Arm Lift and Brachioplasty in Dubai

An arm lift is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and improve the shape of the upper arms. It is often considered after significant weight loss or when aging and reduced skin elasticity cause loose, sagging skin between the underarms and elbows.

At Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital London – Dubai, arm lift surgery is planned according to your skin quality, fat distribution, upper arm proportions, and individual goals. Dr. Dragana Spica, Specialist Plastic Aesthetics and Reconstructive Surgeon and Medical Director of King’s Aesthetics, assesses each patient carefully before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach.

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is surgery performed to reshape the upper arm.

During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the underlying tissues are reshaped to create a smoother arm contour. In selected patients, liposuction may also be used to reduce localized fat deposits.

Brachioplasty differs from arm liposuction alone. Liposuction removes fat but depends on the skin’s ability to contract afterward. When significant skin laxity exists, removing fat alone may not provide the desired contour and can make loose skin more noticeable.

Your surgeon will assess whether skin removal, liposuction, or a combination of both is appropriate.

Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery may be suitable for adults who have loose or excess skin affecting the upper arms.

Common concerns include:

• Sagging skin between the underarm and elbow
• Excess skin following significant weight loss
• Reduced skin elasticity associated with aging
• Upper arm skin that does not improve with exercise
• Discomfort or skin irritation caused by folds
• Difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably around the arms
• Localized upper arm fat combined with skin laxity
• A desire for a smoother and more proportionate arm contour

Suitable patients should be close to a stable weight and in appropriate general health.

If you continue to lose significant weight, surgery may be delayed until your weight stabilizes. Future weight changes can affect the arms’ appearance after surgery.

Smoking can interfere with blood supply and wound healing. Your surgeon may ask you to stop smoking before and after the procedure.

What is the difference between an arm lift and arm liposuction?

Arm liposuction and brachioplasty address different concerns.

Arm liposuction reduces localized fat deposits. It may be appropriate when the skin has enough elasticity to adapt to the new arm contour after fat removal.

An arm lift focuses primarily on excess skin. The surgeon removes loose tissue and reshapes the upper arm.

Some patients have both excess fat and loose skin. In these cases, liposuction may be combined with brachioplasty.

The appropriate treatment depends on your skin quality, fat distribution, and the degree of laxity.

What happens during arm lift surgery?

Brachioplasty is generally performed under general anesthesia.

The surgical process usually includes:

1. Consultation and assessment: Dr. Dragana examines your upper arms, skin elasticity, fat distribution, and overall body proportions.
2. Surgical planning: The amount of skin to be removed and expected scar placement are discussed.
3. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered before surgery.
4. Liposuction, when appropriate: Selected fat deposits may be reduced to support the planned arm contour.
5. Skin removal: Excess upper arm skin is carefully removed.
6. Tissue reshaping and closure: The remaining tissues are reshaped and the incisions are closed.
7. Recovery and follow-up: Healing, swelling, scars, and arm contour are monitored during postoperative appointments.

The duration of surgery depends on the extent of skin removal and whether liposuction or other procedures are performed.

What is recovery like after an arm lift?

Swelling, bruising, tightness, and discomfort are expected after arm lift surgery.

Medication may be prescribed to manage postoperative pain. Compression garments may also be recommended to support the arms and help manage swelling.

You may need to limit arm movement during the early recovery period to avoid placing unnecessary tension on the incisions.

Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities involving repetitive upper body movement should be avoided until your surgeon confirms adequate healing.

Return to work depends on the type of work you do. Patients with physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period than those with desk-based roles.

Your surgical team will provide guidance on wound care, bathing, compression garments, and a gradual return to normal activities.

What results can you expect after brachioplasty?

Changes in the upper arm contour are visible after surgery, although swelling initially affects the appearance.

As swelling decreases, the arms may appear smoother, firmer, and more proportionate to the rest of the body.

Removing excess skin can also reduce discomfort or irritation caused by skin folds in selected patients.

Results can be long-lasting when patients maintain a relatively stable weight. However, aging and changes in skin elasticity continue after surgery.

Significant weight gain or loss can also alter the arm contour over time.

Will arm lift surgery leave scars?

Yes. Brachioplasty leaves permanent scars.

The length and position of the scar depend on the amount of excess skin and the surgical technique used. In many cases, the incision extends along the inner or back portion of the upper arm.

Patients with a smaller amount of excess skin may require a shorter incision close to the underarm.

Scars are often more noticeable during the early stages of healing. They may gradually soften and fade, but they do not disappear completely.

Scar placement and expected appearance should be discussed before surgery. Your surgeon will also provide guidance on scar care during recovery.

What are the risks of arm lift surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks.

These include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation.

Some patients may experience temporary numbness or altered sensation around the surgical area. Wound healing problems can occur, especially when there is tension on the incision.

Blood clots are another potential surgical risk.

Your surgeon will review your health, medications, and medical history before surgery and explain the risks relevant to your procedure.

Who is the best doctor for arm lift surgery in Dubai?

The best doctor for arm lift surgery in Dubai is Dr. Dragana Spica Specialist Plastic Aesthetics and Reconstructive Surgeon and Medical Director of King’s Aesthetics. As a Specialist Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience, she assesses skin laxity, upper arm proportions, fat distribution, and scar considerations before creating a personalized surgical plan.

Why choose Aesthetics by King’s?

At Aesthetics by King’s, arm lift surgery starts with an individual assessment of skin laxity, fat distribution, and upper arm proportions.

Patients benefit from:

• Consultant-led body contouring assessment
• Hospital-affiliated clinical standards
• Personalized surgical planning
• Careful consideration of incision and scar placement
• Assessment of whether liposuction should be combined with skin removal
• Detailed postoperative and scar care guidance
• Care led by an experienced reconstructive and plastic surgeon

Dr. Dragana Spica has over 20 years of experience in plastic and cosmetic surgery. Her body contouring expertise includes brachioplasty, thigh lift surgery, abdominoplasty, liposuction, fat transfer, and procedures after significant weight loss.

For more details, please visit our aesthetic’s website: https://aesthetics.kingscollegehospitaldubai.com/arm-lift/

How can I book an appointment?

To discuss arm lift surgery at King’s College Hospital Dubai, call +971 800 7777, complete the online form, or use the KingsHub App.