# Arm Lift

> Citation bundle for Arm Lift on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/arm-lift
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/arm-lift

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

A brachioplasty, from Ancient Greek βραχίων, meaning "arm", and πλαστός, meaning "moulded", commonly called an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to reshape and provide improved contour to the upper arms and connecting area of chest wall. Although "brachioplasty" is commonly used to describe a specific procedure for the upper arms, the term can also be used to describe any surgical arm contouring.

## Overview

A brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to reshape and improve the contour of the upper arms and the adjoining area of the chest wall. The name derives from the Ancient Greek for 'arm' (brachion) and 'moulded' (plastos). Although the term usually refers to a specific operation on the upper arms, it can also describe any surgical arm contouring. An arm lift is generally considered when excess loose skin or excess fat in the upper arms does not respond well to diet and exercise. The operation removes redundant skin and, where present, surplus fat, and closes the wound to leave a firmer, more defined arm contour; because tissue is excised, an incision and a resulting scar are an inherent part of the procedure. Brachioplasty is performed under anaesthesia, and as with other surgery it carries risks related both to the anaesthetic and to wound healing, such as bleeding, infection and problems with the healing of the incision. In some cases further surgery may be required to treat complications or to refine the result. Candidates are usually people troubled by sagging or heavy upper-arm tissue that persists despite weight management, and who understand that the improvement in contour is achieved at the cost of a surgical scar.

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

- **Complication rate:** 28.90% (range 26.80–35.95%) — from 3 cited sources

## Common risks

- Bleeding or infection
- Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis, which may cause serious cardiovascular complications
- Fluid build-up (seroma) under the wound
- Tissue death or skin loss along the wound
- Sensory nerve damage causing prolonged or permanent numbness in the upper arm or forearm
- Prolonged swelling or asymmetry (unevenness) of the skin
- Unsightly, inflamed or itchy scarring

## FAQs

### What is an arm lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and improves the contour of the upper arms and the connecting area of the chest wall. It is used to address loose skin and excess fat in the upper arm.

### Who is a candidate for an arm lift?

It is generally considered by people with excess loose skin or excess fat in the upper arms that does not respond well to diet and exercise. A surgical assessment is needed to confirm suitability.

### Will an arm lift leave a scar?

Yes. Because the procedure removes excess skin, it requires an incision that leaves a scar. Scarring, including scars that may become inflamed or itchy, is a recognised possible complication of the surgery.

### Is an arm lift performed under anaesthesia?

Yes, brachioplasty is carried out under anaesthesia. As with any operation, this means there are risks related to the anaesthetic itself, including the possibility of an allergic reaction.

### What are the main risks of an arm lift?

Reported complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, fluid build-up under the wound, tissue death along the wound, nerve damage causing numbness, prolonged swelling, skin asymmetry and problematic scarring.

### Might I need further surgery afterwards?

In some cases additional surgery may be needed to treat complications of the original procedure. This is one of the recognised possible outcomes that patients should discuss with their surgeon beforehand.

## Cited authors

- Andrea Sisti — . luca.milonia@gmail.com.
- Paolo Marchica — Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Alyssa Reese — From the Jacobs School Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo.

## Sources

- [Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review.](https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609) — Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis (accessed 2026-06-28)
- [An Updated Analysis of Body Contouring Malpractice Cases.](https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000003870) — Annals of plastic surgery (accessed 2026-06-28)
- [Retrospective analysis of the predictive factors associated with good surgical outcome in brachioplasty in massive weight loss patients.](https://doi.org/10.1080/2000656X.2020.1788043) — Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery (accessed 2026-06-28)