Arm lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape the portion of the arm, from the underarm region to the elbow. Arm lift procedure is also known as Barchioplasty. Arm lift surgery reduces the excess sagging of skin that slopes downward. This cosmetic procedure tightens and smooths the underlying supportive tissue. An arm lift procedure removes the excessive fat from the upper arm region and enhances the shape of the upper arm. Age, genetics, or fluctuations in the weight can cause sagging of arms. Moreover, saggy appearance of the arm is seldom corrected through exercise. A cosmetic surgeon may use a liposuction technique along with the arm lift procedure to give an authentic feel.

Arm lift surgery cost

The average cost of an arm lift surgery in India is Rs. 5 lakhs. Arm lift surgery cost includes cosmetic surgeon’s fee, medical tests, anaesthesia, medications and hospital charges. However, above-mentioned cost may vary based on the type of hospital, the surgeon’s experience and type of procedure. Most medical insurance companies do not cover arm lift surgery or its complications, but many cosmetic surgeons offer patient-friendly financing plans.

Arm lift surgery candidates

Good candidates for an arm lift surgery are:

• Non-smokers
• Adults who have stable weight, good muscle tone, and elastic skin
• People who do not have any life threatening illness
• People with realistic expectations
• People with upper arm skin laxity

Preparing for an arm lift surgery

Patients undergoing an arm lift surgery are asked to:

• Get required medical tests
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking inflammatory drugs such as aspirin 
• Avoid anything that may impair the process of healing
• Take medicines prescribed by the doctor

Arm lift surgery procedure

As per the plastic surgeon’s preference, a patient is given general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to subside the pain during the surgery. The cosmetic surgeon will create markings around the patient’s arm, elbow, and the armpit. The length of incisions differs according to the type of brachioplasty a patient will undergo. After making the desired incisions, the cosmetic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin. For the removal of excess fat, cosmetic surgeon may use liposuction technique. Incisions are closed to provide a smoother and firmer arm contour. The plastic surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and surgical tape to ensure the proper healing of wounds.

Arm lift surgery results

An arm lift surgery provides long-lasting and positive result to a patient. The smoother, tighter contours are visible immediately after the procedure. For better results carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. A patient should avoid physical activities subjected to excessive force, swelling, or pain during the time of healing. However, in some cases more than one surgery has to be, performed to get desired results.

Arm lift surgery risks

The potential complications from arm lift surgery are very rare. However, all surgical procedures have some scope of risk. Some risks associated with arm lift surgery are:

• Change in sensation
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Anaesthesia risks
• Unsatisfactory results
• Damage to underlying structures
• Accumulation of fluid