Dr Axel De LangePlastic Surgeon
A consultation room at the clinic, with a treatment chair beside a curtained window

Arm Lift

Arm Lift in Brussels · Dr Axel De Lange

An arm lift removes excess skin and restores more elegant contours, for a balanced figure and greater freedom in what you wear.

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct skin laxity on the inner side of the arms.

It involves removing excess skin, often accompanied by fatty deposits, then tightening the tissues to restore a firmer, more harmonious contour.

This procedure is particularly indicated after significant weight loss or when ageing leads to a loss of skin elasticity.

The goalTo reshape the contours of the arms by removing excess skin and restoring a firmer, more toned and balanced silhouette.

An arm lift is intended for women and men with significant skin laxity on the inner side of the arms, often after substantial weight loss or with ageing.

The best candidates have a relatively stable weight, good general health and realistic expectations regarding the results and the scars.

When the skin is severely stretched, liposuction alone generally cannot achieve a satisfactory correction.

To regain firmer, better-proportioned arms by correcting the excess skin that persists despite exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Medically reviewed by Dr Axel De Lange · Last reviewed

Your journey,
step by step.

The techniques

Classic arm lift

Removal of excess skin along the inner side of the arm, with a scar usually located between the armpit and the elbow.

The techniques

Mini arm lift

Correction of laxity limited to the area near the armpit, with a shorter scar.

The techniques

Extended arm lift

Treatment of significant excess skin that may extend towards the armpit region and the lateral chest wall.

The techniques

Combined liposuction

Removal of excess fat to refine the contours and facilitate the reshaping of the tissues.

The techniques

Liposuction alone

A possible alternative when the excess is mainly fat and the skin retains good elasticity.

Step 01

First consultation

This first meeting is an opportunity to analyse the shape of your arms, the degree of skin laxity, the distribution of excess fat and the quality of your skin.

A thorough clinical examination makes it possible to determine the most suitable technique and to assess the length and position of the scars required.

We discuss your expectations, the results that can be envisaged and any limitations of the procedure.

To define a personalised surgical plan that balances improving the contours of the arms with keeping the scars discreet.

Step 02

2nd consultation

This consultation serves to confirm the surgical plan and to specify the chosen surgical technique.

The location of the scars, the type of anaesthesia, the risks and the post-operative recovery are explained in detail.

The pre-operative recommendations are also covered, so that your procedure can be prepared under the best possible safety conditions.

To enable you to approach your procedure calmly, with a precise understanding of the planned treatment and the expected results.

Step 03 · The procedure

Anaesthesia

General, in most cases.

Step 03 · The procedure

Duration

Usually between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the degree of laxity and any combined procedures.

Step 03 · The procedure

Setting

The procedure is performed in the operating theatre, usually as day surgery or with an overnight hospital stay.

Step 03 · The procedure

Technique

Removal of excess skin from the inner side of the arms, possibly combined with liposuction, followed by tightening of the tissues, with the scars placed in the most discreet areas possible.

Step 03 · The procedure

Recovery

Usual convalescence of 10 to 15 days, with compression sleeves possibly worn for 4 to 6 weeks and a gradual return to sport after 6 to 8 weeks.

Step 04 · Follow-up

The first days

Relative rest, check of the scars and pain management. Oedema and bruising may appear. The arms are kept slightly raised when resting to limit swelling.

Step 04 · Follow-up

The first weeks

Gradual reduction of oedema and bruising. Return to daily and professional activities usually after 10 to 15 days, avoiding wide movements and carrying heavy loads.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 1 to 2 months

Gradual return to sporting activities, usually after 6 to 8 weeks. The tissues soften and the contours of the arms gradually become smoother.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 3 to 6 months

Gradual stabilisation of the contours, reduced tension on the scars and improved suppleness of the tissues.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 6 to 12 months

Assessment of the aesthetic result and continued maturation of the scars, whose appearance may keep improving for 12 to 18 months.

Common question

Will there be a visible scar?

Yes, an arm lift usually leaves a scar on the inner side of the arm, extending from the armpit towards the elbow depending on the amount of excess skin. It is positioned so that it remains as discreet as possible when the arms are by the sides. Its appearance gradually improves over the months, although it remains permanent.

Common question

Is it only for people who have lost a lot of weight?

No, an arm lift is not reserved for people who have lost a lot of weight. It is also suitable for patients with skin laxity due to ageing or a natural predisposition. The indication depends mainly on the amount of excess skin and its ability to retract, rather than on the cause of the laxity.

Common question

Is it reimbursed by the health insurance fund?

In Belgium, an arm lift performed for purely aesthetic reasons is not reimbursed by health insurance. Cover may, however, be considered in certain specific medical situations, notably after substantial weight loss, when the excess skin causes documented functional problems and the INAMI reimbursement criteria are met.

Common question

Can it be combined with other procedures?

Yes, an arm lift can be combined with other body-contouring procedures, notably liposuction, a thigh lift, an abdominoplasty or breast surgery. These combinations are particularly common after significant weight loss. Whether several procedures can be performed at the same time depends on their extent, the operating time and the patient's health, so as to ensure optimal safety.

Consultation locations

Consultations are booked directly through each clinic's own platform. Appointments are not taken by phone.

See the locations

Other body procedures

View all
01AbdominoplastyRegain a flat, firm and harmoniously reshaped abdomen, to reclaim your figure and rediscover your self-confidence.Explore02LiposuctionReshape your figure by removing localised fat deposits that resist exercise and a balanced diet.Explore03Mommy MakeoverRestore the harmony of your figure after the changes brought about by pregnancy and breastfeeding, through a personalised surgical approach.Explore04Brazilian Butt LiftReshape your curves and enhance your figure with a natural increase in buttock volume, achieved using your own fat.Explore05Thigh LiftRediscover firmer, harmoniously reshaped thighs by correcting the excess skin and skin laxity caused by ageing or significant weight loss.Explore