Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is an aesthetic procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. It’s not uncommon for loose or sagging upper arm skin to develop due to significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. While dieting and exercise can tone underlying muscles, these efforts cannot tighten the skin once it has stretched or grown inelastic.

When performed by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, an arm lift can create a more toned and proportionate appearance, allowing patients to feel more confident in both fitted clothing and sleeveless styles. This procedure is commonly sought out by individuals who have already achieved a stable weight but want to improve the definition of their upper arms.

Arm Lift Benefits
Arm Lift Procedure
Arm Lift Recovery
Arm Lift Cost

What Can an Arm Lift Improve?

An arm lift can transform the way patients feel about your upper arm contours. By removing excess skin and stubborn fat, the procedure smooths and reshapes the area for a slimmer, more proportionate look. Improvements are achieved in:

Arm shape: Thanks to the circumferential removal of excess skin and fat, an arm lift can create a smoother, more defined silhouette.
Self-confidence: With the elimination of “bat wings,” many patients feel more comfortable wearing short sleeves or sleeveless tops after brachioplasty.
Clothing fit: Form-filling clothing often fits better and feels more comfortable without excess bulk in the arm area.
Skin health: Along with trimming excess arm skin, arm lift surgery can remove loose folds and reduce skin irritation, chafing, and rashes.
Longevity in the arm shape: When combined with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, improvements can be maintained for years.

Good candidates for an arm lift are at or near a stable, healthy weight and maintain a balanced lifestyle to support long-lasting results. It’s also important to have realistic expectations. An arm lift is not intended as a weight-loss solution — rather, it’s most successful for those who have already achieved their weight loss goals but still struggle with skin laxity or stubborn fat that exercise alone cannot address.

How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes between one and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of correction needed. Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Jared Garlick, MD begins by administering anesthesia, then makes an incision along the inside or back of the upper arm, often extending from the underarm to the elbow. The exact incision length and placement depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed. Underlying tissues are tightened along with the arm’s internal sutures, and liposuction may be performed to remove stubborn fat deposits for an improved contour. Once the desired shape is achieved, the incisions are closed, and a compression garment is applied to help reduce swelling and support healing. For patients with only mild skin laxity, a limited-incision arm lift — featuring smaller scars hidden in the armpit — may be an option.

What Can I Expect From Recovery After an Arm Lift?

Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Many individuals return to office work within one to two weeks, though strenuous activity should be avoided during this period. Light exercise can typically be resumed after four to six weeks, with full healing and scar maturation continuing over the next six to twelve months. Protecting the arms from sun exposure is important to ensure scars fade as much as possible. Following all post-operative care instructions, wearing compression garments, and attending follow-up appointments can help ensure optimal results.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost?

The cost of arm lift surgery varies based on a surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the practice, and the complexity of the procedure, especially if liposuction is included. While we cannot estimate your personalized quote without a consultation, the cost range for an arm lift includes the cost of the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility, compression garments, and follow-up visits. Since this is considered an elective aesthetic procedure, insurance coverage is uncommon unless there is a medical necessity such as recurrent skin irritation. We also offer financing options through Cherry Financing to make the procedure more accessible to patients.

Dr. Garlick can resculpt the arm shape to give you the sleek, defined contours you desire. Whether you’re looking to remove excess skin after major weight loss or you simply want to improve skin laxity caused by aging, our board-certified plastic surgeon can help. Contact Dr. Garlick today for more information on our body contouring procedures or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation.