My complete arm lift surgery was an outstanding experience. The surgeons and other staff went above and beyond to guarantee my comfort and kept me up to date on the process. The results are extremely impressive. I couldn’t have asked for a better job!Rachel Simmons, Arm Lift Patient 7th February 2024
BACK TO WORK 1 WEEK
SURGERY TIME 2 HOURS RESULTS SEEN 6 WEEKS
HOSPITAL STAY DAY CASE
Pricing: Starting from £5500
RESULTS SEEN 6 WEEKS
Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed Nov 7th 2025
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a highly effective cosmetic procedure designed to reshape and define the upper arms by removing loose skin and stubborn fat. Many people experience sagging or “batwing” skin between the underarm and elbow due to ageing, genetics, or significant weight loss. When exercise and diet can’t restore firmness, an arm lift provides a long-lasting solution that creates slimmer, more toned, and more proportionate arms.
At London Private Hospital, we take a personalised and comprehensive approach to arm lift surgery, ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care and natural-looking results. Whether you are enhancing your appearance after weight loss or simply seeking greater confidence in sleeveless clothing, brachioplasty can dramatically improve the shape and contour of your upper arms.
Sagging skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially when lifestyle changes don’t make a noticeable difference. Choosing brachioplasty allows you to:
Many patients also choose to combine an arm lift with complementary procedures such as liposuction or VASER liposuction to further refine their results. If you are considering multiple areas of improvement, our team can discuss combined treatment options.
Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes around two to three hours, depending on the level of correction needed. Your surgeon will make carefully placed incisions along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, extending from the elbow to the underarm. These incisions allow the removal of excess skin and fat, followed by tightening of the underlying tissues to create a smoother and more defined contour.
The incision pattern and length vary based on how much skin needs to be removed, and your surgeon will discuss the best approach during your consultation. At London Private Hospital, we use advanced surgical techniques aimed at minimising visible scarring while achieving natural, long-lasting results.
Most patients return home the same day, and while some swelling and discomfort are normal, these typically improve within the first couple of weeks.
If you are interested in improving the contour of multiple body areas, you may also want to explore our full range of body surgery options including tummy tuck surgery and thigh lift procedures.
Brachioplasty is widely considered a safe procedure when performed by qualified surgeons; however, all surgery carries some risks. Common temporary side effects may include:
Scarring is an unavoidable part of any surgical incision, but our surgeons place scars as discreetly as possible and provide detailed scar-care advice to encourage smooth healing. Most scars fade significantly over time.
Our team will guide you through a personalised aftercare plan to reduce discomfort and minimise the chance of complications. Following all postoperative instructions is key to achieving the best possible result.
Selecting the right clinic is an important step in your surgical journey. At London Private Hospital, you benefit from:
Our surgeons have extensive experience in arm lift procedures and broader body contouring, enabling them to create balanced, natural-looking results.
We understand that every patient has unique goals. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs, anatomy, and expectations, and designed for maximum safety and comfort.
Our CQC-registered clinic features modern operating theatres and advanced surgical technology, ensuring the highest standards of care.
From your first consultation to your final follow-up appointment, you’ll receive dedicated support, detailed aftercare guidance, and close monitoring to ensure optimal healing.
An arm lift may be suitable if:
Good skin elasticity and stable weight play an important role in achieving excellent long-term results. Candidates who have undergone significant weight loss often benefit greatly from this procedure, especially when paired with other body contouring surgeries such as a tummy tuck or liposuction.
If you’re unsure whether brachioplasty is the right option, our surgeons can assess your arms and guide you through the options best suited to your goals.
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery and the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. After your surgery, you may be advised to:
Compression sleeves help reduce swelling and support the newly shaped tissues as they heal.
This can significantly minimise swelling during the early stages.
Usually for four to six weeks, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
These appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing, provide scar-care advice, and address any concerns.
Keeping the incision area clean and dry is essential for proper healing and reducing the risk of infection.
Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks (depending on the nature of their job), with swelling continuing to improve over several months. In many cases, the final results become fully visible once the arms have completely settled and scars have faded.
Most patients recover enough to return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising improve significantly during this time, though complete healing and final results may take several months.
Yes, but they are placed along the inner arm where they are less noticeable. Scars typically fade over time and become far less visible with proper aftercare.
Anyone with loose or hanging skin on the upper arms that cannot be corrected with exercise, and who is in good general health with realistic expectations, may be a suitable candidate.
The cost of arm lift surgery can vary significantly based on individual patient needs and the specific details of the procedure. Factors influencing the cost include anaesthesia, the surgical process itself, post-operative care, and necessary follow-up visits. To ensure that our services are accessible to everyone, we offer a range of flexible financing options. One popular option is our zero percent interest-free credit plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your arm lift surgery over ten months completely interest-free. Additionally, we provide cosmetic surgery loans that feature flexible repayment terms. These plans can extend from 12 to 60 months. Contact us to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, we can discuss the specific pricing and financing options available, tailoring a plan that meets your individual needs and budget. Let us help you take the next step towards achieving the look you desire with financial ease and confidence.
