Posted by Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 22/04/2025
Excess skin laxity or fat accumulation in the arms can be a concern for many women, and men as well. In some cases, exercise and a balanced diet alone are not enough to improve this area of the body, which is why brachioplasty, an arm lift surgical procedure, is the ideal solution to achieve beautiful and more toned-looking arms. Read all about this procedure here.
What is brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is a reconstructive and aesthetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper arm area through tightening of loose skin and removal of fat deposits in that region. This improves the contour and aesthetics of the arms when exercise and diet alone prove ineffective.
Goals of the procedure
During an arm lift, the goal is to make the upper arms appear more toned and defined by removing excess skin and reducing fat deposits, then tightening the supporting tissue and smoothing the remaining skin. It’s also possible to combine this surgery with liposuction.
Who are ideal candidates for brachioplasty?
Medical and aesthetic indications
People with loose or sagging arms, or what are commonly called “bat wings”—where skin hangs when arms are raised—are ideal candidates for brachioplasty. These conditions may result from changes in skin elasticity due to aging, significant weight loss, genetic factors causing laxity, or lymphatic fluid accumulation in the arms (lymphedema).
Health and lifestyle requirements
It is important that patients seeking an arm lift enjoy good overall health and maintain a stable weight. Although a person may have excess skin, they should not be overweight.
Additionally, they must not have any serious medical condition and should have realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure.
Types of brachioplasty
Traditional brachioplasty
Traditional or simple arm lift is one that focuses on laxity of the inner arm. It is performed by making an incision from the armpit to the elbow, which allows for removal of a significant amount of tissue and reshaping of the arms, though it should be noted that it leaves more visible scars.
Mini brachioplasty
Mini brachioplasty is ideal for patients with mild arm laxity, and the incision is made in the armpit area, so the scar remains in a more discreet and less visible location.
Extended brachioplasty
Finally, extended brachioplasty is performed on older patients or those who have undergone significant weight loss, such as those who have had gastric bypass surgery.
It is called extended brachioplasty because, in addition to removing excess skin on the arms, it also removes fat and skin from the armpits and lateral chest area.
The surgical procedure step by step
Preoperative preparation
At the initial consultation, the surgeon will conduct a physical evaluation to determine the amount of skin and fat to be removed and which surgical technique is most appropriate for the patient. Patient expectations are discussed during this visit.
The surgeon will request preoperative tests, as occurs before an abdominoplasty.
Surgical technique and anesthesia
General anesthesia is used for this surgery, and the incision will depend on the type of brachioplasty recommended by the surgeon.
During the procedure, underlying tissues are tightened, excess skin is removed, and remaining skin is smoothed to improve arm contour, then incisions are closed to reconnect the tissues. Afterward, dressings are applied to both arms and fluid drainage is performed if necessary.
Duration and hospitalization
The surgery may last a couple of hours and is generally an outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization. Although if necessary, you may need to stay overnight.
Recovery and postoperative care
Following surgery, it is normal to experience some bruising and swelling. You may also feel discomfort for up to two weeks after surgery, but this will progressively subside.
The postoperative care for an abdominoplasty or brachioplasty, where incisions are typically large, should be provided by your surgeon and must be followed precisely to ensure optimal recovery. Generally, compression garments should be worn on both arms to minimize swelling and promote faster healing.
Additionally, adequate rest is advised for the first few weeks, and strenuous physical activities should be avoided, as well as lifting weight or raising your arms.
Estimated recovery time
The average recovery duration is two weeks, though it may extend to three weeks depending on the extent of the surgery.
Use of compression garments
Compression garments should be worn for approximately six weeks to ensure the skin remains in its new position and tissues reattach properly.
Pain management and scarring
To manage pain and discomfort, your surgeon will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, it is important to follow the previously mentioned care guidelines to minimize any discomfort.
Incisions must be kept clean and hydrated; consult with your surgeon about which products you can apply. Remember not to expose them to the sun.
Expected results and duration
Immediate and long-term aesthetic changes
The reduction of arm sagging or loose skin is evident shortly after surgery; however, to see the final results you will need to wait for the swelling to decrease, tissues to settle, and scars to heal, which may take several weeks or months.
Factors affecting the durability of results
The results of a brachioplasty are long-lasting; however, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, as weight fluctuations can cause sagging to reappear in the area.
In some patients, skin elasticity and overall health can also affect the results.
Risks and potential complications
Although arm lift surgery is a safe procedure, it is important to understand the possible risks and complications before undergoing surgery. The most common ones are:
- Infections and hematomas.
- Scarring problems.
- Damage to nerves, lymphatic vessels, or muscles.
- Infections.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Wound dehiscence or separation.
Costs and factors influencing brachioplasty pricing
In Spain, a brachioplasty can cost between €3,000 and €6,000. This price will depend on the surgeon’s and clinic’s reputation, as well as the amount of excess fat and skin and the surgical technique used.
If you are unhappy with the sagging skin on your arms, you now know that with an arm lift surgery you can get rid of that excess fat and skin, and achieve more toned and sculpted arms. With a brachioplasty you can improve your quality of life and feel better about yourself and your appearance. Book your assessment at our clinic.
