Body

Firm, Sculpted Arms with Confidence

A Surgical Solution for a Toned Upper-Arm Contour

Remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a firmer, more proportionate, and beautifully defined arm contour.

Arm Lift at a Glance

  • Overview

    An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It is a popular choice for individuals with loose, sagging skin from significant weight loss, genetics, or aging — providing a firmer, more toned appearance that diet and exercise alone cannot deliver.

  • Recovery

    Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually subside over several weeks. A compression garment is typically worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities in about six weeks.

  • Results

    Results are immediate and long-lasting. The procedure provides a more contoured and streamlined arm profile, helping patients feel more confident in sleeveless clothing.

Arm Lift

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for an arm lift if you are bothered by sagging skin on your upper arms that does not improve with diet or exercise. This is a common concern for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or for those whose skin has lost its elasticity from genetics or aging. The best candidates are at a stable weight and in good overall health with realistic expectations. An arm lift is a definitive surgical solution that provides a permanent improvement to your arm contour. It can be performed alone or as part of a larger body lift to address multiple areas of excess skin.

What Do Scars Look Like?

An arm lift results in a permanent scar — the most important trade-off in this procedure. The location and length of the incision depend on the extent of excess skin. For minimal sagging, a shorter, more discreet incision may be placed in the armpit. For more comprehensive reshaping, the incision may extend from the armpit to the elbow along the inner arm. Our surgeons are skilled at placing these incisions in the most inconspicuous locations possible, and the resulting scars fade over time. We will discuss the expected location and appearance of scars during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

More Details About Arm Lift

How an Arm Lift Works

The Surgical Process

An arm lift is an outpatient surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a series of incisions to remove excess skin and fat. The underlying tissues are then tightened with deep sutures, and the remaining skin is redraped for a smoother, more contoured appearance. In some cases, liposuction is performed in conjunction with the procedure to address any remaining stubborn fat deposits.

A Permanent Solution for Sagging Arms

The appearance of sagging arms can be a source of significant frustration, especially for individuals who have worked hard to lose weight. An arm lift is a permanent solution that can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin. While the procedure is most often performed as a standalone, it is frequently included as part of a more comprehensive body rejuvenation for post-massive-weight-loss patients.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD

A frank conversation about the trade-off

Of all the body contouring procedures, brachioplasty is the one I have the most pre-consultation conversations about. The result is excellent — patients who have lost significant weight and are bothered by sagging upper-arm skin almost always tell me afterward it was worth it. But the scar is real, and it runs along the inner arm where it can be visible in short sleeves, especially when arms are raised. I'd rather a patient understand exactly what they're trading for the firmer arm than be surprised after surgery. The patients who do best with this procedure are the ones who've thought clearly about that trade-off in advance.

Arm Lift

Arm Lift Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Arm Lift recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

Day 1 – 3

You will experience pain, swelling, and bruising. A compression garment will be worn to help reduce swelling and support your new contour.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

Your discomfort will subside, and you can return to work and light, non-strenuous activities.

3

3 – 4 Weeks

The majority of swelling and bruising will have resolved. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting.

4

6 Weeks – 3 Months

You will be fully recovered and can return to all of your normal activities. The final contour of your arms will be fully apparent and stable.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Arm Lift with our board-certified surgeons.