A tighter, slimmer upper arm contour after weight loss, aging, or skin laxity.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose skin and excess tissue from the upper arms while tightening underlying support structures for a smoother and more contoured arm shape. Many patients choose this procedure after weight changes, aging-related skin laxity, or when exercise cannot reduce sagging arms.
Dr. Baotram Tran specializes in achieving natural arm contouring with careful placement of incisions to minimize visible scarring. See before and after arm lift surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
You may be an ideal candidate if you experience:
✔ deflated upper arm skin
✔ loose or hanging tissue (“bat wings”)
✔ poor skin elasticity after weight loss
✔ upper arm fullness despite exercise
✔ skin irritation or rubbing
Patients often say:
“They look fine in clothes, but I’m self-conscious in sleeveless tops.”
This surgery helps restore confidence and clothing freedom.
What an Arm Lift Corrects
Patients commonly notice improvement in:
✨ tightened, slimmer arm contour
✨ reduction of skin folds
✨ improved shoulder-to-elbow definition
✨ less skin rubbing when exercising
➡ If patients want waist and torso contouring as well, then they will need body contouring.
Types of Brachioplasty Techniques
1️⃣ Short-Incision Arm Lift
Ideal for mild-moderate excess
✔ limited scar hidden in armpit crease
✔ removes localized laxity
Best for younger patients with mild droop.
2️⃣ Standard Arm Lift
Most common approach
✔ incision runs along inner arm
✔ allows full tightening
✔ addresses larger area
This technique provides the most predictable shape improvement.
3️⃣ Extended Arm Lift
Ideal after major weight loss
✔ extends into side-chest fold
✔ addresses lateral chest and bra line skin
➡ Best paired with:
🔗 Mommy Makeover
or
🔗 Tummy Tuck
since many post-weight-loss patients correct multiple areas.
Arm Lift Procedure Details
Common steps include:
✨ Skin removal and tissue shaping
✨ Internal suturing to support new contour
✨ Fat contouring if needed
✨ Compression applied at end of surgery
Dr. Tran prioritizes incision concealment along areas that face inward, reducing visibility in standard arm positions.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center typically. If you have both excess skin and fat, then the arm lift is typically combined with liposuction to achieve the best contour. The scar for the arm lift is placed on the inside of the upper arm and typically extends from the armpit or axilla to just above the elbow. In some individuals, the scar might extend beyond this area to the lateral chest wall if there is significant excess skin stretching into the lateral chest wall. A drain will be placed in each arm to remove excess fluid to prevent fluid collection after surgery. This drain typically must be maintained in place for at least 1-2 weeks depending on the amount of drainage.
Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
The transformation from the arm lift is life changing for the appropriate candidate. Ideal candidates are those with significant excess skin with or without excess fat, in good health, do not smoke or vape or use nicotine products, and accept the presence of a long scar on the inner arm. If you cannot accept the scar, then you should not have this surgery.
Can the arm lift be combined with other procedures?
Typically, an arm lift can be safely combined with other procedures. Tummy tuck, breast lift, and body contouring after weight loss are commons procedures that can be performed at the same time. A consultation is necessary to determine if the procedures can be performed safely together.
Arm Lift Recovery
Patients go home on the same day after the arm lift surgery. A drain is placed in each arm to remove the excess fluid to reduce risk of fluid collection. The drains usually stay in place for about 1-2 weeks before the drainage is low enough that it can safely be removed. You will see significant improvement in contour immediately. Bruising and swelling will occur after surgery. While bruising will typically resolve in about 2 weeks, swelling can take 3-6 months to resolve completely. Light compression of the arm is recommended for at least 4-6 weeks to help reduce swelling and risk of fluid collection or seroma. Most patients return to light activities in 1-2 days. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Most patients return to work in 2 weeks with no heavy lifting restriction.
First 48-72 hours
- Tightness and swelling
- Sleeves or compression garment worn
Week 1–2
- Return to desk-work activities
- Bruising fades
Week 4–6
- Resume workouts gradually
- Arms look noticeably slimmer
Month 3–6
- Scars soften and settle
- Final contour visible
Full results stabilize over 3–6 months.
Arm Lift Results Patients Commonly Notice
Patients often report:
- more confidence in sleeveless clothing
- smoother upper arm contour
- less movement of loose skin
- improved workout comfort
It is especially transformative for women whose weight loss left persistent laxity.
What are the complications?
As previously mentioned, the scar in an arm lift surgery is significant and long. Due to the location of the scar and movement, some patients might not heal as well as others with poor scarring, stretched out scar, or hypertrophic scar. Numbness of the surrounding area is usually temporary but can be permanent in some patients. The drain helps remove fluid your body produces after surgery at the surgical site. Despite drain placement, some patients can still accumulate fluid after the drain is removed that would require drainage in the office using needle aspiration. It’s uncommon that a drain will need to be replaced.
Cost Range for Arm Lift Surgery
Cost varies by extent of surgery and whether procedures are combined.
Estimated ranges:
Standard Arm Lift: $8,000–$11,000+
Extended Arm Lift: varies depending on chest involvement
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scars?
Yes, but placed strategically on the inside edge of the arm and fade significantly over time.
Does arm lift remove fat?
Skin removal is primary, but fat contouring is often added.
Will skin loosen again?
Results are long-lasting with weight stability.
When can I wear sleeveless clothing again?
Most patients do so confidently around 6–10 weeks post-procedure.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Please use this form for general information purposes only. DO NOT send personal health information through this form. Specific patient care must be addressed during your appointment.
Please complete the following form to request an appointment. Please also note that availability will vary depending on your request. Your appointment will be confirmed by phone by a member of our staff. Thank you!
