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, restoring a smoother, more defined contour. Performed in our five-star Glasgow clinic by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Kavita Sharma, this tailored procedure delivers natural, balanced results when diet and exercise alone are no longer enough.

If you’re concerned about loose skin on the upper arms, we’ll guide you through whether an arm lift is the right option for you.

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

Overview

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Arm Lift Surgery Overview

Arm lift surgery focuses on restoring definition to the upper arms by removing excess skin and refining the underlying contour. This is an area that can be particularly resistant to change, even with a healthy lifestyle. By combining precise surgical technique with a considered aesthetic approach, we aim to create results that are elegant, proportionate, and in harmony with your body.

Black and white portrait of a woman with arms raised, highlighting toned upper arms and smooth skin

Choosing Arm Lift Surgery

Choosing an arm lift is often about addressing something that has not responded to your own efforts. Many patients feel frustrated by persistent skin laxity despite maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle. The key is not simply removing skin but doing so in a way that respects your natural anatomy and delivers a result that feels like you, just more refined.

Arm Lift Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments can play a role in improving skin quality and mild laxity, but they have clear limitations. When there is a significant degree of excess skin, they cannot provide the level of tightening required to reshape the arm. In these cases, arm lift surgery offers the most reliable and long-term solution for achieving a smoother, more defined contour.

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

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What to Expect

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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.

Your consultation is a detailed, collaborative process where we assess your arms, discuss your concerns, and create a personalised plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.

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Woman sitting on couch in waiting room of medical clinic

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.

Before surgery, we guide you through every step of the preparation process, ensuring you feel informed, reassured and fully prepared for your procedure.

Modern surgical theatre with operating table, overhead surgical lights, and medical equipment in a clean clinical setting.

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.

Your procedure is carefully tailored to your needs, focusing on precise contouring, natural results, and a smooth, comfortable surgical experience from start to finish.

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.

Recovery is a gradual process, supported by structured aftercare and regular follow-up, ensuring you heal safely, feel reassured, and achieve the best possible outcome.

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.

Is arm lift surgery safe?

Arm lift surgery is a well-established procedure when carried out by an experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeon. Patient safety is our priority, with careful assessment, meticulous technique and structured aftercare throughout your journey.

Will the results of an arm lift look natural?

Our focus is always on achieving natural-looking results. The aim is to refine and restore, rather than change, so your arms appear balanced and in proportion with your body.

What causes loose or sagging upper arms?

Loose skin in the upper arms can result from ageing, genetics, or significant weight loss. Once the skin has stretched beyond its natural elasticity, it cannot fully retract on its own.

Can exercise alone get rid of bingo wings?

Exercise can improve muscle tone, but it cannot remove excess skin. When skin laxity is the main concern, arm lift surgery is the most effective way to achieve a smoother contour.

Is arm lift surgery suitable for men as well as women?

Yes, arm lift surgery is suitable for both men and women. Each procedure is tailored to your anatomy and goals, ensuring a result that looks natural and appropriate for your physique.

Your Expert Team

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Dr Kavita Sharma

Dr Kavita Sharma (GMC 7039911), a Specialist Registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon with expertise in microsurgical and oncoplastic breast reconstruction, has trained extensively across leading centres throughout the UK. She combines the highest standards of surgical excellence with a warm, patient-centred approach, with particular focus on the aesthetics of the breast and body.

Meet Dr Kavita Sharma

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Dr Kavita Sharma

Meet Dr Kavita Sharma

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