Loose Skin

About Arm Lift

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift, upper arm lift, or brachioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that treat excess skin and fat from the upper arm. BSI plastic surgeons specialize in the safe, surgical treatment of loose skin from the upper arm and also integrate liposuction as needed to address excess arm fat during the skin lift.

Should I have an arm lift?

Many women have a collection of fat in their upper arms that is resistant to toning exercises, which prevents them from feeling confident in sleeveless clothing. Additionally, men and women who have lost significant weight are left with large amounts of excess upper arm skin that limits their ability to find comfortable clothing.

Brachioplasty is an effective and safe remedy for patients whose excess arm skin or fat constricts or impairs their daily functions and harms body image.

When can I schedule an arm lift?

Following your medical clearance and comprehensive consultation at Berman Skin Institute, your plastic surgeon will coordinate your arm lift procedure to fit your schedule.

Will I see instant results after the arm lift procedure?

The results of BSI’s slimming upper arm lift are immediate and you will continue to enjoy improvements as your skin heals and adheres to the new shape of your arms. Patients are extremely pleased with the drastic, yet natural-looking reduction in arm size.

How should I prepare for my arm lift?

You will be advised to discontinue blood-thinning medication, NSAIDs, Advil® or ibuprofen, and Aleve® for two weeks before and after surgery. You will also be required to quit smoking for this time period. If you are a gastric bypass patient, you will be given additional nutrition and supplement counseling to prepare your body for surgery and recovery. As the procedure is done under general anesthesia, you should not eat or drink the morning of your arm lift.

Patients who choose arm lift surgery will see a drastic improvement in the size of their arms; however, it is important to understand that an upper arm-length scar will remain. Despite BSI surgeon’s skill and precision, constant arm movement prevents the body from scar-free healing in this area. For many of BSI’s patients, the increased confidence and ease of dressing make this a worthwhile trade-off. Your plastic surgeon will draw the intended incision on your arm during your consultation, allowing you to return home and consider how you will feel about the scar.

How are arm lifts performed by BSI plastic surgeons?

BSI’s surgeons perform arm lifts at a surgical center. You will be under general anesthesia and your surgeon will conduct the entire surgery from beginning to end. The surgeon will make an incision under your arm lengthwise from elbow to armpit. If necessary, liposuction will be performed to take care of extra fat from the area. At the same time, she will work on excess, hanging skin and reattach the incision to create a lifting effect.

How long do is an arm lifts procedure?

The arm lift procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

Does an arm lift require an overnight stay?

An overnight stay is not needed with an arm lift, though you will remain in the surgical center for a few hours of comfortable recovery after the procedure. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after surgery.

What is arm lift recovery like?

BSI patients heal very well from arm lift surgery, though you will naturally experience limited and uncomfortable use of your arms in the days following. You will want to rest at home while the short-term period of pain and discomfort pass.

Those who work at a desk will be able to return to the office one week after surgery. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will be limited for a longer period of time.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

Beyond the typical considerations of general anesthesia, arm lift patients could experience rare complications such as bleeding, clots, and infection. Scarring will occur and BSI surgeons will discuss it with you in detail prior to the procedure. BSI plastic surgeons are dedicated to the precise and safe treatment of excess upper arm skin.

How long will my arm lift results last?

BSI’s slimming arm lift results are long-lasting, provided you maintain an appropriate fitness level and a healthy diet. Through the natural aging process, skin elasticity weakens and you may notice slight loosening in the arms over many years.

How much does an arm lift cost?

At BSI, arm lift surgery starts as low as $8,500. You will be given a detailed quote during your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. The cost of your arm lift will include your surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility and operating room fees, required garments, and all of your follow-up visits with your surgeon. Click here for information on how to pay for your arm lift in Northern California

What are BSI’s patients saying after arm lifts?

Patient satisfaction is extremely high after the arm lift surgeries. Particularly for patients who are reshaping their bodies after extreme weight loss, the increased mobility and confidence of slimmer arms is life changing.

What are the alternatives to arm lifts?

Patients with minimal extra fat in the upper arm may benefit from the more subtle enhancements of liposuction.