Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery)

Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It helps to tighten and smooth the arms, creating a more toned and youthful appearance, especially for those who have experienced significant weight loss or aging.

Brachioplasty arm lift by Dr Assad Bangash. 12 weeks between photos.

Ideal candidates for brachioplasty are people with loose, sagging skin on their upper arms, typically due to weight loss, aging, or genetics.

You should be in good overall health, have stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.

During the surgery, your surgeon makes an incision along the inner or back side of the upper arm. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity.

Image source: Mayo Clinic

Recovery time varies, but most people can return to light activities after 2 weeks. Full recovery, including resumption of strenuous exercise, may take 6 to 8 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common and should subside over time. 

The cost of a brachioplasty (arm lift) with the plastic surgeon at Cutis Clinic Brisbane typically ranges from AUD $4,000 to $6,000. However, this does not include additional expenses such as anesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility charges, and post-operative care (such as follow-up appointments or compression garments).

Medicare may cover the hospital stay for a brachioplasty if you have experienced significant weight loss and require the surgery to remove excess skin that is causing medical issues (such as rashes, infections, or skin irritation).

However, Medicare typically does not cover the cost of the surgical procedure itself, as it is considered cosmetic. It’s important to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider to determine eligibility for any coverage.

Brachioplasty at Cutis Clinic Brisbane is performed by Dr Assad Bangash, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr Bangash completed his specialist plastic surgery training in the United Kingdom, holding Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Plastic Surgery (FRCS Plast), before relocating to Australia in 2011 and completing his FRACS Plast qualification – the peak specialist surgical credential in Australia and New Zealand.

Choosing a FRACS-qualified plastic surgeon for brachioplasty ensures specialised expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr Bangash is skilled in body contouring, scar minimisation, and achieving natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

His approach to brachioplasty is grounded in patient-centred care, with a strong focus on safety, informed consent, and optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Yes, there will be scars, typically located along the inside of the arm. While the scars may be noticeable initially, they will fade over time and become less prominent. The extent of scarring depends on the amount of tissue removed and the type of incision made.