Arm
Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
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Arm
Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
Transform yourself with
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to receive emails, calls, and text messages from BodEvolve related to our services. This agreement is not a condition to purchase and you can opt-out at any time.
Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
Overview
What is an arm lift (brachioplasty)?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a tighter, more contoured appearance. This procedure is ideal for individuals who experience loose, sagging skin on the arms, often due to aging, significant weight loss, or loss of skin elasticity.
An arm lift helps reshape and tone the arms, restoring a firmer, more youthful contour while reducing the appearance of “bat wings”—a common concern for those with excess arm skin.
How does an arm lift improve arm shape?
A brachioplasty enhances the arms by:
- Removing loose, sagging skin from the upper arms.
- Eliminating excess fat deposits to refine arm contours.
- Tightening underlying tissues for a firmer, sculpted look.
Enhancing overall body proportions, especially when combined with other body contouring procedures.
How common is arm lift surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 15,000 arm lift procedures are performed annually in the U.S. This procedure has gained popularity, especially among patients who have lost significant weight and want to tighten and tone their arms.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
Ideal candidates for brachioplasty typically:
- Have loose, sagging skin on the upper arms.
- Experience loss of skin elasticity due to aging or weight fluctuations.
- Are at a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Have good overall health and do not smoke.
- Have realistic expectations about the surgery and recovery process.
While an arm lift removes excess skin, it is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be close to their ideal weight before considering surgery.
Procedure Details
Types of Arm Lift Surgery
There are different types of arm lift procedures, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed.
1. Mini Arm Lift (Limited Incision Arm Lift)
- Best for patients with mild skin laxity.
- Requires a small incision in the armpit, leaving minimal scarring.
- Ideal for patients who do not need significant skin removal.
2. Traditional Arm Lift (Full Brachioplasty)
- Suitable for moderate to severe skin laxity along the upper arm.
- Involves an incision from the armpit to the elbow on the inner arm.
- Removes a significant amount of excess skin and tightens underlying tissues.
3. Extended Arm Lift
- Ideal for patients who have massive weight loss and severe skin laxity.
- The incision extends down the arm and into the side of the chest.
- Often combined with upper body contouring procedures for dramatic results.
4. Arm Lift with Liposuction
- Recommended for patients with excess fat and mild skin laxity.
- Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits, enhancing arm definition.
- Can be combined with mini or full arm lift for optimal contouring.
What happens before arm lift surgery?
Before undergoing an arm lift, patients will need to:
- Undergo a medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy for surgery.
- Follow pre-operative instructions, including stopping smoking and certain medications.
- Maintain a stable weight to avoid affecting the final results.
Patients may also discuss whether to combine their arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast lift, for comprehensive body sculpting.
What happens during arm lift surgery?
Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1.5 to 3 hours. The surgical process includes:
- Incision Placement – The surgeon makes the incision based on the amount of excess skin being removed.
- Fat Removal & Tissue Tightening – Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissue is tightened.
- Suturing & Skin Closure – The remaining skin is repositioned smoothly, and incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or stitches.
Bandages & Compression Garments – Dressings are applied, and compression garments are worn to minimize swelling and support healing.
Risks / Benefits
What are the benefits of an arm lift?
An arm lift provides dramatic improvements in arm contour and overall appearance, including:
- Tighter, more sculpted upper arms with reduced sagging skin.
- Improved body proportions, especially for post-weight loss patients.
- Better fit in clothing, allowing patients to wear sleeveless tops with confidence.
Long-lasting results with proper maintenance.
What are the potential risks of arm lift surgery?
As with any surgery, brachioplasty carries some risks, including:
- Scarring – Arm lift scars are permanent but fade over time.
- Swelling and bruising – Temporary but can last a few weeks.
- Loss of sensation – Some numbness in the arms, usually temporary.
- Seroma (fluid buildup) – May require drainage but is manageable.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in arm lift procedures helps minimize risks and ensure optimal results.
Recovery and Outlook
How long does recovery take after an arm lift?
The recovery process varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether liposuction was combined. General recovery timelines include:
- First 1–2 weeks: Swelling and mild discomfort are common. Patients must wear compression garments and avoid heavy lifting.
- Weeks 3–4: Light daily activities can be resumed. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise.
- Months 3–6: Swelling continues to subside, and final results become more visible.
Patients must wear compression sleeves for 4–6 weeks to help minimize swelling and support skin retraction.
How long do arm lift results last?
Results from an arm lift are long-lasting, but maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is crucial. Significant weight fluctuations or aging may impact long-term results.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Many patients combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures for enhanced results, including:
- Liposuction – Removes excess fat before skin tightening.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Creates a flatter stomach and sculpted waist.
- Breast Lift or Augmentation – Enhances the upper body for a youthful figure.
- Thigh Lift – Complements the arm lift by tightening leg contours.
Combining procedures helps patients achieve a fully sculpted appearance with a single recovery period.
Final Thoughts on Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift is a highly effective procedure for individuals seeking firmer, more toned arms by removing loose skin and excess fat. Whether performed alone or with other body contouring surgeries, brachioplasty provides dramatic, long-lasting results that enhance arm definition and overall body shape.
At BodEvolve, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in customized arm lift procedures to help patients achieve natural-looking, sculpted arms. Our team provides expert surgical techniques, personalized care, and comprehensive post-operative support to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.
If you are considering arm lift surgery, schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
Call 817-342-0232 or request an appointment online.