Brachioplasty
Remove excess skin and improve contour for smoother, more youthful-looking arms.
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty or Arm Lift Surgery commonly known as arm lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned and contoured appearance. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have loose, sagging skin on their arms, often as a result of aging, weight fluctuations, or significant weight loss. Brachioplasty not only removes excess skin but also tightens and smooths the underlying tissues, restoring firmness and definition to the arms.
What an Arm Lift Can Achieve
- Removes excess, sagging skin for a firmer look.
- Reduces stubborn fat (can be combined with liposuction).
- Improves arm contour and definition.
- Enhances confidence in sleeveless clothing.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Individuals with loose or sagging upper arm skin.
- Those who have lost significant weight and have excess skin.
- Patients with good overall health and realistic expectations.
- Not ideal for individuals with only excess fat (they may benefit from arm liposuction instead).
Recovery Timeline
- Swelling and discomfort for the first 1-2 weeks.
- Most patients return to light activities in 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
- Final results are visible in 3-6 months as swelling subsides.
Procedure Overview
- Performed under general anesthesia.
- Incisions are made along the inner arm, armpit, or extending down to the chest (depending on the technique).
- Excess skin and fat are removed, and underlying tissues may be tightened.
- The incisions are closed with sutures, and compression garments are worn.
- Surgery takes 2-3 hours.
Some key benefits of Brachioplasty are:
Smoother, tighter upper arms
Removes excess, lax skin and reshapes underlying tissue to create a firmer, more streamlined arm contour.
Removes excess skin and stubborn fat
Eliminates hanging skin after weight loss or aging; can be combined with liposuction for finer definition.
Confidence in sleeves and tanks
Reduces arm fullness and laxity so clothing fits more comfortably—and short sleeves feel easier to wear.
Smoother, tighter upper arms
Removes excess, lax skin and reshapes underlying tissue to create a firmer, more streamlined arm contour.
Removes excess skin and stubborn fat
Eliminates hanging skin after weight loss or aging; can be combined with liposuction for finer definition.
Confidence in sleeves and tanks
Reduces arm fullness and laxity so clothing fits more comfortably—and short sleeves feel easier to wear.
FAQ'S
Who is a good candidate for Brachioplasty?
Adults with moderate to severe upper-arm skin laxity (often after weight loss or aging), who are healthy, nonsmokers (or willing to stop), and at a stable weight. Good candidates understand there will be scars in exchange for tighter arms.
How is Brachioplasty different from Arm Liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin. Brachioplasty removes excess skin (and can include lipo) to address significant laxity. Your surgeon may recommend one or a combination depending on your skin quality.
Where are the incisions and what do the scars look like?
Incisions are typically placed along the inner arm from elbow to armpit (standard), sometimes extending into the lateral chest fold for extended cases. A mini arm lift uses a shorter incision hidden in the axilla. Scars fade over 6–12 months with proper care.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients return to desk work in 7–10 days. A compression garment is worn for 3–4 weeks to control swelling and support the contour. Light activity resumes at 2–3 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks. Swelling continues to improve for 6–12 weeks.
How long do results last, and what are the risks?
Results are long-lasting with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Common, temporary effects include swelling, bruising, and numbness. Potential risks (uncommon) include delayed healing, fluid collection, asymmetry, or widened scars. Your surgeon will review strategies to optimize scar quality and recovery.
