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Brachioplasty
(Arm Lift)
Brachioplasty is a surgical contouring procedure that addresses excess skin and soft tissue laxity of the upper arms, most often after weight changes or with ageing, to create a smoother and more proportionate silhouette.
​My Approach
As my mentors in Oxford often said, “It’s not how much you remove, but what’s left behind.” That principle underpins not just my approach to arm contouring, but also my preservation approach to face and neck lifts, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty - all of which aim to achieve harmony through respect for anatomy rather than aggressive removal.
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, refines and tightens the upper arms by addressing excess skin and fat that may result from ageing or weight loss. My preference is a liposuction-assisted approach, which decompresses the arm while leaving a thin layer of fat behind to reduce the risk of lymphedema and protect the delicate nerves of the forearm.
This combination allows for smoother contours, less tension on the wound, and a more natural, balanced result compared to excision alone.
Planning & Technique
The incision is marked and placed slightly posterior to the bicipital groove, running along the inner (posteromedial) aspect of the arm from the axilla to just above the elbow. This positioning keeps the scar discreet when viewed from the front, unlike scars placed directly on the groove which remain visible. I also avoid the textbook Z-plasty in the axilla, as it often performs poorly in practice, instead using a fishtail-type closure that distributes tension more effectively.
Liposuction is carried out first to decompress the area and define contour, leaving a thin layer of fat to preserve lymphatic drainage and nerve integrity. I then perform tailor-tacking and progressive excision, cutting and closing in stages to limit wound exposure, minimise infection risk, and prevent oedema build-up - a key factor behind hypertrophic scarring in brachioplasty, as closure under tension increases this risk.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia as day surgery, with a light compression garment applied immediately after (patients often look a little like the Michelin Man at this stage).
Recovery & Expectations
Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and can resume light exercise after four to six weeks. Mild swelling, tightness, or bruising are common in the early phase and improve progressively as healing continues.
Scars mature over 6 to 12 months and are positioned to remain as inconspicuous as possible. A compression garment is worn for several weeks to support the contour and aid lymphatic drainage.
Complementary Procedures
In suitable patients, brachioplasty may be safely combined with other contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty or mastopexy (breast lift) for overall reshaping after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Studies have shown that such combined procedures can be performed safely within a Day Surgery setting when properly planned.
Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng. Whether at home or in clinic, he provides attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is recovery after brachioplasty (arm lift)?
Most patients resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable initially, with continued improvement over several weeks. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is typically avoided for 4 to 6 weeks as tissues settle and incisions mature.
2. Will brachioplasty scars be visible?
Scars are an inevitable part of arm contouring. They are placed strategically along the medial arm where possible to align with natural contours and clothing coverage. Over time, scars usually soften and fade but can vary with individual healing.
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3. Can brachioplasty improve function as well as appearance?
Yes, in many patients, excess skin and soft tissue can cause discomfort, irritation, or chafing, especially during movement or exercise. Brachioplasty not only improves contour but can also alleviate these functional limitations.
4. Is brachioplasty appropriate after massive weight loss?
Brachioplasty is commonly indicated after significant weight changes when residual skin laxity remains despite weight stabilisation. Each case requires personalised assessment of tissue quality, underlying anatomy and realistic expectations.
5. Will brachioplasty affect sensation in the arms?
Temporary numbness or altered sensation around the incisions is common and usually improves over time. Permanent sensory changes can occur in a minority of patients depending on the extent of dissection and individual healing, especially when the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is involved.
6. How do you decide between liposuction alone versus brachioplasty?
In patients with good skin elasticity and isolated fat excess, liposuction alone may achieve contour improvement. Where there is significant skin laxity or poor recoil, liposuction-assisted brachioplasty (skin excision) provides a more predictable and stable result and helps avoid damaging lymphatics, which can lead to prolonged swelling. This is discussed during assessment.
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Related Reading​
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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) - Restores core firmness and refines the abdominal silhouette after pregnancy or weight change, often performed with liposuction for smooth contouring
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Natural Breast Lift - Repositions and reshapes the breasts using your own tissue for a lifted, fuller result without implants
