Arm Lift

What is arm lift surgery?

An arm lift procedure (Brachioplasty) reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow, reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours, and results in a more toned and proportionate appearance.

What happens during arm lift surgery?

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.

Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your plastic surgeon.

Depending on your specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your arm lift. The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. Your new, shapely and toned upper arm is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.

What to expect

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent

Where are these procedures performed?

Arm lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient at a nearby fully accredited surgery center.

Anesthesia and Medication

The procedure typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovery

Most patients recover well enough to return to the work and most normal activities, including vigorous exercise, in about one to 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the specific procedure performed.