Arm reduction and arm lift

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time, you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have. We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests such as scans or blood tests are needed.  Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We understand that surgery can be a cause of anxiety – even if it’s a relatively straightforward procedure like this one. That’s why our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you every step of the way. You will be given a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation. The length and pattern of the incision made by your doctor will depend on the location and amount of excess skin to be removed. This will be discussed and agreed with you beforehand.

Usually, the cut is made on the inside or back of the arm so scars will be less visible. If there’s not much excess skin the cut will be small, but it could extend from above your elbow to your armpit if there’s a lot to be removed. Liposuction may also be used. The underlying supportive tissues may be tightened and reshaped with internal sutures.  Finally, the wound is stitched, and skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.  Your wound will be dressed, and your arm may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimise swelling. A small thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

After your arm lift you will be taken to your room where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.  You will probably experience some pain swelling and bruising immediately after the operation. This is normal and your symptoms will start to improve over the next few weeks.  We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you’ve left hospital for up to 14 days.  When you get home,  you’ll need to take things easy at first.  Arrange at least a week off work and you’ll gradually be able to return to normal activity within four to six weeks.

Light activity will be comfortable after around two weeks, but you shouldn’t do anything too active – like go to the gym or take an exercise class – for around six weeks.  You won’t be able to lift anything for a few days and it’s a good idea to wear either loose or sleeveless tops while your wounds heal. Make sure these are clean and easy to reach – not on the top of a wardrobe for example as stretching your arms will be painful and may damage your stitches.

You may be given some light exercises to do after the wound starts to heal.  You will be left with a scar on the back of your arm which will ease with time. The extent of the scarring will also depend on your skin type age and the efforts you make to eat healthily and do the right exercises after the operation.  Your doctor will advise you on this.  Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital you’ll need to arrange a taxi friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them if they can run some light errands such as shopping and cleaning as you won’t feel up to it at first.

Even after you’ve left hospital we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After an arm lift, our consultants will typically want to see you after to check how you are doing, we will arrange a follow up appointment before you leave the hospital. On rare occasions complications can occur following surgery.  We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.  If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, we’re ready to help.