Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose, hanging skin and fat from the upper arms, often called "bat wings". It gives slimmer, smoother arms. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, Dr Sreekar Harinatha performs arm lifts in 2–3 hours on an outpatient basis, often with arm liposuction. The cut is placed on the inner side of the arm, where it is least visible.
Arm lift at a glance
| Surgery time | 2–3 hours (arm liposuction alone takes about 90 minutes) |
| Hospital stay | Day care |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Scar | On the inner side of the upper arm |
| Compression garment | 6 weeks |
| Back to work | 1–2 weeks |
| Cost | From ₹1,20,000 |
Arm lift or arm liposuction?
| Your arms | Best option |
|---|---|
| Extra fat, but firm skin | Arm liposuction alone, about 90 minutes |
| Extra fat and some loose skin | Liposuction with a limited arm lift |
| Loose, hanging skin, for example after major weight loss | Full arm lift, often with liposuction |
Dr Sreekar decides which you need after examining your arms.
Who is an arm lift for?
- Adults with moderate to severe loose skin on the upper arms
- People who have lost a lot of weight, including after bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
- Older adults whose skin has lost elasticity
- People in good health with realistic expectations
Is the arm lift scar visible?
The scar runs along the inner side of the upper arm, so it is hidden when your arms are by your sides. It is permanent, but it usually fades to a thin line over months.
Recovery after an arm lift
Wear a compression garment for several weeks to control swelling. Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height and heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks. Most people return to desk work in 1–2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an arm lift take?
An arm lift takes about 2–3 hours. Arm liposuction alone takes about 90 minutes.
Can I have an arm lift with other procedures?
Yes. After major weight loss, an arm lift is often combined with a thigh lift, tummy tuck or breast lift. See Post-bariatric body reshaping.
Will my arm lift results last?
The removed skin doesn't return. Keep a stable weight, because weight gain or loss can change your results.
Related pages: Arm liposuction · Axillary breast removal · Post-bariatric reshaping
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.
