Loose upper-arm tissue
Patients often seek treatment after significant weight loss or when ageing has reduced skin elasticity, leaving a hanging fold along the upper arm.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Plastic Surgery
Brachioplasty in Malta
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes selected excess upper-arm skin and may also address fat to create a firmer contour. It is most relevant when loose skin remains despite weight stability and exercise.
Arm liftUpper armsExcess skinPost-weight-loss contouringSurgical
Upper-arm contouring
Brachioplasty treats skin excess that exercise cannot tighten.
Exercise can strengthen the muscles of the arm but cannot remove a large fold of loose skin. Arm lift surgery is designed for that structural problem.
Selected fat can also be treated
Where excess fat contributes to the contour, it may be addressed as part of the operation depending on the surgical plan.
A scar is part of the result
Removing substantial skin requires an incision. The exact scar length and position depend on how much tissue needs to be removed.
Assessment & planning
The central question is whether the contour problem is fat, loose skin or both.
A good assessment separates skin laxity from localised fat and considers weight stability, scar tolerance, general health and the patient's expectations.
Who may be suitable
Patients with significant upper-arm skin laxity after weight loss or natural ageing may be suitable when their weight is reasonably stable and they understand the expected scar.
Where the scar may sit
The live page states that incisions are commonly placed along the inner arm to reduce visibility. The exact pattern depends on the amount and distribution of skin excess.
Compression and swelling
Swelling and tightness are expected during early recovery. The current page notes that compression garments may be recommended during follow-up.
Weight stability
Major weight change after surgery can alter the result. Body-contouring procedures are generally best considered when weight is relatively stable.
Procedure & recovery
The arm contour improves early, while scars and swelling take longer to mature.
The live guidance describes light activity returning within roughly a week and strenuous exercise or lifting being avoided for around 4–6 weeks.
Consultation
The surgeon assesses skin excess, fat distribution, weight stability, scar placement and the amount of correction that is realistic.
Surgery
Selected excess skin and fat are removed and the upper-arm contour is reshaped.
First week
Swelling, bruising, tightness and wound care are expected. Light activity may gradually resume.
4–6 weeks
The current guidance advises avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting during this stage of healing.
Following months
Swelling continues to settle and the scar gradually matures, revealing the more stable arm contour.
Results & limitations
The main visible gain is a smoother, firmer upper-arm shape.
The live page describes slimmer, more toned arms as swelling decreases. The scar remains part of the operation and continues to mature after the contour itself is already visible.
Contour
Loose hanging skin is reduced and the upper arm can look firmer and more proportionate.
Scar
The scar generally fades with time but does not disappear completely.
Longevity
The result can be long-lasting, especially with stable weight, although ageing continues to affect skin elasticity.
Current pricing
Brachioplasty pricing
The live page currently states that the price is provided during consultation.
BrachioplastyPrice given during consultation
Practitioner
Meet your surgeon.
Your consultation with Dr Alexey Vinokur is where the procedure, incision planning, expected recovery, limitations and individual suitability are discussed before a decision is made.
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr Alexey Vinokur
Plastic SurgeryDr Alexey Vinokur provides surgical assessment and treatment planning for this procedure, with the consultation used to discuss anatomy, scar placement, expected recovery and realistic outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Brachioplasty.
These answers are general guidance. Your consultation is where we assess your anatomy, medical history, expectations and the procedure-specific risks that matter in your case.
01 Is Brachioplasty permanent?
Removed skin does not grow back, but ageing and significant weight change can alter the arm contour over time.
02 When are final results visible?
Initial contour change is visible earlier, while swelling and scar maturation continue for several months.
03 Are scars visible?
Yes. An arm lift requires an incision. The live page states that incisions are typically placed along the inner arm to reduce visibility.
04 When can I exercise again?
The current guidance advises avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around 4–6 weeks.
05 Can Brachioplasty remove fat too?
Yes, selected excess fat can also be addressed when appropriate for the surgical plan.
06 Is it only for people who lost a lot of weight?
No. Significant weight loss is common, but natural ageing and reduced skin elasticity can also produce upper-arm skin excess.