Arm Lift Surgery: Assessment, Scars and Risks

Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, removes selected loose skin from the upper arm and may be combined with limited fat removal. It leaves a permanent scar and cannot guarantee a “toned” or youthful appearance.

Assessment and alternatives

The surgeon should assess skin excess, fat distribution, scars, shoulder and arm function, lymphoedema risk, weight stability, health, medicines and smoking. Alternatives may include no treatment, strength and weight-management support, selected non-surgical contouring, liposuction or a different incision pattern. Exercise strengthens muscle but does not remove excess skin.

Procedure planning

Incision length and position depend on the amount and location of loose skin. Discuss whether liposuction is proposed, anaesthesia, hospital arrangements, compression, drains, activity restrictions, scar care and follow-up. A headline price or device percentage cannot determine suitability.

Risks

Possible complications include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, delayed wound healing, wide or raised scars, asymmetry, altered sensation, nerve or lymphatic injury, swelling, blood clots, anaesthetic complications, dissatisfaction and revision surgery. Recovery and scar maturation vary.

The NHS practitioner-selection guide recommends checking qualifications, experience, risks and aftercare.

Revitalize care checks

Confirm the named contracted surgeon and hospital, incision plan, combined procedures, written quotation, aftercare and complication arrangements. See Revitalize’s arm lift information, aftercare guidance and assessment route.