ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY) IN DUBAI
Tighten. Tone. Transform.
Loose skin and stubborn fat in the upper arms — often referred to as “bat wings” — can make even the fittest individuals self-conscious. An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) by Dr. Hardik Ganatra restores firm, smooth, and well-defined arms by removing excess skin, sculpting fat, and improving contour — for results that look natural and proportionate.
ARM LIFT
WHAT IS A AN ARM LIFT?
An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by eliminating excess fat and tightening sagging skin between the elbow and armpit. Over time, aging, genetics, or significant weight loss can cause the skin to lose elasticity. Even with regular workouts, this loose skin cannot be corrected through exercise alone making an arm lift the most effective solution for achieving toned, sculpted arms.
WHY CHOOSE DR. HARDIK GANATRA FOR ARM LIFT IN DUBAI
Precision contouring, discreet scars, and safety-first care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and body-contouring specialist, Dr. Ganatra blends surgical precision with an athlete’s eye for proportion to create firm, natural-looking arms
Why patients trust Dr. Hardik:
- Body-contouring specialist: Extensive experience in arm lift surgery for post-weight-loss and age-related laxity, with results that look balanced—not over-tightened.
- Personalized plan: Mini, classical, or extended arm lift chosen after detailed mapping of laxity in multiple arm positions; you’ll see exactly why a specific approach is recommended.
- Scar strategy from day one: Incisions placed along natural lines (axillary crease/bicipital groove) with layered closure, tension-management, and a proactive scar-care plan.
- Seamless contouring: VASER-assisted liposuction used selectively to blend arm lines and smooth transitions; J-Plasma (Renuvion) available when extra skin-tightening is beneficial.
- Safety protocols you can trust: Hospital-level standards, pre-op clearance with an anesthetist, and guideline-driven measures for anesthesia and VTE risk reduction.
- Comfort-forward recovery: Compression guidance, lymphatic drainage, targeted IV/peptide support when appropriate, and a phased return-to-gym plan tailored to your routine.
- Clear expectations: Transparent discussion of benefits, trade-offs, and alternatives—including when a mini lift may be insufficient or when an extended lift gives a better long-term result.
- Consistent, natural aesthetics: A sculpted arm that complements the shoulder, chest, and waist—so your results look harmonious from every angle.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
You may be a good candidate for an Arm Lift if you:
- Have sagging or loose skin of the upper arm area (after weight loss or aging)
- Maintain a stable weight and good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about results and scarring
- Want firmer, more proportionate arm contours
Which type fits you depends on where the laxity is:
- Mini Arm Lift: Laxity limited to the upper inner arm near the armpit.
- Classical Arm Lift: Laxity from elbow to armpit along the inner arm.
- Extended Arm Lift: Laxity that continues past the armpit onto the side of the chest/breast (often with a “bra-roll”).
During your consultation, Dr. Ganatra maps laxity with the arms in different positions and recommends the approach that balances contour improvement with the most discreet scar.
PRE-OPERATIVE EVALUATION & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Before your procedure, Dr. Hardik Ganatra conducts a comprehensive pre-operative consultation to ensure your safety and achieve results tailored to your goals.
During this evaluation:
- Detailed Consultation: Dr. Ganatra takes time to understand your aesthetic goals, expectations, and areas of concern to recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
- Treatment Planning: You are provided with the ideal surgical option as well as possible alternative approaches, ensuring you make an informed decision.
- Medical Evaluation: Routine blood investigations are performed to confirm your fitness for anesthesia and surgery.
- Photography & Measurements: Standardized photographs are taken (without revealing your identity) and precise body measurements are recorded to aid surgical planning and postoperative comparison.
- Consent & Documentation: The procedure, recovery, and potential risks are clearly explained, followed by signed patient consent.
- Anesthesiology Assessment: Every patient meets the anesthesiologist at the hospital for a pre-operative safety evaluation and anesthesia clearance.
This structured process ensures that every arm lift is performed under the highest standards of medical safety, transparency, and personalized care.
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Step 1: Marking & Anesthesia
Contours and incision lines are marked according to skin excess and anatomy. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia.
Step 2: Fat Removal (If Required)
VASER Liposuction may be performed first to remove excess fat and smooth transitions between treated and untreated areas.
Step 3: Skin Tightening and Excision
Excess skin is removed from the inner aspect of the arm, and the remaining skin is re-draped for a firm, youthful contour.
Step 4: Closure and Compression
The incision is closed with fine sutures, and a compression garment is applied to support healing and reduce swelling.
RECOVERY AND POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Dr. Hardik’s recovery protocol is designed for comfort, safety, and lasting results.
Recovery Timeline:
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling or tightness; keep arms elevated.
- Week 1: Resume light movement; avoid heavy lifting.
- Weeks 2–3: Stitches (if not dissolvable) may be removed; continue compression garments.
- Week 4–6: Gradual return to gym and arm exercises.
- Month 3: Final definition visible; scars continue to fade over time.
Aftercare Includes:
- Compression garment for 4–6 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage sessions for better circulation
- IV therapy and peptide support for faster recovery
- Scar management cream for optimal healing
COMBINATION OPTIONS
An Arm Lift can be effectively combined with:
- VASER Liposuction for enhanced sculpting of arms, back, or flanks
- J-Plasma (Renuvion) for advanced skin tightening
- Tummy Tuck or Thigh Lift as part of post-weight-loss transformation
- High-Definition Liposuction for athletic arm contouring
ARM LIFT
Before & After
Each Arm Lift performed by Dr. Hardik Ganatra aims for proportionate, elegant results — arms that look toned, not over-pulled. View real patient transformations showing smoother contours and restored confidence.
What OUR Patients are saying ?
“I used to hide my arms in every photo — now I love showing them off.”
“After major weight loss, I was proud of my progress, but the loose skin on my upper arms made me self-conscious. Dr. Ganatra explained the arm lift procedure so clearly and made sure my results looked natural, not tight or artificial. Now my arms feel toned, proportionate, and confident again.”
— T.N., 41, Dubai
“It’s such a simple change, but it made a huge difference in how I feel.”
“I’d stopped wearing sleeveless clothes for years because of sagging skin. The arm lift with Dr. Ganatra was life-changing — minimal downtime, beautiful results, and a boost in confidence I didn’t expect. It’s incredible how something so personal can make you feel so free.”
— S.K., 38, India
ARM LIFT Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an arm lift (brachioplasty)?
A surgery that removes excess upper-arm and armpit (axillary) skin—often called “bat wings”—to create a tighter, smoother arm contour. It may extend into the lateral chest to address side/bra-roll laxity.
2. Who is a good candidate?
Men and women with loose, hanging arm skin after major weight loss, stable weight for 6–12 months, non-smokers (or willing to stop), and realistic goals.
3. Is an arm lift the same as liposuction?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten significant loose skin. After massive weight loss, most patients need a skin-excision arm lift, sometimes combined with liposuction for contour.
4. What types of arm lifts are there (mini vs extended)?
* Mini (axillary) brachioplasty: short scar hidden in the armpit; mild laxity only.
* Standard medial arm lift: scar along the inner/posteromedial arm from armpit toward the elbow.
* Extended arm lift: continues into the armpit and lateral chest to treat side rolls—common after major weight loss.
5. Where are the scars placed—and how visible are they?
Placed on the inner/posterior arm (less visible in front view) and within the armpit crease; extended patterns add a lateral chest component. Scars mature over 6–12 months with silicone therapy and sun protection.
6. Will it remove stretch marks or cellulite?
Stretch marks within the skin that’s removed go away; others shift lower. It is not a cellulite treatment.
7. What about the armpit (“axilla”)—do you remove that bunching?
Yes. Post-weight-loss laxity often folds into the axilla; axillary excision and, when needed, lateral-chest extension address this for a smoother transition.
8. How is arm shape protected from “dog-ears” at the ends?
By tapered design, selective liposuction, and tension-balanced closure. Small dog-ears can be trimmed at the edges or refined later if needed.
9. What anesthesia is used?
Usually general anesthesia in an accredited facility.
10. Is an arm lift painful?
Expect tightness and soreness for a few days; most patients describe pain as manageable with prescribed meds and a compression garment.
11. What is recovery like?
* Walking: same day (short, frequent).
* Desk work: ~7–10 days (extent-dependent).
* Arms overhead/abduction: gentle and gradual from ~2–3 weeks.
* Light cardio: ~2 weeks.
* Strength/upper-body training: 4–6+ weeks, progress cautiously.
* Compression sleeves/vest: typically 4–6 weeks.
12. How do you prevent problems in the armpit crease (friction/moisture)?
Keep the area clean, dry, and slightly abducted early on; use non-stick dressings, moisture-wicking fabric, and follow a scar-care plan. We’ll review antiperspirant timing once incisions are sealed.
13. Will I have numbness or nerve issues?
Temporary reduced sensation along the inner arm is common. Careful plane choice protects nerves, but mild persistent numbness (often from medial antebrachial cutaneous branches) can occur.
14. Does an arm lift cause lymphedema?
The risk is low with anatomy-respecting planes that avoid lymph nodes. If you have prior lymph-node surgery or lymphedema, we modify the plan accordingly.
15. Are drains used?
Sometimes—based on dissection area and lipo volume. Many cases are drainless with quilting and compression.
16. How long until final results?
Contour improves over 4–8 weeks; scars mature over 6–12 months.
17. What are the risks?
Bleeding/hematoma, infection, wound-healing delay (especially at the armpit/T-junction), seroma, asymmetry, numbness/tingling, and thick or widened scars. We use VTE (blood-clot) prevention and meticulous hemostasis.
18. Will I lose strength or range of motion?
Temporary tightness is normal. With a graded mobility plan, most patients return to their baseline strength and motion as healing progresses.
19. Can the scar be fully hidden?
We place it where it’s least conspicuous (inner/posterior arm and axilla). In massive weight-loss cases, a completely invisible scar isn’t realistic, but shape improvement is significant.
20. Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries (back lift, chest lift, breast procedures)?
Yes—often combined, but safety and operative time guide decisions. Staging is common after massive weight loss.
21. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ARM LIFT?
1) READY TO REDEFINE YOUR ARMS?
Best for: Loose skin confined to the upper third of the arm near the armpit.
- Incision: Hidden within the axillary crease.
- Benefits: Shorter scar, quick recovery.
- Considerations: If laxity extends down the arm, results may be insufficient—Dr. Ganatra recommends this only when truly localized.
2) Classical Arm Lift (Standard/Full)
Best for: Skin laxity from elbow to armpit (the most common pattern).
- Incision: A fine line along the inner arm (bicipital groove) from elbow to armpit, placed to be less visible in normal posture.
- Benefits: Predictable tightening and shaping along the entire arm; can be combined with VASER for contour blending.
- Considerations: Longer scar, managed with meticulous closure and scar care.
3) Extended Arm Lift
Best for: Laxity that crosses the armpit onto the lateral chest/breast fold (post–weight-loss patients, “bra-roll”).
- Incision: Continues from the inner arm through the armpit and onto the side of the chest/breast to anchor and flatten the roll.
- Benefits: Addresses the arm + side chest as one unit for a smooth, continuous contour; often paired with VASER and optional J-Plasma (Renuvion).
- Considerations: Longest incision; planned along natural lines to remain as discreet as possible.