What is an Arm Lift?

Also known as a Brachioplasty, Arm Lift surgery is a procedure that reduces excess and loose skin around the arms, sometimes known as bingo wings.

During a Brachioplasty, your surgeon will make an incision down the inner side of the arms. They will then cut away the excess skin (known as an excision) before closing the incision to create a more toned and slim appearance to the arms. For patients who are also concerned about excess fat around their arms, Liposuction can be used before the excision is carried out to extract the unwanted fat, enhancing the final result.

Your surgeon will discuss Arm Lift surgery recovery during your consultation so you can fully prepare for your surgery. This preparation may involve organising support from family and friends, coordinating childcare, or meal planning. Understanding what Brachioplasty recovery and aftercare involve is crucial so you know what to expect following your surgery. 

Initial Arm Lift Recovery

Your Arm Lift surgery will be performed in our state-of-the-art operating theatres within our hospital facility in Chelsea, London.

Most patients spend 3-4 hours in our dedicated aftercare wards straight after their procedure. Every patient’s recovery from Arm Lift surgery is different, and this time is not a set target. If you need longer to prepare to go home, our specialist nurses will take care of you until you are ready.

From the operating theatre, you will first be taken into our recovery ward. You will wake up from your anaesthetic, and our nurses will monitor your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate. As soon as you are awake and comfortable, you will move into your own room in our ambulatory ward. You will begin your preparation to be discharged by having something to eat and drink. Our nurses will continue to monitor you to ensure you are stable. Once you are ready, they will give you some written Brachioplasty recovery instructions and talk you through any medication you need. Your chaperone will then take you home to continue your recovery. 

Arm Lift Recovery Timeline

Every patient’s Arm Lift surgery recovery time will be different depending on some influencing factors:

• Whether your Brachioplasty has involved Liposuction alongside your excision
• The extent of your Arm Lift surgery and the amount of loose skin your surgeon is removing

For example, Mini Brachioplasty recovery time is usually shorter than a full Brachioplasty recovery time, especially if Liposuction has also been used.

However, there are certain recovery milestones you can expect to meet at specific times. Your surgeon will discuss your Brachioplasty recovery day by day during your consultation and advise on how your recovery and aftercare may impact your specific lifestyle. 

2-3 Days After Your Arm Lift

In the first few days following your Brachioplasty, your arms may feel quite tight and itchy as your body acclimatises to the new positioning of your skin.

You will have some swelling and bruising, which is normal following any surgical procedure.

It is important to rest to aid your healing and recovery. Your surgeon will ask you to wear compression garments covering your arms to reduce swelling and protect your Brachioplasty incision. 

1-2 Weeks After Your Arm Lift

You will return to the clinic one week after your procedure for your first post-operative appointment with our nurses. They will assess your Brachioplasty incision and remove your stitches before redressing your arms.

You will still have some swelling and bruising, which should start healing after 10-14 days.

You must continue to wear your compression garments to reduce swelling and prevent fluid retention around your surgical site. 

1 Month After Your Arm Lift

After one month, your recovery from Arm Lift surgery will be progressing well. Your swelling and bruising should now be healed, and you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort.

You will need to continue wearing your compression garments to prevent any complications from occurring.

Your Brachioplasty incision will still look quite red at this stage. As your recovery continues, it will lighten and become less visible. 

6-8 Weeks After Your Arm Lift

You can expect your initial Arm Lift surgery recovery to be complete between six and eight weeks after your surgery, and you will be able to return to your daily activities, such as exercise. You can also stop wearing your compression garments.

You will have a post-operative check-up with your surgeon six weeks after your procedure. They will discuss your recovery and surgical results and provide scar care advice. 

3 Months After Your Arm Lift

After three months, you will be enjoying the results of your surgery. Your Brachioplasty incision may still be fading, and this will continue.

Following your Arm Lift surgery recovery, you can contact the clinic at any time for advice and support.  

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