Mini Brachioplasty
Short incision hidden in the underarm crease — for mild laxity only.
Body · BodyCode Aesthetics
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Redefine Your Upper Arms.
Sculpt firm, toned upper arms — removing the sagging skin that exercise cannot address. A brachioplasty at BodyCode Aesthetics restores the arm silhouette of your youth.
2–3 hrs
Surgery Time
GA
Anaesthesia
2 wks
Recovery
Permanent
Results
Abuja, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
What is an Arm Lift?
Toned Arms, Permanently.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms — the "bat wing" laxity that develops with age or significant weight loss.
At BodyCode Aesthetics we tailor incision placement to the amount of skin requiring removal — from mini techniques limited to the underarm to full brachioplasty along the inner arm.
- Removes loose, sagging upper-arm skin
- Reshapes and tones the entire upper arm
- Often combined with liposuction for refined contour
- Confidence in sleeveless clothing restored
- Long-lasting results with weight stability
- Hidden inner-arm scar placement
Techniques We Offer
Tailored to your anatomy & goals
Full Brachioplasty
Inner-arm incision from underarm to elbow — for significant skin excess after weight loss.
Arm Lift + Liposuction
Combination procedure that removes both excess skin and stubborn fat for refined contour.
Extended Brachioplasty
Incision extends onto the side chest — for patients with axillary skin excess after major weight loss.
Is It Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
An arm lift is best suited to patients with loose upper-arm skin that exercise alone cannot resolve.
Loose Upper-Arm Skin
You can pinch significant excess skin on the upper arm — the underlying tissue does not retract.
Stable Weight
You are at or near your goal weight. Further weight loss should ideally happen before surgery.
Post-Weight Loss Patient
You've achieved substantial weight loss (often >25kg) and the skin no longer adapts.
Non-Smoker
Smoking dramatically impairs healing along long incisions. We require non-smoking before and after.
Realistic Expectations
You accept that an arm lift involves a permanent inner-arm scar in exchange for the contour result.
Not Suitable If…
An arm lift is not recommended if your skin laxity is mild (consider non-surgical tightening), if you are still actively losing weight, or if you are unwilling to accept the trade-off of a permanent scar.
Step by Step
The Procedure at BodyCode Aesthetics
A brachioplasty follows a careful sequence designed to maximise contour and minimise scarring.
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01
Consultation & Skin Assessment
Detailed pinch testing, arm circumference measurement and discussion of incision placement. Photographs.
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02
Pre-Operative Preparation
Blood tests, medical clearance, smoking cessation. Compression sleeves sourced. Home recovery planning.
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03
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia with experienced anaesthetic team.
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04
Incision Placement
Incision marked along the inner arm (or underarm only for mini). Designed to remain hidden when the arm is at the side.
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05
Skin & Fat Removal
Excess skin removed; underlying fat contoured with liposuction if combined.
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06
Tissue Re-draping
The remaining tissue is repositioned and the deeper fascia tightened for a firm, smooth contour.
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07
Closing & Dressing
Multi-layer suturing minimises tension on the scar. Compression sleeves applied immediately.
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08
Post-Op Care
Aftercare instructions, scheduled follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. Scar protocol starts at 2–3 weeks.
Flexible financing & payment plans available — confirmed at your consultation.
See financing options
Why Choose Us
Why BodyCode Aesthetics?
Specialist Body Surgeons
All arm lifts performed by board-certified surgeons with extensive contouring experience.
Inner-Arm Scar Placement
Carefully placed incisions hidden when arms are at the sides — optimised for visibility.
Combined Lipo Refinement
Liposuction routinely combined for optimal contour rather than skin removal alone.
Detailed Post-Weight Loss Expertise
Significant experience operating on post-bariatric and major weight-loss patients.
Two Premium Clinics
Performed in both Abuja and Lagos with full inpatient facilities.
Healing Journey
Recovery Timeline
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01Day 1 – 3 Immediately Post-Surgery
Initial Rest
Arms must remain elevated as much as possible. Soreness and bruising at peak. Compression sleeves on continuously.
- Keep arms elevated
- Wear compression sleeves
- Rest with arms supported
- No lifting
- No driving
- No pushing
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02Days 4 – 10 Early Recovery
Bruising Resolves, Mobility Returns
Gentle elbow and wrist movement encouraged. First follow-up review. Light self-care resumes.
- Gentle range-of-motion
- Attend follow-up
- Continue compression
- No lifting >2kg
- No reaching overhead
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03Weeks 2 – 3 Return to Daily Life
Work & Light Activity
Most patients with desk jobs return to work. Bruising mostly resolved. Continue compression and scar care.
- Resume desk work
- Gentle stretching
- Scar care begins
- No gym
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04Weeks 4 – 8 Activity Resumes
Gradual Return to Exercise
Lower-body cardio and gym work cleared. Upper-body work delayed slightly to protect healing.
- Cardio cleared
- Lower body gym
- Continued scar care
- Avoid heavy upper-body lifts until cleared
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053 – 6 Months Final Results
Sculpted Arms, Faded Scars
Final contour visible. Scars continue to fade — fully matured at 12–18 months.
- Full activity resumed
- Continue SPF on scars
Compression
- Wear sleeves 24/7 for 4–6 weeks
- Then daytime only
- Have a second pair
- Do not remove early
Diet & Hydration
- High protein for healing
- Hydrate well
- Avoid alcohol 4 weeks
Activity Guide
- Walking from day 2
- Lower body cardio from week 4
- Upper body from week 8+
- No overhead lifting until cleared
Scar & Skin Care
- Silicone gel from week 3
- Massage when cleared
- SPF on scars
- No sun for 6 months
Transparency First
Risks & Considerations
Every patient deserves complete honesty. These risks are rare when surgery is performed by BodyCode Aesthetics' expert team.
Scar Visibility
A permanent inner-arm scar is the trade-off for the contour result. Placed to minimise visibility when arms are down.
Wound Healing Issues
Higher in long incisions; minimised with strict non-smoking and careful technique.
Numbness
Temporary inner-arm numbness is common and gradually resolves over months.
Asymmetry
Minor differences between arms can occur; revision is rarely needed.
Seroma
Small fluid collections may form and are easily managed.
Lymphatic Disturbance
Mild swelling of the hands can occur briefly post-op; resolves with compression and elevation.
Our Commitment to Safety
All risks discussed in full at consultation. We use rigorous screening and meticulous technique to minimise complications.
Real results
Before & After
Drag the slider to reveal each transformation. All images are from real, consenting patients of BodyCode Aesthetics.
Excess upper-arm skin removed for a toned, sculpted contour.
How visible is the arm-lift scar?
The scar runs along the inner upper arm and is naturally hidden when arms hang at the sides. It is most visible when arms are raised. With silicone scar care and sun protection, it fades significantly over 12–18 months.
Can I avoid a long scar?
A mini brachioplasty uses a short underarm-only incision — but it only addresses mild laxity. For patients with significant excess skin (typically after major weight loss), the full inner-arm incision is necessary to deliver the contour result.
Will exercise alone fix my arms?
Exercise can build the underlying muscle but cannot remove excess skin once it has lost elasticity. An arm lift is the only definitive solution for true skin laxity.
Can I combine an arm lift with liposuction?
Yes — combination is routine. Liposuction refines fatty contour while skin removal addresses laxity. The combined approach delivers a smoother, more sculpted result.
How long until I see final results?
Early contour is visible immediately. Swelling resolves over 3 months. Final results are evident at 6 months, with scars continuing to fade for up to 18 months.
When can I lift weights again?
Lower-body workouts at 4 weeks. Light upper-body work at 6–8 weeks. Heavy upper-body lifting from 10–12 weeks with surgeon clearance.
Is an arm lift painful?
Discomfort is moderate and well-managed with prescribed medication for the first few days. Most patients transition to paracetamol within a week.
Can men have arm lifts?
Yes — male arm lift is increasingly common, particularly after weight loss. The incision is placed identically.
Will I need someone at home after surgery?
Yes — arm use is restricted for the first week. We recommend a helper for the first 24–72 hours and easy access to clothing and household items at chest height.
How do I book a consultation?
Click any "Book Consultation" button or WhatsApp us. Our team will confirm within 24 hours at our Abuja or Lagos clinic.
How much does treatment cost?
Cost depends on the procedure, the time required and any combined treatments. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Do you offer financing?
We offer flexible payment options. Contact us for current arrangements.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Book a private consultation with our board-certified surgeons. We typically respond within one working day.