Arm Lift

What is an arm lift?

Changes in weight, aging, and genetics can leave excess skin and tissue along the upper arms. A brachioplasty, or arm lift, removes excess skin and reshapes the underlying tissues to create a smoother, more defined arm contour.

The procedure is individualized based on the amount and location of excess skin, the quality of the skin, and the amount of underlying fat. In some patients, liposuction may be performed with or instead of an arm lift.

Eliminate excess hanging skin on the arms
Slimmer, more shapely arm
Improve the fit of clothing
Improve balance between the arms and body

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A brachioplasty may be appropriate for patients who have:

Excess or loose skin along the upper arms
Skin laxity following significant weight loss
Localized excess fat in the upper arms
A stable, healthy weight
Good overall health and the ability to safely undergo surgery
Realistic expectations about the procedure and resulting scar

Patients with primarily excess fat and good skin elasticity may be candidates for liposuction alone rather than a full arm lift.

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What to Expect

Consultation Procedure Recovery

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During your private consultation, your doctor will:

Evaluate the upper arms to determine:

The amount of skin that needs to be removed
The appropriate incision pattern and scar location
Whether liposuction would be beneficial
Whether a limited or more extensive arm lift is appropriate
Whether other body-contouring procedures should be performed at the same time
Your medical history, medications, and factors that may affect healing
Expected recovery, limitations, risks, and potential complications

Your incision will be planned to balance the amount of excess skin that can be removed with the most appropriate and discreet scar placement for your anatomy.

We encourage you to ask questions, discuss your goals openly, and take the time you need to understand your options. Our goal is for you to leave your consultation with all the information necessary to make the treatment decision that is right for you.

The Procedure

A brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours, depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are performed. Most patients return home the same day.

The procedure generally involves:

An incision along the inner or posterior aspect of the upper arm, with the exact location determined by your anatomy and the amount of excess skin
Removal of excess skin and tissue
Reshaping and tightening of the remaining tissues
Liposuction of selected areas when appropriate
Careful closure of the incision to minimize tension on the scar

The incision may extend from the elbow toward the armpit or along the chest wall when a significant amount of skin needs to be removed. In patients with less extensive skin laxity, a shorter incision may be appropriate.

Drains may be placed temporarily, particularly when a larger amount of tissue is removed, and are removed as healing progresses.

Recovery after brachioplasty

Recovery varies depending on the extent of the arm lift and whether liposuction or other procedures are performed at the same time. Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common during the early recovery period.

You will typically need:

Temporary restrictions on lifting and strenuous arm activity
Elevation of the arms when resting
Compression garments when recommended
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove drains when appropriate
Gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses

Many patients can return to less physically demanding work within approximately 1–2 weeks, although recovery may be longer for more extensive procedures or physically demanding occupations.

Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that place significant tension on the incisions are generally restricted for about 4 weeks. Swelling gradually resolves over the following weeks to months, and the final contour becomes more apparent as the tissues settle.

Scars are a permanent part of an arm lift. They are initially more noticeable and typically fade and soften over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have a scar after an arm lift?

Yes. Removing excess skin requires an incision, and the resulting scar is permanent. The location and length depend on the amount of excess skin and the technique required. Your surgeon will position the scar as discreetly as possible while still allowing appropriate removal of excess skin.

Can I have liposuction instead of an arm lift?

Sometimes. Patients with localized excess fat, good skin elasticity, and minimal skin laxity may achieve an appropriate result with liposuction alone. When significant loose skin is present, liposuction alone may leave additional skin laxity, making a brachioplasty more appropriate.

Can liposuction be performed with a brachioplasty?

Yes. Liposuction is commonly incorporated when localized areas of excess fat are present. Whether it is appropriate depends on your skin quality, anatomy, and the amount of skin being removed.

How far does the arm-lift scar extend?

The scar may extend from the armpit or the chest wall toward the elbow when significant excess skin is present. Patients with less extensive skin laxity may be candidates for a shorter incision. Your surgeon will recommend the incision pattern based on your individual anatomy.

Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Depending on your overall health and the extent of surgery, brachioplasty may be combined with procedures such as an upper body lift, breast surgery, or other body-contouring procedures. In some cases, staging procedures separately is safer and more predictable.

How long do the results of an arm lift last?

The excess skin removed during surgery does not return. However, the remaining skin will continue to age naturally and may change with significant weight fluctuations. Maintaining a stable weight can help preserve your result.

When can I exercise after an arm lift?

Walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but activities involving significant arm movement, lifting, or tension on the incisions are restricted during the early recovery period for the first few weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your healing and the extent of your procedure.

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Before & After Results

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