What is an Arm Lift? (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and tighten the skin and underlying tissue of the upper arm. It's one of the most sought-after body contouring procedures for people who have experienced significant weight loss, natural ageing, or simply inherited a tendency toward loose skin on the upper arms — no matter how much they exercise.

The procedure removes excess skin and fat, then tightens the remaining tissue to create a smoother, firmer arm contour. For many patients, it's the final step in a transformation that diet and exercise alone just can't achieve.

Arm Lift Options: Types of Arm Lift Procedures

The right technique depends on how much excess skin and fat you have, and where it sits. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach during your consultation.

1. Traditional Arm Lift (Full Brachioplasty)

• Best For: Significant excess skin and fat from the elbow to the armpit.

• Procedure:

  • A long incision is made along the inside or back of the arm, typically from the elbow to the armpit.

  • Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened.

• Scarring: This procedure leaves a more visible scar due to the long incision but results in a more dramatic improvement in arm contour.

2. Mini Arm Lift (Mini-Brachioplasty)

• Best For: Mild to moderate sagging, mainly near the armpit.

• Procedure:

  • A shorter incision is made (usually from the armpit to the elbow), and only a small amount of skin and fat is removed.

  • This procedure is less invasive and leaves a smaller scar compared to the traditional arm lift.

• Scarring: The scar is less extensive but still visible.

3. Liposuction-Only Arm Lift

• Best For: Fatty arms with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging.

• Procedure:

  • Liposuction is used to remove the fat deposits from the upper arm, improving contour.

  • This is ideal for those who have no or minimal skin sagging but wish to slim the arms.

• Scarring: The scarring is minimal, as only small incisions are made for the liposuction procedure.

  
  

How Much Does An Arm Lift Cost In Thailand?

Thailand delivers the same surgical quality as home — at a dramatically lower cost. And with MediCation Tours, your package includes hotel, transfers, and aftercare, so there are no nasty surprises on top.

*Thailand price is all-inclusive: surgeon fees, anaesthesia, 2 nights in hospital, 13 nights hotel, airport–hotel–hospital transfers, medications, and follow-up. Home country prices are surgery and hospital only.

Is An Arm Lift safe in Thailand?

Yes. Thousands of patients from New Zealand and Australia travel to Thailand each year for body contouring surgery — and for good reason. Here's what makes our approach different:

Are You A Good Candidate?

An arm lift may be right for you if you:

•       Have excess skin or loose tissue on the upper arms that doesn't respond to diet or exercise

•       Have experienced significant weight loss and are at or near your goal weight

•       Are in good overall health with no serious medical conditions

•       Are a non-smoker (or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery)

•       Have realistic expectations — an arm lift reshapes your arms beautifully, but it does leave a scar along the inner arm

Not sure if you're ready? Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through it with no pressure at all.

Arm Lift Journey: Arm Lift Pre-Operative Tests

Before undergoing arm lift surgery, certain tests and evaluations are essential to ensure your safety and readiness for the procedure. Here’s an overview of the standard pre-op tests you'll likely undergo when you arrive at the hospital in Thailand:

• Blood Tests: These tests are critical for assessing your overall health. They screen for infections, check your blood count to ensure you’re not anemic, and evaluate your blood's ability to clot properly, reducing the risk of complications during surgery.

• Chest X-Ray: A chest X-ray helps evaluate the health of your heart and lungs, ensuring that they are functioning well and ready for the stress of surgery.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): An ECG is performed to assess the electrical activity of your heart. It ensures your heart is healthy and functioning properly, minimizing the risk of complications during surgery, especially if you have a history of heart concerns.

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical exam will be performed by your doctor to ensure you’re physically fit for surgery. The doctor will evaluate your general health and address any medical concerns that could affect your surgery or recovery.

These pre-op tests are crucial for making sure you’re in optimal health for the procedure, and they help to minimize any potential risks.

Arm Lift Procedure Overview:

1. Initial Consultation:

• Pre-operative Evaluation: During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history, physical condition, and goals to determine the best approach for your tummy tuck. You’ll discuss the type of tummy tuck (full, mini, or extended) that best suits your needs.

2. Anaesthesia:

• On the day of surgery, general anaesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

3. Surgery

• The surgery typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and the type of arm lift performed.

• The surgeon makes incisions, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the remaining skin.

4. Closing Incisions

• After the tissue is reshaped, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures.

• In some cases, drains may be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid.

Aftercare:

Post-surgery, you’ll need to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, which includes wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities, and scheduling follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

Recovery:

• Most patients are able to return to light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks.

• A follow-up visit will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the best results.

Results:

• The final results of arm lift are usually visible after a few months when the swelling subsides and the implants settle into place.

MediCation Tours Arm Lift Package Inclusions:

Our comprehensive arm lift package is designed to provide you with an exceptional and seamless experience, from start to finish. Here's what is included:

• 13 Nights’ Accommodation: Stay in comfort at a carefully selected 4-star hotel, chosen for its high standards of service and comfort.

• Hotel Room: Enjoy a spacious, well-appointed room that ensures your complete relaxation and comfort during your stay.

• Daily Breakfast: Begin each day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your recovery and provide energy for the day ahead.

• Access to the on-site Wellness Clinic: offering IV therapy, hyperbaric chamber sessions, massage therapy, Botox, and more.

• Airport, Hotel, and Hospital Transfers: We take care of all logistics, providing convenient and comfortable transfers to ensure smooth transitions between your hotel, the airport, and the hospital.

• Plastic Surgeon Fees: All consultation and procedure fees for the renowned plastic surgeon are included, ensuring expert care throughout the process.

• Anaesthesia Fees: Rest easy knowing that anaesthesia costs are also included in the package, ensuring your comfort and safety during the procedure.

• 2 Nights Stay in Hospital: Benefit from a luxurious two-night hospital stay with VIP nursing care.

• Hospital Meals: Enjoy nutritious, well-balanced meals during your hospital stay, ensuring comfort and proper nourishment while you rest.

• Take-Home Medications: You’ll receive medications to support your healing process and minimize any discomfort during your recovery.

• Follow-Up Appointments: We offer post-surgery follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, ensuring you’re on the right track to achieving the best results possible.

Arm Lift Package Exclusions

• Flights: Your flights to and from Thailand are not included.

• Personal Expenses: Costs for things you do for fun or sightseeing are not included.

• Compression Garments

(FAQs) about Arm Lift Procedure:

1. Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

The best candidates have excess skin or fat on the upper arms that doesn't respond to diet and exercise, are in good general health, are non-smokers or willing to stop, and have realistic expectations about the outcome (including scarring

2. How long does the surgery take?

An arm lift typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure (full brachioplasty or mini arm lift). The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

3. What type of anaesthesia is used during the procedure?

Most arm lift procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the surgery. In some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation may be used, depending on the extent of the surgery and the surgeon's recommendation.

4. Will there be scars after an arm lift?

Yes — scarring is an honest part of the process. For a full brachioplasty, the scar runs along the inside of the arm from armpit to elbow. It's typically well-hidden when your arms are down. Scars fade considerably over 12–18 months, going from pink to a thin, pale line for most patients.

5. How soon will I see the results of an arm lift?

The final results of an arm lift become more visible after several months once the swelling subsides and the skin has settled. The arms will appear tighter, more toned, and firmer. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight to preserve the results.

6. Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

Yes, the results of an arm lift are typically long-lasting. However, significant weight gain or aging can affect the appearance of the arms over time. Maintaining a stable weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle will help preserve the results.

7. How long should I take off work after an arm lift?

The amount of time you need to take off work depends on the nature of your job. Most patients can return to light work after 1 to 2 weeks, but those with more physically demanding jobs should plan on taking 3 to 6 weeks off to allow the arms to heal properly.

8. Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?

Yes, an arm lift can often be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, or thigh lift. Combining procedures can help achieve a more harmonious overall body contour. Your surgeon will help determine if combining surgeries is appropriate for you.

9. Is there an age limit for an arm lift?

There is no specific age limit for an arm lift, but candidates should be in good overall health and able to tolerate anaesthesia. Older patients may require additional medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery. The procedure is more common in middle-aged or older adults, but healthy, younger individuals may also benefit from an arm lift.

10. How soon can I fly home after surgery?

Most patients fly home at around day 10–14. We recommend staying in Thailand for the full 15 nights in your package to allow for your post-op check-up and ensure you're healing well before the journey home.