Complication rate
28.90%
Range 26.80–35.95%
n=3 studies
This page contains health-related information for reference only. It is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer
cosmetic surgery
Arm Lift
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.
Quick Facts
- Price range
- Varies by clinic
- Recovery
- Varies
- Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- cosmetic surgery
- Anaesthesia
- Varies
- Min. stay abroad
- Varies
- Price Range (International)
- Varies by clinic
- Average Recovery
- Varies
- Typical Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- cosmetic surgery
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.
Key Considerations
Reported outcomes
Detailed outcomes →Aggregated from peer-reviewed systematic reviews on PubMed. How we extract these rates.
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
Credentials a clinic should hold
Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.
ISAPS member surgeon
Issuer International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Individual surgeon membership; requires national-board certification in plastic surgery plus peer endorsement.
Verify on the issuer's register →National plastic-surgery board certification
Issuer Country-specific (e.g. ABPS in US, BAAPS in UK, SBCP in Brazil, KSPRS in South Korea, ASPRS in Australia)
Specialty-board certification in plastic surgery from the surgeon's country of practice. The single most important credential for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Verify on the issuer's register →
Recovery Timeline
Average recovery for Arm Lift is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
- 01Day 0–1
Immediate
First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.
- 02Day 2–2
Early recovery
Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.
- 03Day 3–3
Intermediate recovery
Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.
- 04Day 4–0
Full recovery
Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.
Questions to Ask Your Clinic
Browse all destinations offering Arm Lift →Detailed cost breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Conditions treated
Clinical conditions for which arm lift is a treatment-ladder option.
Related Procedures
Other cosmetic surgery procedures in our registry
RhinoplastyBreast AugmentationAbdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)Submuscular Breast AugmentationLiposuctionBrazilian Butt LiftBreast LiftBreast ReductionBreast Implant RemovalBreast Implant RevisionFaceliftNeck LiftBlepharoplastyOtoplastyChin ImplantOrthognathic Jaw SurgeryGynaecomastia SurgeryMommy MakeoverThigh LiftBody LiftRevision RhinoplastyFat Transfer Breast Augmentation