Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Personalised arm lift surgery designed to remove excess skin and improve upper-arm contour following ageing or weight change.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and, where appropriate, fat from the upper arms.
Loose upper-arm skin can develop following significant weight loss, ageing or changes in skin elasticity. In some patients, localised fat may also contribute to fullness through the upper arm.
During surgery, excess skin is removed and the remaining tissues are reshaped to create a smoother upper-arm contour. Liposuction may also be used where appropriate to refine the result.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess your skin quality, the amount and location of excess tissue, arm proportions and treatment goals before recommending an individualised surgical plan.
What is an arm lift (brachioplasty) ?
Is a arm lift right for me?
An arm lift may be considered if you have:
loose or hanging skin along the upper arms
excess skin following significant weight loss
changes in skin elasticity associated with ageing
persistent upper-arm fullness combined with skin laxity
concerns that are unlikely to improve through exercise or weight loss alone
Suitability depends on your general health, weight stability, skin quality, anatomy and expectations for surgery.
During your consultation, Dr Webster will assess whether your concern is primarily caused by excess skin, fat or a combination of both, and whether an arm lift, liposuction or another approach is most appropriate.
What you can expect
Every arm lift is planned according to the amount of excess skin, fat distribution and the patient’s individual anatomy. Understanding the consultation, surgery and recovery process can help you feel more prepared and establish realistic expectations for the result.
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Your consultation begins with a discussion about the changes you have noticed and what you would like surgery to achieve.
Dr Webster will assess:
the amount and location of excess skin
skin quality and elasticity
fat distribution through the upper arms
arm symmetry and proportions
scars or previous surgery
your current weight and recent weight changes
Your general health, medications, smoking status and factors that may affect wound healing will also be reviewed.
Importantly, Dr Webster will explain the likely scar position and length before surgery. For many patients, the trade-off between improved arm contour and a permanent scar is one of the most important factors when deciding whether an arm lift is right for them.
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Arm lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
The incision pattern depends on the amount and location of excess skin. In more extensive procedures, the scar may extend from the armpit towards the elbow along the inner or back portion of the upper arm. More limited procedures may require a shorter scar.
Excess skin and tissue are removed, and the remaining tissues are reshaped and tightened. Liposuction may also be used where appropriate to refine areas of fat and improve the contour.
The incisions are then carefully closed, and a compression garment is generally applied to support the arms during early healing.
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Swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort are expected during the early recovery period.
Light daily activity can usually resume relatively quickly, but lifting, strenuous exercise and significant upper-body activity will need to be restricted while the incisions heal. The current page advises avoiding strenuous exercise and lifting for approximately four to six weeks.
A compression garment is generally worn during recovery to support the tissues and help manage swelling.
The improvement in arm contour is visible early, although swelling takes time to settle. Scars are permanent and may initially appear red or firm before gradually softening and fading over the following months.
Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides detailed assessment and individualised planning for arm lift surgery.
She will assess skin quality, fat distribution and the extent of excess tissue before explaining the surgical options available and the anticipated scar pattern.
Dr Webster will also discuss recovery, the limitations of surgery and the potential risks so you can make an informed decision about whether the improvement in contour is appropriate for you.
Her focus is on evidence-based care, clear communication and developing a treatment plan suited to your anatomy and goals.
Considering arm lift surgery?
A consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster can help determine whether excess skin, localised fat or a combination of both is contributing to your upper-arm concerns and which treatment approach may be most appropriate.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to every patient's individual journey. Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers arm lift consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.
Common questions about arm lift surgery
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Arm lift surgery and liposuction address different concerns.
Liposuction removes localised fat but relies on the skin being able to contract around the new contour. It may therefore be suitable for patients whose primary concern is excess fat and who have relatively good skin elasticity.
An arm lift removes excess skin and may also incorporate liposuction where both skin laxity and fat are present.
If significant loose skin is already present, liposuction alone may make the laxity more noticeable rather than correcting it. Dr Webster will assess your skin quality and tissue distribution before recommending the most appropriate approach.
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The scar depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed.
For more extensive arm lift surgery, the scar commonly extends from the armpit towards the elbow along the inner or posterior aspect of the upper arm.
Where the excess skin is more limited, a shorter scar may sometimes be possible.
Scars are permanent. They usually become less noticeable as they mature, but their final appearance varies according to healing, genetics, skin quality and scar care.
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Exercise can strengthen and increase the tone of the muscles of the upper arms, but it cannot remove significant loose or redundant skin.
Where upper-arm fullness is caused by excess fat, weight loss may reduce the volume to some degree. However, skin that has lost substantial elasticity may remain loose despite weight loss or exercise.
Arm lift surgery is designed specifically to remove this excess skin.
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Yes. Arm lift surgery is commonly considered following significant weight loss when stretched skin remains along the upper arms.
It is generally preferable for your weight to be relatively stable before surgery, as further substantial weight change can affect the result.
Patients who have experienced major weight loss may also have loose skin affecting other areas of the body, and these concerns can be discussed as part of a broader surgical plan.
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The amount of time away from work depends on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of your job.
Patients with desk-based work may be able to return sooner than those whose work involves lifting or repeated upper-body movement.
Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are generally restricted for several weeks, with the current page indicating approximately four to six weeks before returning to more strenuous exercise.
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Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid collection, asymmetry, contour irregularity and prominent or widened scarring.
Temporary numbness or nerve irritation may occur. Lymphatic drainage can also be affected, and lymphoedema is a recognised potential complication.
Some patients may require further surgery to address scars, contour concerns or other complications.
Dr Webster will discuss the risks relevant to your health, anatomy and proposed procedure during the consultation and consent process.