Loose skin on the upper arms can often affect men and woman who have lost a significant amount of weight. Through a combination of liposuction and an elliptical skin excision the contour of the upper arm can be improved. In some cases liposuction alone can be sufficient to improve the upper arm contour.

What does an Arm lift involve?

This is a short daycase general anaesthetic procedure that involves undergoing liposuction to remove any excess fat this preserves the arms lymphatics. Next, the excess skin is removed and sutured shut with dissolvable sutures. The scar is long and extends from the armpit and finishes just above the elbow joint. The arm is then dressed with a bandage.

What is the Post Operative recovery?

After 1 week a wound check is performed and it is recommended to wear a compression garment. The bruising will take up to 3 weeks to settle.

What are the potential complications?

Bleeding

Infection

Wound breakdown

Poor scarring - stretched scar

Nerve injury - this can result in altered sensation due to sensory nerve damage

Revision surgery

Procedure summary

Arm Lift

Anaesthetic: General Anaesthetic

Operative time : 1-2 hours

Hospital Stay : Daycase

Time off work : up to 1 week

Recovery Time : 1 - 2 weeks