Arm lift surgery, also known as brachiloplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that helps improve the look of sagging and loose upper arm skin. This can happen due to ageing or weight loss. Although you can strengthen your upper arm muscles with exercises, you can’t remove the extra skin, fat, or elasticity through exercise alone. Arm lift surgery helps reshape your upper arms and make them appear younger and more toned.

Why Do People Get Arm Lift Surgery?

People choose to get arm lift surgery for various reasons, such as:

Sagging upper arms due to weight loss or ageing
Loose upper arm skin
Upper arms that are larger than their lower arms
Upper arms not in proportion with the rest of their bodies
If your upper arms don’t improve even after doing arm stretching exercises, arm lift surgery could be a good option for you.

Consultation with the Doctor

Before undergoing arm lift surgery, you’ll meet with a doctor who specializes in plastic surgery. They’ll examine your arms, discuss your goals, and help you decide if arm lift surgery is right for you. The doctor will also explain the surgical process, risks, and recovery time.

Preparing for Surgery

Once you and your doctor decide that arm lift surgery is best for you, you’ll need to prepare for the operation. This might include stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking, and arranging for someone to help you at home during the recovery period.

The Arm Lift Surgery Process

The surgery starts with either intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on what your doctor recommends.
The doctor will make incisions on the inside or back of your arm, usually from the elbow to the armpit. The length and form of the incision will depend on how much skin needs to be removed.
After making the incision, the doctor will remove the excess skin, fat, and tissue from the inner part of your arm.
They’ll then reshape your arm for a more natural and youthful appearance. Sometimes, doctors may also use liposculpture methods (like liposuction) to help remove the fat.
The doctor will then reshape the arm muscles and fatty tissue before closing the incisions with removable or absorbable sutures.
Recovering from Arm Lift Surgery

The first few days: After the surgery, you’ll likely experience some swelling, bruising, and mild numbness in your arms. These symptoms should start to improve within two weeks. The first wound usually heals in about 5 to 10 days.
Two weeks post-surgery: By this time, most of the swelling should have gone down, and the incision lines will begin to fade. You can usually start returning to your normal activities, but you should still avoid heavy physical sports for at least two months.
Long-term results: To maintain your rejuvenated appearance, it’s essential to practice lifelong weight control and continue doing arm exercises. A healthy lifestyle can also help prolong the results of your arm lift surgery.
Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications involved in arm lift surgery. Some of the possible complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and help you understand how to minimize them.

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

Improved appearance: Arm lift surgery can help make your upper arms look younger and more toned by removing excess skin and fat. This can give you a more proportional and attractive appearance overall.
Increased self-confidence: With firmer, more youthful-looking upper arms, you may feel more confident in your appearance. This can lead to a boost
in self-esteem and make you more comfortable wearing short-sleeved clothing.

Better-fitting clothes: Sagging or loose skin on the upper arms can sometimes make it difficult to find clothes that fit properly. After arm lift surgery, you may find that your clothes fit better and are more comfortable to wear.

Enhanced self-esteem: Feeling confident about your body can have a positive impact on your overall self-esteem and well-being. Arm lift surgery can help you feel more confident and secure in your appearance.

Alternatives to Arm Lift Surgery

If you’re not ready for surgery or are looking for a less invasive option, there are alternatives to consider:

Non-surgical skin tightening treatments: Some non-surgical treatments, like radiofrequency or ultrasound-based devices, can help tighten and tone the skin. These treatments may not provide the same level of improvement as surgery, but they can be a less invasive option.

Exercise: While exercise alone won’t remove excess skin, it can help strengthen and tone the muscles in your upper arms. A combination of cardio and strength training exercises can help improve the overall appearance of your arms.

Compression garments: Wearing compression garments can provide temporary support and help reduce the appearance of sagging skin. These garments can be especially helpful during the initial stages of weight loss to prevent further sagging.

Weight loss and maintenance: Losing weight, if needed, and maintaining a healthy weight can help improve the appearance of your arms and reduce the likelihood of developing sagging skin.

Conclusion

Arm lift surgery, or brachiloplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that can help improve the appearance of sagging and loose upper arm skin. It can provide a more youthful and toned appearance, boost self-confidence, and make it easier to wear a variety of clothing styles.

Before deciding on arm lift surgery, it’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, the surgical process, potential risks, and recovery time. While there are alternatives to arm lift surgery, such as non-surgical skin tightening treatments and exercise, these options may not provide the same level of improvement as surgery.

Recovering from arm lift surgery typically involves some swelling and bruising, but most patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks. To maintain the results of your arm lift surgery, it’s crucial to practice lifelong weight control, engage in regular arm exercises, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.