, resulting in a more toned and defined arm appearance.
Brachioplasty Procedure
Arm lift surgery can be customised to meet the unique needs of each patient, depending on the amount of excess skin, the location of fat deposits, and the desired outcome. Anca is experienced in various techniques, ensuring that the most appropriate approach is selected for each individual case: Traditional Arm Lift, Limited-Incision Arm Lift, Extended Arm Lift, and Liposuction with Arm Lift.
During your consultation, Anca will assess your specific concerns, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the best technique to achieve your desired outcome, taking into consideration factors such as the amount of correction needed and your personal preferences.
Arm Lift Recovery
The extent of your arm lift surgery, determines whether you can go home on the same day as the brachioplasty procedure, or whether an overnight stay will be required. Drains may be required postoperatively for a day. A period of gentle recovery of around 2 weeks, including time off work will be advised. After 2 weeks you can commence gentle massaging of the treated areas and professional manual lymphatic drainage on a regular basis. A tight pressure garment is required to be worn day and night for six weeks. Follow-up appointments will be arranged at 1, 2 and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post surgery to closely monitor your physical well-being.
Arm Reduction Results
The full results of this procedure can be seen after 3 to 6 months, when the treated area has settled and scarring has started to fade. The arm will be better contoured, smoother and more toned. Maintaining the results from this treatment will benefit from keeping up a healthy lifestyle. .
How Much Is Arm Lift Surgery in the UK
The cost of arm lift surgery in the UK can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, the surgeon’s experience, and the location of the practice. As a leading plastic surgeon, Anca is committed to providing her patients with transparent pricing and high-quality care, reflecting the best standards in the field.
On average, the cost of arm lift surgery in the UK ranges from £4,000 to £7,000. This estimate typically covers the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia, hospital or facility fees, pre-operative tests, and follow-up care. It’s important to note that the final cost may vary depending on individual patient needs and whether additional procedures, such as liposuction, are performed simultaneously.
Anca understands that arm lift surgery is a significant investment in your quality of life and appearance. During the initial consultation, she provides a detailed breakdown of all associated costs and discusses any available financing options or payment plans. This transparency ensures that you can make informed decisions about your surgery without any surprises.
It’s also worth noting that arm lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is unlikely to be covered by health insurance. However, for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and have medical issues related to excess skin, a portion of the surgery may be covered under specific circumstances. Anca’s team can assist in navigating these discussions with insurance providers to determine if any coverage is possible.
Choosing to undergo arm lift surgery with Anca means selecting a surgeon who not only prioritises aesthetic results but also focuses on the safety and well-being of her patients. Her comprehensive care, from the initial consultation through recovery, ensures that patients are supported at every step of their journey towards achieving more toned and contoured arms.
Cost of Surgery Guide
Further Reading
- Read Anca’s Blog on Arm Lift or Arm Liposuction
Procedure
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for a brachioplasty ?
You might be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you have excess skin and fat at the level of the upper arms, you don’t smoke and you can take time off from work for the recovery period.
Is an arm lift painful?
Discomfort after brachioplasty is usually minimal and can be relieved by mild analgesics such as Paracetamol or prescription painkillers.
Are there any risks or side effects with a brachioplasty ?
After a brachioplasty, there will be some swelling and bruising which should settle in a matter of days or weeks. Hands and wrists can swell after an arm lift so when resting you should keep your arms elevated on pillows at your sides to reduce swelling. It is important to note that smoking slows down the healing process, increasing the risk of scarring and developing an infection.
Medical References
- Arm Lift Before and After Photos – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Brachioplasty – StatPearls
- Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) – Columbia University Department of Surgery
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Surgery, Recovery – Cleveland Clinic
- Brachioplasty – John Hopkins Medicine
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of 
