Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) at McKeown Medical is designed to reshape and refine the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, creating slimmer, more toned contours. Performed in our five-star Glasgow clinic by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Kavita Sharma, the procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of sagging or “batwing” arms that do not respond to diet or exercise.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Duration

1.5 - 2.5 hours

Anaesthetic

Deep sedation

Downtime

1 - 2 weeks

Length of results

Long term

Pricing

£6,000

About Dr Kavita Sharma

Dr Kavita Sharma is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with specialist expertise in breast and body aesthetics. Having trained in leading UK centres, she combines meticulous surgical technique with a warm, intuitive manner – she understands the female body, and what women want. Known for her ability to achieve refined, natural-looking results, Kavita takes time to understand her patients’ goals and creates bespoke treatment plans that enhance confidence and comfort.

Meet Dr Kavita

Why choose arm lift surgery?

The upper arms are an area commonly affected by skin laxity due to ageing, weight loss or genetics. When the skin loses elasticity, even very fit individuals can experience sagging that does not improve with exercise alone. Whilst exercise is great for improving muscle tone, it cannot get rid of loose skin.

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) offers a highly effective, long-lasting solution.

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

Removes excess skin and fat
Restores firmer, smoother upper-arm contour
Reduces the “batwing” appearance
Improves fit and comfort of clothing
Creates a more proportionate silhouette
Can be combined with liposuction for enhanced shaping

Dr Kavita carefully tailors the technique to the individual — from minimal-scar approaches to full brachioplasty — ensuring the optimal balance between contour improvement and discreet scar placemen

Are you ready to start your consultation?

If sagging or excess skin on your upper arms affects your confidence, an arm lift may be the right solution. Our consultant-led, all-female team will guide you through every stage, from initial enquiry to full recovery.

Get started

What to Expect

Your first consultation

Your journey begins with your Patient Relationship Manager (PRM), who will discuss your concerns and arrange your consultation with Dr Kavita.
During your appointment, Kavita will:

Examine the skin and fat distribution of the upper arms
Discuss concerns such as sagging, heaviness or asymmetry
Explain different arm-lift techniques
Review scar positions and expected recovery
Evaluate whether liposuction alone or in combination would best achieve your goals

You will receive a detailed written summary and have a cooling-off period before committing to surgery.

Before the procedure

Ahead of surgery, our practice nurse will contact you for a pre-operative assessment, reviewing your medical history and coordinating with our anaesthetist. You’ll be advised to avoid alcohol and nicotine (including vapes, patches and gums) for two weeks before the procedure, and you’ll need a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you overnight after your procedure. Therese, our nurse, will make sure you understand all of these practical details before your procedure.

The day of your arm lift surgery

Your procedure takes place at McKeown Medical under deep sedation, ensuring comfort without the need for full general anaesthesia.

Depending on your individual plan, Dr Kavita may perform:

Mini arm lift — limited-incision technique for mild laxity
Standard brachioplasty — removal of excess skin along the inner arm
Extended brachioplasty — for significant laxity reaching the chest wall
Lipocontouring — often combined to refine shape

The surgery usually lasts 1.5–2.5 hours. After recovery, you will go home the same day

Recovery & Aftercare

You will experience some swelling, bruising and tightness for the first 1–2 weeks. A compression garment is required to support healing and improve contour.

Typical recovery timeline:

1 week: Light activities, initial nurse check
2–3 weeks: Return to desk-based work
6 weeks: Resume exercise
3–6 months: Scar softening; final contour appears

You will get a call from our practice nurse the day after your procedure just to check on how you are. You will then come back into see the nurse one week later to check that all of your wounds are healing normal and there are no signs of infection. You’ll then come in for a follow up appointment with Dr Sharma at six and twelve weeks to check on the outcome of your procedure. Most swelling settles within a month, and final contour effects will continue to refine over the following months as your tissues adapt. We will continue to follow up with you until we are sure you are completely satisfied with the outcome of your procedure.

Common Questions

What type of scars will I have after an arm lift?

Scars depend on the technique used. Most arm lifts involve a fine scar along the inner upper arm, positioned discreetly to minimise visibility. With proper care, scars soften and fade significantly over time.

Is an arm lift suitable after significant weight loss?

Yes. Arm lift surgery is commonly performed after major weight loss where the skin has stretched beyond its ability to retract. Dr Kavita will assess the quality of your skin and design a tailored plan.

Will liposuction alone be enough for my arms?

Liposuction is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and localised fat. If there is moderate to significant skin redundancy, an arm lift is usually required to achieve a smooth, tight contour.

How painful is recovery?

Most patients describe discomfort as tightness or pulling rather than severe pain. You will be given appropriate pain relief, and discomfort generally improves within the first week.

When can I exercise again?

Gentle walking is encouraged immediately. Avoid strenuous upper-body exercise for around 6 weeks.

How long do arm lift results last?

Results are long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve the improved contours for many years.

Your Expert Team

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Dr Kavita Sharma

Dr Kavita Sharma is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with specialist expertise in breast and body aesthetics. Having trained in leading centres across the UK, she combines outstanding surgical skill with a warm, intuitive approach. Known for her ability to truly understand her patients’ needs, Dr Sharma creates results that are natural, personalised, and always centred around the individual.

Meet Dr Kavita Sharma