Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a blue suit and striped tie outside a stone building.

Arm lift

Removes excess tissue to improve the shape and contour of the upper arms.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

An arm lift, also called arm reduction or brachioplasty, is a procedure that can improve the shape and contour of the upper arms by removing excess tissue. As our skin quality changes and also with changes in our weight, we develop redundant skin around our upper arms (bingo wings). This can affect our self-confidence and affect our choice of clothing to avoid exposing them.

In mild cases it may be possible to perform an arm lift with a combination of liposuction and skin tightening (Renuvion). The benefit of this is very small scars. However, in most cases where there is significant excess tissue, a combination of surgical removal of the skin and liposuction is often required. This leaves a long scar along the inside of the arm. In doing this, the appearance of the upper arms can be improved to give a more toned and balanced look and restore self-confidence.

In theatre
2 to 3 hours
Anaesthetic
Local or general
Downtime
2 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £7,495
Suited to
Excess skin and fat in the upper arms, often referred to as 'bingo wings'.
How it works
Tissue is removed, including excess skin and fat.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the upper arms.
A treatment room at the clinic with a couch and natural light.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    Arm lift takes 2 to 3 hours under local or general anaesthetic.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

How do you decide which procedure is best for me?

Mr West will assess your arms, the degree of excess tissue and what type of tissue it is (skin or skin and fat). In mild cases, liposuction and skin tightening may be sufficient. But in more severe cases excision of skin and liposuction may be necessary.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 to 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 1 week. Vigorous exercise and exercises where the arms are stretched or above the head should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are showerproof and should be dabbed dry.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.