Arm Lift – Brachioplasty

Firmer, more proportionate upper arms with a personalised surgical approach

An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to correct skin laxity along the inner and posterior areas of the upper arms.
Over time, after significant weight loss or as a result of natural ageing, the skin of the upper arms may lose elasticity and develop excess tissue. In many cases, localised fat may also be present, particularly around the triceps area.

The procedure is individually planned with the aim of:

• reducing excess loose skin,
• improving the shape of the upper arm,
• tightening the underlying supporting tissues where necessary,
• reducing localised fat when clinically indicated,
• creating a more defined and harmonious arm contour.

What is an Arm Lift?

An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a body-contouring procedure performed when upper-arm laxity cannot be adequately improved through exercise or non-surgical treatments alone.
The concern may involve:

• excess skin,
• localised fat accumulation,
• a combination of fat and skin laxity,
• laxity following significant weight loss,
• age-related skin laxity.

The most appropriate technique depends on the degree of laxity, skin quality and the amount of localised fat.

Who is a suitable candidate for Brachioplasty?

The procedure may be suitable for women and men who:

• have noticeable upper-arm laxity,
• have excess skin following weight loss,
• have localised fat in the area,
• feel that their arms are out of proportion with the rest of their body,
• want a firmer, more defined contour,
• have a stable body weight,
• have realistic expectations from surgery.

Final suitability is determined after a clinical assessment.

How is an Arm Lift performed?

The surgical technique is adapted to the degree of laxity.
In many cases, the procedure may combine two main elements:

1. Liposuction

When localised fat is present, liposuction may be performed through small incisions.

The aim is to:

• reduce localised fat,
• improve contour,
• better define the shape of the upper arm.

2. Removal of excess skin

The amount of skin removed depends on the degree of laxity.

In milder cases, the incision may be limited to the area close to the armpit.

In more extensive cases, a longer incision may be required along the inner or posterior aspect of the upper arm, extending from the armpit towards the elbow.

The incision is carefully planned to achieve the greatest possible improvement while keeping the scar as discreet as possible.

Why choose Arm Lift surgery with Dr Andreas Ioannides?

Brachioplasty is not simply about removing excess skin.
Correct assessment of skin laxity, incision placement, management of localised fat and overall symmetry are all essential for achieving a balanced result.

Dr Andreas Ioannides, Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon, has extensive experience in body-contouring procedures, liposuction and lifting surgery.

Each operation is individually designed according to:

• the degree of laxity,
• the amount of localised fat,
• skin quality and elasticity,
• the length and shape of the upper arm,
• the patient’s anatomy,
• the desired result.

What are the benefits of an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty may help to provide:

• a firmer upper-arm contour,
• reduction of excess skin,
• improved shape of the upper arm,
• better symmetry,
• greater comfort with movement and clothing,
• improved overall body proportions.

For many patients, the procedure may also make it easier to wear sleeveless or more fitted clothing with greater confidence.

Is liposuction needed together with an Arm Lift?

Not in every patient.
However, when localised fat exists together with skin laxity, liposuction may form part of the procedure.

A combined approach may help with:

• reducing volume,
• improving contour,
• improving tissue adaptation,
• creating a more harmonious result.

The need for liposuction is assessed individually.

What type of anaesthesia is used?

An Arm Lift may be performed under:

• local anaesthesia in very limited cases,
• sedation / intravenous sedation,
• general anaesthesia.

The choice depends on:

• the extent of the procedure,
• the amount of skin to be removed,
• whether liposuction is performed at the same time,
• the patient’s overall health.

The most appropriate option is selected following preoperative assessment.

How long does the surgery take?

The duration of surgery depends on the degree of laxity and the extent of treatment.
In many cases, the operation may take approximately 2 to 3 hours.

If the postoperative course is satisfactory and Dr Andreas Ioannides considers it appropriate, selected patients may be able to leave the clinic on the same day.

What is recovery like after an Arm Lift?

During the first few days after surgery, patients may experience:

• swelling,
• bruising,
• a feeling of tightness,
• mild discomfort,
• temporary limitation in some arm movements.

A specialized compression garment is often used for a period of time according to the surgeon’s instructions.

Return to:

• work,
• driving,
• exercise,
• strenuous activity,

is gradual and individually determined.

When will I see the results?

The change in arm contour is visible from the early postoperative period.

However, swelling is expected during the first few weeks and the tissues continue to adapt.

The result gradually becomes clearer as:

• swelling subsides,
• scars mature,
• tissues settle,
• healing progresses.

It may take several months before the final result can be fully assessed.

How long do the results last?

The results of an Arm Lift may last for many years.

Their longevity is influenced by:

• stable body weight,
• skin quality,
• age,
• lifestyle,
• future body changes.

The normal ageing process continues, but the area will usually remain significantly improved compared with its preoperative appearance.

What happens to the scars?

A scar is an unavoidable part of Brachioplasty when a significant amount of excess skin needs to be removed.

Its length depends on the degree of laxity.

In limited cases, it may be mainly located close to the armpit.

In more extensive cases, it may extend from the armpit towards the elbow.

Scars:

• are more noticeable during the first few months,
• gradually mature,
• usually become flatter and less prominent over time.

Their final appearance also depends on each patient’s individual healing response.

Can the scars disappear completely?

No surgical scar disappears completely.

The aim is to position the scar as discreetly as possible and allow it to improve gradually as healing progresses.

In most patients, scars become less visible over time.

Correct postoperative care and sun protection can also play an important role.

Arm Lift or ThermiTight™?

Not every patient requires surgical removal of excess skin.

In cases of milder laxity, where there is no significant excess skin, a less invasive approach may be considered.

ThermiTight™ for mild upper-arm laxity

At Advanced Aesthetics by Dr Andreas Ioannides, ThermiTight™ uses controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin with the aim of tightening subcutaneous tissues and stimulating collagen remodelling.

It may be suitable for selected patients with:

• mild laxity,
• limited localised fat,
• good skin quality,
• a desire for improvement without an extensive surgical incision.

ThermiTight™ does not replace Brachioplasty when there is a significant amount of excess skin.

The appropriate choice between Arm Lift, liposuction, ThermiTight™ or a combination of techniques is determined after personal assessment.

Surgical or non-surgical treatment?

The choice depends mainly on the degree of laxity.

Mild laxity

A skin-tightening treatment such as ThermiTight™ may be considered, with or without treatment of localised fat.

Moderate laxity

A combined approach may be required depending on tissue quality.

Significant laxity and excess skin

Surgical Arm Lift is usually the most effective option for physically removing excess skin.

Experience makes the difference

Arm Lift by Dr Andreas Ioannides

The goal of surgery is not simply to remove skin.

It is to create an upper arm that appears firmer, more proportionate and more natural in relation to the rest of the body.

Dr Andreas Ioannides plans each operation individually, taking into account both the aesthetic result and the correct position and extent of the incisions.

The philosophy is simple:
the right amount of correction, with the most discreet surgical footprint possible.

Would you like to know which option is right for your arms?

Not every case of skin laxity should be treated in the same way.

During your personal assessment, Dr Andreas Ioannides will evaluate:

• the degree of laxity,
• the amount of excess skin,
• the presence of localised fat,
• skin quality,
• the anatomy of your arms,
• the result you would like to achieve.

The most appropriate approach can then be recommended:

Arm Lift, liposuction, ThermiTight™ or a combination of techniques.