As we age or experience weight changes, the skin on our upper arms can lose its firmness. If you’ve ever avoided tank tops, short sleeves, or raising your arms in photos, you’re not alone. An arm lift procedure, also known as brachioplasty, offers a surgical solution to sagging or loose upper arms—helping you feel more confident in your skin.
At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs, we perform advanced arm lift procedures for women across Atlanta and Buckhead. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative surgery.
What Is an Arm Lift? An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The result is a smoother, more toned arm profile that better aligns with your natural proportions.
This procedure is especially effective for women who:
- Have lost significant weight and are left with loose, hanging skin
- Notice sagging skin with age despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Want to improve arm definition that can’t be achieved through exercise alone
What Causes Arm Skin Laxity? Upper arm laxity is often the result of:
- Aging: The skin loses collagen and elasticity over time
- Weight loss: Significant changes in body weight leave stretched skin
- Genetics: Some people naturally store more fat or develop loose skin in this area
Types of Arm Lift Procedures At Monarch Plastic Surgery, we tailor each surgery to the patient’s specific needs. Depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed, your surgeon may recommend:
- Mini Arm Lift:For patients with minimal sagging. A small incision is made near the armpit to tighten and smooth the upper arm.
- Traditional Arm Lift:The most common technique. An incision is made from the armpit to the elbow to remove larger areas of skin and fat.
- Extended Arm Lift:Used for patients with significant skin laxity, often after major weight loss. Incisions may extend along the side of the chest wall.
Your consultation will determine which approach will provide the best results for your goals.
Arm Lift vs. Liposuction: What’s the Difference? While both procedures enhance arm contour, they target different issues:
- Liposuctionremoves fat but does not tighten skin
- Arm Liftremoves both skin and fat, ideal when sagging is present
In some cases, your surgeon may combine liposuction with an arm lift for optimal contouring.
What to Expect During Your Consultation Your journey begins with a personalized consultation at our Sandy Springs office. Here’s what it typically involves:
- Physical exam to assess skin elasticity and volume
- Discussion about your goals, concerns, and health history
- Review of before-and-after photos
- A tailored surgical plan, including options for combining procedures
- Full explanation of recovery, cost, and realistic outcomes
We believe in empowering you with all the information you need to make a confident decision.
Surgical Procedure Overview On the day of surgery:
- The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia
- Incisions are placed strategically for minimal visibility
- Excess skin and fat are removed, and underlying tissues are tightened
- The area is sutured and bandaged, and compression garments may be applied
The procedure usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction.
Recovery and Downtime Each patient’s recovery experience is unique, but here’s a general timeline:
| Timeframe | Recovery Milestone |
| Days 1–3 | Mild discomfort, swelling, and limited arm mobility |
| Week 1 | Return to light activities, dressings changed |
| Weeks 2–3 | Sutures removed, bruising starts to fade |
| Week 4 | Resume non-strenuous work and light movement |
| Weeks 6–8 | Full return to daily routines, exercise with clearance |
| 3–6 months | Final results become visible as swelling resolves |
Proper care and adherence to post-op instructions will ensure smoother healing and longer-lasting results.
Will I Have Scars? Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but we minimize visibility with careful incision placement. Scars typically fade over time and can be treated with:
- Scar creams or silicone sheets
- Laser treatments
- Sun protection to prevent darkening
Your surgeon will provide full scar management guidance as part of your recovery plan.
Is an Arm Lift Right for You? You may be an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery if you:
- Are at or near your goal weight
- Are in good overall health and a non-smoker
- Have realistic expectations about scarring and results
- Want to improve the tone and appearance of your upper arms
Combining with Other Procedures An arm lift is often combined with:
- Tummy tuck
- Breast lift or reduction
- Thigh lift
- Lower body lift
This combination approach can maximize body contouring results and consolidate recovery time.
Why Choose Monarch Plastic Surgery? Women in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta choose us for our:
- Board-certified female surgeons with years of body contouring expertise
- Focus on safety, aesthetic precision, and compassionate care
- State-of-the-art surgical facility with proven results
- Supportive, all-female leadership team
We believe in empowering women through confident, body-positive transformations.
Take the Next Step Toward Confidence If you’re ready to feel great in your skin again—especially when baring your arms—an expert arm lift may be the answer.
Contact Monarch Plastic Surgery to schedule your personalized consultation.