What does the procedure involve?
An arm lift removes excess skin from the arm when laxity no longer improves with exercise or non-surgical treatments. The goal is a better-defined arm silhouette without stiffening natural body movement.
When do we recommend it?
- Marked laxity after weight loss.
- Hanging skin on the inner arm.
- Self-consciousness when wearing sleeveless clothing.
- Cases that can be combined with selective liposuction.
Excess skin is not always corrected with liposuction
When the main problem is excess skin, tightening surgery is the most logical option for achieving a stable change.
Recovery overview
Relative rest
Swelling control and temporary limitation of wide arm movements.
Daily life
Progressive return to light tasks and non-physical work.
Physical activity
Sport is reintroduced gradually, based on your follow-up review.
Brachioplasty in Barcelona: scar, liposuction and expectations
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes the skin that hangs from the inner arm, the so-called bat-wing effect. It appears after major weight loss, bariatric surgery or with age, and does not improve with exercise: the muscle can be toned, but the excess skin does not shrink back.
The key decision is the scar, and it depends on where the excess is:
- Excess near the armpit: mini arm lift with a short scar hidden in the armpit crease.
- Excess along the whole arm: a lengthwise scar on the inner arm, from the armpit towards the elbow, placed so that it is barely visible with the arm against the body.
- Fat without loose skin: no skin needs to be removed; arm liposuction is usually enough.
Liposuction and an arm lift are often combined in the same operation to slim the arm and remove the skin. The scar is the price of the result: it matures over a year and is cared for with compression, silicone and sun protection.
After major weight loss, brachioplasty is often part of a broader plan with a tummy tuck and a thigh lift, organised in several stages for safety.
The first consultation is free, at Av. Diagonal 399 (Eixample, Barcelona) or by video call, and you leave with a fixed, written quote.
Risks and complications of arm lift (brachioplasty)
Every operation carries risks. Most complications are uncommon and can be treated, but you have the right to know them before deciding: they are part of the informed consent you will sign with Dr. Liuzza. For arm lift (brachioplasty), the most relevant are:
- Scar: the main drawback: it runs along the inner arm and may show in short sleeves. It can thicken or widen.
- Partial wound opening: the area is under tension and friction; usually resolves with dressings.
- Seroma: fluid collection that may need aspiration.
- Numbness: from small sensory nerves of the arm; usually improves over months.
- Prolonged swelling of the forearm or hand: due to temporary disruption of lymphatic drainage.
- Asymmetry or irregularities: may need a touch-up.
- Infection: uncommon.
How we reduce these risks
A complete pre-operative work-up (blood tests and anaesthetic assessment), surgery in an authorised healthcare centre with an accredited operating theatre, meticulous surgical technique, antibiotic and anti-thrombotic prophylaxis when indicated, clear written instructions and direct follow-up by the surgeon herself at every check-up. If after surgery you notice fever, increasing pain, bleeding or sudden swelling, contact the clinic without waiting for your next appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be visible?
Can it be combined with liposuction?
How much does an arm lift (brachioplasty) cost in Barcelona?
How long should I wait after losing weight before having surgery?
How quickly do you reply on WhatsApp?
Patient reviews
Reviews from patients operated on by Dr. Liuzza, published on Google.
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«[PLACEHOLDER — paste a real Google review about an arm lift here, 2-3 sentences, unedited]»
«[PLACEHOLDER — paste a real Google review about an arm lift here, 2-3 sentences, unedited]»
Individual results; every case is assessed personally at the free first consultation.
Financing and payment options
The quote you receive after the free first consultation is fixed and in writing: it includes surgeon's fees, operating theatre, anaesthesia, materials and every follow-up visit. No hidden costs on the day of surgery.
- Pay in full or in instalments: we work with Pepper financing and will explain the available plans with no obligation.
- Free first consultation and video call, also if you live outside Barcelona or Spain.
- Written quote before you book a surgery date.
Financing is subject to approval by the finance provider. If you live outside Spain, ask us about the options available to you.