Removal of loose upper arm skin and fat, with the scar placed as discreetly as possible.
Brachialplasty, also called an arm lift, removes loose skin and fat from the upper arm. It suits people whose arms remain heavy or draping after weight loss or with age. The trade is a scar along the inner arm, which is permanent but positioned to be as discreet as possible.
The typical patient has lost a significant amount of weight, or has reached an age where skin elasticity has dropped, and finds the upper arm hangs when the arm is raised. Sleeves become a constant consideration, and many patients stop wearing short sleeves entirely.
Where the problem is mainly fat with good skin quality, liposuction alone may be enough and leaves only tiny scars. Where the skin itself is loose, liposuction alone makes it worse, because removing the underlying volume leaves the skin emptier. Examination decides which of these you are.
This operation has an unusually direct trade-off. Removing the skin requires a cut along the length of the inner arm, from the armpit toward the elbow. There is no technique that removes significant arm skin without one.
The scar is placed on the inner surface so it is hidden when the arms hang at rest. It is red and firm for several months and fades over twelve to eighteen months, though it stays visible on close inspection. Patients who are comfortable with that are usually very pleased. Patients who are not should not have the operation, and telling them so is part of the job.
Most cases are day-care or one night. A compression sleeve is worn for four to six weeks. Bruising settles within two weeks, and swelling in the forearm and hand is common early on because drainage is temporarily disturbed.
Desk work resumes in about a week. Lifting and gym work waits six weeks, because tension across the closure is what widens a scar. Following the restriction properly in those first weeks is the single biggest thing you control in how the scar ends up looking.
| Factor | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Extent of skin removal | Short scar techniques cost less than full-length resection |
| Liposuction added | Often combined to refine the contour |
| Anaesthesia and stay | General anaesthesia, day-care or one night |
| Compression sleeves | Worn for four to six weeks after surgery |
| Follow up | Suture removal, scar review and garment checks |
These pages answer the questions that most often come up alongside this one.
It depends on how much skin is removed and whether liposuction is combined. A short scar procedure costs less than a full-length resection. A written estimate covering surgeon, anaesthesia, theatre, stay and garments is given after examination.
No, not when loose skin has to be removed. Liposuction alone leaves only tiny marks, but it only suits people whose skin will retract. Where skin is genuinely loose, a scar is the price of removing it, and that should be clear before you decide.
Along the inner surface of the upper arm, running from the armpit toward the elbow. Placed there, it is hidden when the arms hang naturally and visible mainly when the arms are raised.
It is red and firm for the first few months, then softens and lightens over twelve to eighteen months. It remains visible on close inspection permanently. Sun protection and scar care measurably improve the final appearance.
Usually day-care, sometimes one night if liposuction of other areas is combined.
Light cardio at about two weeks. Upper body and lifting waits six weeks, because tension across the healing scar is what causes it to widen.
Wound healing problems along the scar, widened scars, fluid collections, infection, numbness along the inner arm, and temporary swelling of the hand. Smoking significantly raises the risk of wound breakdown.
Generally not, as it is usually considered cosmetic. Where recurrent skin infection within the fold is documented after major weight loss, some policies may consider it, and cover is confirmed before admission.
Published with written patient consent and shown for education rather than promotion. Every case is different and these images are not a promise of results.
Consultations at Kiran Hospital, Katargam, Surat. Outstation and NRI patients can request a video consultation before travelling.