Surgical · Body
Arm Lift in London
Skin tightening and contour restoration of the upper arm — performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid for a refined, defined arm line.
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Hello!
Medically reviewed by Dr Hassan SoueidConsultant Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon
Overview
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) addresses loose, hanging skin and stubborn fat on the underside of the upper arm. The procedure removes excess skin, often combined with liposuction, leaving a smoother, more toned arm contour. Common after major weight loss, age-related skin laxity, or loss of muscle mass.
At Kensington Cosmetic Clinic the arm lift is performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid. The incision pattern is selected based on how much skin needs removing — short-scar (axillary only) for mild cases; full-length brachioplasty (armpit to elbow) for significant skin redundancy.
We are honest about scarring. The arm lift exchanges a skin problem for a scar problem — the scar runs along the inner upper arm and is visible in sleeveless clothing. We discuss this fully at consultation; some patients are best served by liposuction alone if their skin retracts well.
An arm lift trades loose skin for a scar. The right candidate finds that an excellent trade.
How it works
Inside a brachioplasty (arm lift)
A diagram of the procedure. Hover any pulsing marker to see how each anatomical layer is treated by Dr Hassan.
Hover or tap any highlighted region
Illustration is anatomical only — the procedure is tailored individually at consultation.
Treated Areas
What an arm lift can address
Each arm-lift case is different. The pattern depends on how much skin needs removing and whether the upper arm or forearm is the dominant concern.
Skin
Loose under-arm skin
The classic indication — skin that hangs from the back of the upper arm. Removed via the brachioplasty incision.
Post-weight-loss redundancy
Major weight loss commonly leaves significant skin redundancy. Often requires extended-pattern brachioplasty into the chest wall ('extended arm lift').
Crepey upper arm skin
Mild laxity with skin texture changes. May respond to skin tightening (RF) without surgery — discussed honestly at consultation.
Fat
Upper-arm fat
Fat below the deltoid — addressed with liposuction during the same operation, or as a stand-alone procedure where skin is good.
Bra-line side fat
Often combined with arm lift in extended brachioplasty for a continuous side-of-chest contour.
Pattern
Short-scar (axillary)
Incision hidden in the armpit. Suitable for mild skin laxity only — limited correction.
Standard brachioplasty
Incision from armpit to elbow along the inner arm seam. The standard pattern for most patients.
Extended brachioplasty
Incision continues from the armpit onto the side of the chest. For very significant skin redundancy, typically post-weight-loss.
Candidate
Who is an arm lift for?
- Has loose under-arm skin that does not respond to exercise
- Has stable weight (within 5–10% of long-term)
- Is in good general health, a non-smoker, with realistic expectations about scarring
- Accepts the trade — exchanging loose skin for a visible scar on the inner arm
- Is willing to wear compression sleeves for 6 weeks post-op
Benefits at KCC
The KCC Clinic difference
- Procedure performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid, GMC 6107783
- Incision pattern matched to your skin redundancy — not a single template
- Combined liposuction included where indicated for refined contour
- All theatre work in CQC-registered facility, with consultant anaesthetist
- Comprehensive scar management coordinated post-op
- Discreet Kensington location with private parking and concierge support
Investment
Pricing on consultation
Every patient is different — the area, technique and number of stages shape the plan. We share full pricing during your private consultation, after Dr Hassan or your treating clinician has reviewed your goals in person.
Before
How to prepare
- Stop smoking entirely six weeks before and after surgery — non-negotiable for inner-arm wound healing
- Stop ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and blood-thinning supplements two weeks before
- Buy compression sleeves in two sizes (one for week 1, one for weeks 2–6)
- Arrange 2 weeks of clear social downtime — driving and household tasks restricted
- Eat well, hydrate, fast from midnight before surgery
The Treatment
What happens on the day
Consultation
Two consultations standard. Skin pinch assessment, photographs from multiple angles, honest discussion of scar location and trade-off.
Surgery
Performed under general anaesthetic in our CQC-registered theatre. Operative time 2–3 hours for both arms.
- Marking — incision pattern marked with the patient standing, arms raised.
- Liposuction — performed first if combined; refines contour before skin removal.
- Skin excision — redundant skin removed; deeper tissue tightened with internal sutures.
- Closure — fine sutures in layers; compression sleeves applied.
Step by Step
Your patient journey
Arm lift trades skin redundancy for a visible inner-arm scar. Here is what to expect at each stage.
01 · The Consultation
Honest skin-pinch assessment
Skin laxity, fat distribution and underlying contour all reviewed. Photography from multiple angles. Frank discussion of the scar position and whether liposuction-only would serve you better than full brachioplasty.
02 · Preparation
Optimising for inner-arm healing
Six weeks smoking-free — inner-arm wound healing depends on this. Two weeks off blood-thinners. Compression sleeves bought in two sizes. Two weeks of clear social downtime; help with driving for the first week.
03 · The Procedure
Two to three hours under general anaesthetic
Performed personally by Dr Hassan. Marking with arms raised. Liposuction first if combined; then skin excision via incision along the inner arm seam; deep tissue tightening; closure in fine layered sutures.
04 · Recovery & Aftercare
Six months to scar maturation
Compression sleeves for six weeks. Arms below shoulder level for two weeks; no overhead lifting for four. Scar massage and silicone gel from week four for six months. Final shape at three months; scars fade fully by twelve.
After
Recovery & aftercare
- Wear compression sleeves continuously for 4 weeks, 12 hours/day for weeks 5–6
- Keep arms below shoulder level for 2 weeks; no overhead lifting for 4 weeks
- No driving for 1 week (need to be able to control the wheel safely)
- No exercise involving arms for 4 weeks; full exercise at 6 weeks
- Scar massage and silicone gel from week 4 — continue for 6 months
- Attend reviews at day 1, day 7, week 6, 3 months and 6 months
Results
When will I see the result?
- Week 2 — initial swelling settling, sutures removed (or self-dissolving)
- Week 6 — most swelling resolved, scars red but flat
- 3 months — close to final contour, scars maturing
- 6 months — final shape, scars beginning to fade
- 12 months — full scar maturation, typically pale and flat
Questions
Arm Lift in London FAQs
How visible will the scar be?+
The scar runs along the inner upper arm from armpit to elbow. It is visible when the arm is raised or in sleeveless clothing — invisible when arms are down. Initial scars are red and firm; they fade and flatten over 12 months. Most patients accept the scar as a fair trade for losing the skin redundancy. We discuss this honestly at consultation — and sometimes recommend liposuction-only or skin tightening as alternatives.
Can I have liposuction instead?+
Yes if your skin will retract — younger patients with mild fat-only concerns are excellent liposuction candidates. The right answer depends on a skin pinch assessment at consultation. Liposuction-alone in a patient with significant skin laxity will worsen the appearance.
What about non-surgical skin tightening?+
Radiofrequency (RF) and similar non-surgical skin-tightening modalities can produce modest improvement in patients with mild skin laxity. For significant under-arm redundancy, surgery is the only effective answer.
Will this affect my arm strength?+
No. Arm lift addresses skin and fat — not muscle or joint. Most patients return to full strength activities at 6 weeks.
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