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Brachioplasty removes loose skin and excess fat from your upper arms when the skin has stretched (through significant weight loss, ageing or changes in elasticity),  and can no longer retract on its own. It’s a contouring procedure, designed to improve how your arms look, move and feel day to day. 

If hanging skin makes clothing uncomfortable, causes rubbing or affects your confidence, an arm lift can make a real difference. It can be performed on its own or combined with liposuction for greater definition.



Key facts about Brachioplasty

Benefits of brachioplasty

An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from your upper arms to create a firmer, smoother contour. You might choose this after weight loss, ageing or changes in skin elasticity, when your skin no longer contracts on its own.

The procedure can treat the area from the armpit to the elbow and, in extended cases, the lateral chest wall. We might use liposuction alongside this surgery to refine shape and definition.

A smoother, firmer upper-arm contour caret-down

Removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue restores a more defined arm shape.

Reduced discomfort in clothing caret-down

Loose skin can rub, pull or gather in sleeves. Smoother contours improve comfort and fit.

Improved confidence with arm movement caret-down

Lifting or reaching can feel easier when heavy or sagging skin is removed.

Better hygiene and fewer skin-fold issues caret-down

Reducing excess skin can help prevent rashes, irritation and moisture build-up in folds.

Improved proportional balance caret-down

An arm lift helps harmonise the appearance of the upper body, especially after weight loss. This will help to improve self-esteem.

Who a brachioplasty may help

Brachioplasty may help if you:

  • Have loose or hanging skin on your upper arms
  • Experience discomfort, rubbing or hygiene issues in skin folds
  • Feel self-conscious about your arm shape or movement
  • Have lost a significant amount of weight
  • Are at (or close to) a stable weight with a BMI of 30 or below
  • Are a non-smoker and in good general health

Brachioplasty may not be the right choice for you if:

  • Have uncontrolled medical conditions affecting healing
  • Are unable to stop smoking or nicotine use before and after surgery
  • Are aiming for weight loss rather than contouring
  • Have unrealistic expectations about scar placement or final results

Your Journey

We support you through surgery and beyond

1

Your Consultation caret-down

 

Your consultation will be calm and unhurried. We’ll discuss your goals, medical history and the type of arm lift that best suits your needs. Your surgeon will assess skin quality, examine your upper arms and explain expected results, scar placement and recovery. After your appointment, you’ll receive a detailed clinic letter outlining your personalised plan.

2

Pre-surgery preparation caret-down

 

To help you prepare safely:

  • You may need blood tests or an ECG
  • We’ll take measurements for your compression garment
  • You’ll need to stop HRT and oral contraceptives 6 weeks before surgery
  • GLP-1 weight-loss medications should be stopped for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after
  • GLP-1 medications used for diabetes can continue as usual
  • GLP-1/GIP users will need a liquid-only diet for 24 hours before surgery
  • Stop aspirin/clopidogrel 7 days before (unless we advise otherwise)
  • Stop Factor Xa  (eg Riveroxiban, Apixaban, Edoxiban etc.) inhibitors 48 hours before (unless we advise otherwise)
  • Avoid smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery
  • Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs in the week before surgery
  • Discuss herbal or traditional supplements at least 12 days before surgery

3

Day of surgery caret-down

 

You’ll meet your surgical and anaesthetic team to review the plan and confirm consent. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Incisions are placed along your inner arm, and armpit. Excess skin is removed, tissue tightened, and liposuction may be used for contour refinement. Dissolvable stitches, dressings and a compression garment are applied before you go home.

4

Treatment and recovery caret-down

 

You may feel tightness, swelling or mild discomfort, and you can manage this with prescribed medication. Keep your dressings dry and intact until your first review. Gentle movement is encouraged, but avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height for 2 – 3 weeks. You’ll wear your compression garment continuously for four weeks, then during the day for another 2 – 4 weeks. Most people return to light work in 1 – 2 weeks and resume exercise gradually after 6 – 8 weeks.

Led by experience

At The Antler Clinic, you’ll be cared for by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr David Izadi, whose work combines advanced surgical expertise with the calm, honest approach patients value most.

With over two decades of experience in reconstructive, aesthetic, and hand surgery – including international fellowships in rhinoplasty and hand surgery, and a dedicated cosmetic surgery fellowship. 

Every plan begins with listening to what matters most to you.

Frequently asked questions about Brachioplasty

A quick guide to the things most people want to know before and after their procedure.

 

Where will my scars be after an arm lift? caret-down

Arm lift scars usually sit along the inner arm (occasionally the back of the arm), running from the armpit towards the elbow. In extended brachioplasty, the scar may continue across the armpit and onto the chest wall. Your surgeon will explain the exact placement for you.

Is an arm lift major surgery? caret-down

An arm lift is considered a significant surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day and recover well with careful aftercare, compression garments and follow-up support.

How long does recovery from brachioplasty take? caret-down

Most people return to light activity within 1 – 2 weeks. Moderate activity is usually possible by 4 – 6 weeks, and full exercise after 6 – 8 weeks. Final contour results take 3 – 6 months as the swelling settles and scars mature.

Will an arm lift tighten loose skin on my arms? caret-down

Brachioplasty removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to give you a smoother, firmer contour. Liposuction may be used to refine the shape if excess fat is contributing to heaviness in the upper arm.

How painful is arm lift surgery? caret-down

You can expect tightness and mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days. This is well controlled with prescribed pain relief, and most patients describe the discomfort as manageable.

How long do I need to wear my compression garment? caret-down

Most patients wear their compression garment day and night for four weeks, and during the daytime for another 2 – 4 weeks. This helps reduce swelling and supports your new contour.

What are the risks of brachioplasty? caret-down

The risks of a brachioplasty include swelling, bruising, numbness, asymmetry, delayed healing, fluid collection (seroma) and scarring. Rare risks include infection, haematoma, nerve changes, DVT/PE or poor wound healing. Your surgeon will discuss these and other risks in detail before surgery.

Can an arm lift fix sagging skin caused by weight loss? caret-down

Yes. Brachioplasty is commonly performed after weight loss when the skin has stretched and cannot retract on its own. It can significantly improve contour and comfort.

When can I return to exercise after an arm lift? caret-down

Gentle walking is encouraged immediately. You can return to light activity in 1 – 2 weeks and resume gym or lifting weights after 6 – 8 weeks, depending on healing.

Does brachioplasty last long term? caret-down

Most patients enjoy long-term improvement, especially with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Ageing will continue, but the improvement in contour and comfort is lasting

clear and transparent costs

Pricing and Finance

You will receive a clear quotation setting out the cost of your treatment and what is included before you decide whether to proceed.

Consultation Fees caret-down

A new consultation is charged at £200.

Follow-up consultations are charged at £150, unless the appointment forms part of an agreed surgical package or postoperative follow-up pathway.

Consultation fees are payable regardless of whether surgery is subsequently arranged. A consultation provides assessment, advice and discussion of treatment options; it does not guarantee that surgery will be recommended or offered.

Non-Attendance and Late Cancellation caret-down

Patients are kindly asked to provide at least three working days’ notice if they need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.

Non-attendance, or cancellation with less than three working days’ notice, will incur a fee of £125. This fee reflects the clinical time reserved for the appointment and the difficulty of offering the appointment to another patient at short notice.

Self-Pay Surgery Packages caret-down

For self-pay patients, surgery is usually provided as a fixed-price package. This is intended to give patients clarity and reassurance about the cost of their planned procedure.

Your written quotation will confirm what is included. In most cases, the package price includes:

  • Hospital fees for the planned procedure

  • Surgeon’s fee

  • Anaesthetist’s fee, where applicable

  • Standard postoperative follow-up appointments relating to the procedure

  • Routine aftercare directly related to the planned surgery, as specified in your quotation

Package prices are based on the procedure agreed at the time of booking. If the surgical plan changes, if additional procedures are requested, or if further treatment is required outside the agreed package, additional fees may apply.

Complication Cover caret-down

Self-pay surgical packages usually include a period of cover for the treatment of complications directly related to the procedure. The exact terms, duration and exclusions of this cover are set by the hospital where your surgery is performed.

Depending on the hospital, complication cover may apply for a defined period, which may be 6 or 12 months. Full details will be provided by the relevant hospital before surgery.

Complication cover is not a guarantee that all future treatment, revision surgery or additional procedures will be provided without charge. Cover may not apply to unrelated medical problems, pre-existing conditions, treatment required outside the hospital’s terms, or surgery requested for aesthetic preference rather than a recognised complication.

In an emergency, patients should seek urgent medical attention through the most appropriate service, including NHS emergency care where necessary.

Revision Surgery and Further Procedures caret-down

Every effort is made to achieve the best possible outcome, but no surgical procedure can guarantee a specific result, perfect symmetry, invisible scarring or complete satisfaction. Healing, scarring, swelling and final results vary between individuals.

If revision surgery is required because of a complication, eligibility for cover will depend on the hospital’s package terms and the clinical circumstances.

If surgery has been performed to an appropriate clinical standard, but a patient remains dissatisfied with the aesthetic outcome or wishes to pursue further refinement, any revision or additional surgery will usually incur further charges. These may include hospital fees, surgeon’s fees and anaesthetic fees.

Additional Costs and Exclusions caret-down

Unless specifically included in your written quotation, additional costs may apply for investigations, scans, specialist opinions, extra procedures, further hospital admissions, prescriptions, dressings, garments, travel, accommodation, time off work or treatment unrelated to the planned surgery.

The written quotation and the hospital’s own terms and conditions will take precedence over any general information provided on this website.

Payment Terms caret-down

Payment terms, deposits, cancellation policies and refund arrangements are determined by the hospital where your procedure is booked. These will be provided to you before surgery.

Surgery can only proceed once all required payments have been received and all relevant consent, preoperative assessment and hospital requirements have been completed.

Finance caret-down

To help make treatment more affordable, you may choose to spread the cost of your procedure through a personal medical loan with Chrysalis Finance. Subject to eligibility and approval, Chrysalis offers a range of flexible finance options, allowing you to pay for your treatment in manageable monthly instalments rather than a single upfront payment.

The hospitals we work with offer finance options through Chrysalis Finance. Please contact your chosen hospital directly for further information or to discuss any questions.

 

Get in Touch

Your next step starts with a conversation.

A consultation at The Antler Clinic is simply a chance to talk – to ask questions, explore your options, and decide what feels right for you.

You’ll leave with clarity, reassurance, and the same calm support that defines everything we do.

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