Arm lift surgery
The arms are one of the areas of the body where the passage of time or drastic changes in weight become most evident. The appearance of flaccidity and excess skin on the inner side, popularly known as ‘bat wings’, often leads to self-consciousness, limiting clothing choices or even simple gestures such as waving naturally when greeting.
Brachioplasty or arm lift is the surgical procedure specifically designed to correct this sagging. At HC Aesthetic, we remove the excess tissue and reshape the contour of the arms, restoring a more toned, firm and proportionate appearance with the rest of your figure.
When is an arm lift indicated?
The ideal candidate for arm lift is a person who has achieved a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and has been able to maintain a stable weight for the last 6 to 12 months. In addition, it is important to be a non-smoker (or to have quit weeks before) and to have a realistic expectation regarding visible, but strategically placed, scars.
Excess skin and laxity
People who have sagging skin on the inner arm, with or without associated fat accumulation.
Functional discomfort
People experiencing constant chafing, skin irritation in the area or have difficulty finding clothes that fit their arms properly.
Ageing or hormonal changes
When skin elasticity has been lost naturally, reducing the definition of the contour of the arm.
After-effects of weight loss
Patients who, after massive weight loss (bariatric surgery or dieting), have sagging skin that cannot be improved with exercise.
Personalised brachioplasty
For us, the key to a natural result lies in personalised planning, adapting the technique that best suits your needs and goals.
- Comprehensive health assessment: we carry out a detailed review of your medical history, including habits, current medication and factors such as smoking or the use of anticoagulants.
- Precise anatomical analysis: we thoroughly evaluate the quality of your skin and the pattern of flaccidity. Treating excess skin only near the armpit (proximal) is not the same as treating it along the entire arm (longitudinal).
- Combined liposuction: We assess whether liposuction is required in combination with brachioplasty. This helps us remove localised fatty deposits while preserving the lymphatic vessels as much as possible.
- Balance between tension and scarring: Our commitment is to seek the maximum tightening possible with minimal scarring, strategically placed so that it is minimally visible.
Types of brachioplasty
Not all arms require the same approach. At HC Aesthetic, we select the surgical technique according to the extent of the flaccidity and the location of the excess skin. The objective is always the same: to obtain maximum tightening with the smallest possible aesthetic footprint.
Minibrachioplasty
Ideal for mild and proximal sagging. Indicated when the excess skin is located only in the upper part, near the armpit.
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Scar: It is concealed in the crease of the armpit.
Extended brachioplasty
Focused on cases where the excess tissue extends beyond the arm and also affects the side of the thorax.
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Scar: Extends to the side of the chest to achieve maximum tightening.
Limitations of arm lift surgery
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- Cellulite/stretch marks can visually improve, but this is not their specific treatment.
- Scars are inevitable, although our main aim is to make them as discreet as possible.
What to expect after an arm lift
After a brachioplasty, the recovery process, meticulous scar care, proper rest of the arms and prevention of possible complications are essential to ensure optimal healing and to achieve a firm and harmonious contour.
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- Hospital stay: discharge on the same day or within 24 hours.
- Pain / oedema: maximum 48-72 hours. Controlled with oral analgesics.
- Drains: not usually required
- Compression garments: use of compression sleeves for 4-6 weeks is required.
- Avoid raising arms above shoulder height and lifting loads for 2-3 weeks. No tensile strain for 4-6 weeks.
- Massage (manual lymphatic drainage): start after 3-7 days depending on clinical course, usually for 5-8 sessions.
- Return to work: 7-10 days (office-based).
- Physical activity: light cardio at 3-4 weeks. Strength training after 6-8 weeks.
- Result: immediately visible, more defined after 3-6 months (the skin continues to retract for up to 6-12 months).
A scar is the visible trace of a significant functional and aesthetic improvement. At HC Aesthetic, we use advanced suturing techniques to ensure that healing is as discreet as possible, integrating these three pillars into our protocol:
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- Strategic and discreet placement: incisions are always placed on the inner arm, and if necessary, the scar can be extended to the armpit or chest.
- Post-surgical treatment protocol: when the skin has healed completely, we start a specific care plan using silicone sheets or gels to flatten the area, along with constant moisturising and sun protection for the first 12 months to prevent pigmentation changes.
- Personalised skin monitoring: close monitoring in patients with a tendency to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, implementing preventive measures and targeted treatments.
Although brachioplasty is a safe procedure, like all surgical interventions, it carries certain risks.
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- Minor local complications: Occasionally seromas or small haematomas may appear. Small wound separations (dehiscence) may also occur, especially in the crease of the armpit.
- Scar evolution and symmetry: Although we aim for maximum precision, every body heals differently. In some cases, the scar may widen or become hypertrophic. There may also be slight asymmetries between the two arms, due to the patient's natural anatomy prior to the procedure.
- Sensory changes: It is common to experience numbness or changes in sensation on the inside of the forearm after surgery. These alterations are usually temporary and disappear progressively.
Take the next step toward your best self.
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Frequently asked questions about arm lift surgery
The success of a natural result starts with the right information. We have selected the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how to achieve the aesthetic harmony you are looking for in a simple way:
To eliminate flaccidity and excess skin (popularly known as ‘bat arms’), it is essential to perform a skin excision, which will inevitably result in a scar.
However, at HC Aesthetic we place the incision strategically on the posteromedial aspect of the arm. In this way, the scar is concealed in the less visible area. With the use of laser technology or silicone dressings in the postoperative period, we aim to make the scar as discreet and fine as possible.
Yes, in most cases it is the preferred approach. Combining brachioplasty with arm liposuction allows us to remove excess adipose tissue, refining the contour before tightening the skin. This not only improves the overall aesthetic result, but also reduces the tension on the suture, which promotes faster and better-quality healing.
In extensive brachioplasties or those combined with arm liposuction, we usually place drains for 24 to 72 hours. This procedure is key to drain excess fluids, reduce post-surgical swelling and minimise the risk of seroma formation, which helps to make the first few days of recovery much more comfortable for the patient.
The results are permanent and long-lasting, as the excess tissue is physically removed during the procedure. As long as you maintain a stable weight and follow a consistent skin care and hydration routine, you will enjoy firm, defined arms for many years. Although the natural ageing process continues, the improvement in arm contour and firmness is a definitive change compared with the initial condition.
With the HC seal
Every detail reflects our commitment to excellence, safety and professionalism. At HC Aesthetic, our exclusive and personalised care transforms each treatment into a unique experience.