Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) – At a Glance

Aspect	Details / What to Expect
Procedure	Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Anaesthesia	General anaesthesia
Duration	~2–3 hours (varies by extent)
Hospital Stay	Short overnight or day clinic
Return to Daily Activities	~7–14 days
Full Recovery	~6–10 weeks
Scars	Inner arm or underarm (designed to be discreet)
Ideal For	Excess upper arm skin and mild fat after weight loss / ageing

Arm Lift

What Is an Arm Lift

An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) is a surgical body-contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings.” This is especially beneficial for patients who:

The procedure can help:

Have sagging or loose skin due to ageing
Have excess skin after weight loss
Notice persistent fat and lax tissue in the upper arms
Want a firmer, more contoured arm silhouette

Unlike liposuction alone, which only removes fat, arm lift surgery removes both excess skin and fat to create a more defined and proportioned upper arm contour that remains uncluttered by loose tissue.

How the Procedure Works

Consultation & Planning
- Evaluation of skin quality and fat distribution
- Discussion of goals, scar placement options, and personalised plan
Anaesthesia
- Performed under general anaesthesia for comfort and optimal procedural control
Incision Design

Incisions are tailored based on your anatomy and the amount of excess tissue:
- Minimal incision (axillary / underarm): For mild excess
- Standard incision (along inner upper arm): For moderate excess
- Extended incision: For larger volume or longer than typical arm length
Tissue Removal & Contouring
- Excess skin and fat are removed
- Remaining tissues are tightened and reshaped
- Meticulous suturing promotes discreet scarring
Closure& Dressings
- Fine sutures and dressings support optimal healing
- Compression garments are recommended to minimise swelling and support contour

Each surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella designs the surgical plan to match your anatomical needs and aesthetic goals.

Patient testimony
“I have to admit that, after the surgery, I changed my wardrobe quite a bit. I never imagined to be wearing sleeveless tops again.”
- R.K. (58)

Benefits of an Arm Lift

An arm lift can provide:

Removal of sagging, loose skin from the upper arms
Tighter, smoother arm contour
Improved proportion relative to the rest of the body
Increased confidence in clothing fit and activities
Long-lasting results when paired with stable weight and lifestyle

This procedure is particularly effective in cases where exercise and diet alone do not correct lax skin.

Recovery & Aftercare

Typical Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: Soreness and swelling peak
Week 1: Most patients resume light daily activities
Week 2–3: Return to more normal routines
4–6 weeks: Continued improvement; avoid strenuous activity
8–10+ weeks: Full recovery and refined contours

Aftercare Tips

» Wear compression garment as directed
» Avoid heavy lifting or intense arm workouts for ~6–8 weeks
» Gentle walking early promotes circulation
» Follow all postoperative guidance from your surgeon

Adhering to aftercare instructions supports optimal contour and healing.

Risks & Considerations

Like all surgical procedures, arm lift surgery carries potential risks:

✓ Scarring (typically discreet and fading over time)
✓ Temporary numbness or altered sensation
✓ Swelling and bruising
✓ Minor asymmetry or contour irregularities
✓ Rare risk of infection or poor wound healing

Your surgeon will discuss your personalised risk profile and expectations during consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

Good candidates have sagging skin and laxity in the upper arms, often due to ageing or significant weight loss, and desire a more contoured appearance.

Incisions are placed in discreet locations — typically along the inner arm or underarm — and are designed to fade over time with proper care.

Discomfort is generally mild to moderate and managed with standard pain relief. Anaesthesia ensures comfort during the surgery.

Most patients return to light activities within about 1–2 weeks, with full healing and contour refinement in ~6–10 weeks.

Yes — arm lift surgery can be combined with liposuction or other body contouring procedures for a more comprehensive transformation.

Yes — when performed with attention to proportions and anatomy, results are natural and harmonious with your body shape.