An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the upper arm. If you have extra fatty tissue in your upper arms, we will perform liposuction to “deflate” the arms. This is followed by removing the excess skin in a way that shapes and recontours the arm, leaving you with a firmer, more toned appearance.

You might have extra loose skin on your arms due to the aging process, or maybe you’ve had weight loss that left you with extra skin. An arm lift might be right for you if you have loose skin on your upper arms. The benefits of a brachioplasty are unique to each individual. A brachioplasty can:

• Restoring a more youthful, firm appearance
• Accentuating a more toned upper arm
• Removing stubborn fat deposits in the arm
• Help you feel more confident in swimsuits, short sleeves, or sleeveless clothing

In addition to deciding whether a brachioplasty can meet your personal goals, several factors must be considered in determining whether you are a good candidate for a brachioplasty. Good candidates for a brachioplasty include those who:

• Want to improve their arm shape
• Want to achieve optimal proportions for their figure
• Have generally good physical and mental health
• Are nonsmokers, or are willing to stop smoking before surgery
• Have realistic expectations from brachioplasty surgery

A brachioplasty may not be a good option for you if you:

• Smoke
• Plan to continue making significant weight changes
• Are you not at your optimal health

A brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia in an operating room. After your surgery, you will be placed in dressings and a support garment. You will spend a short time in the recovery room before a friend or family member takes you home, where you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night. We will advise you on pain medication to ease any discomfort, give you detailed post-operative instructions, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress. If you choose to combine your arm lift with other procedures, you may need to stay overnight at the surgery facility; then you can go home the next day.

It is expected that you will experience some pain and swelling after surgery. Shortly after your brachioplasty, you will be given compression sleeves to wear. These sleeves will help with swelling. You may have swelling that extends down into your hands. You will be encouraged to keep your arms elevated as much as possible to diminish such swelling. You may have bruising, which will disappear in a week or so.
Incisions usually heal between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Depending on your type of work, you can generally return to work in a week to two weeks. Initially, you will have some activity restrictions, but most people can return to total activity by 4-6 weeks after surgery.

You may notice that you feel less sensation in the arms. This is usually temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months, or even more than a year before the sensation returns to normal. Your arms may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink. They should fade and soften over time (up to 18 months after surgery). Final results are usually seen at six months to a year after surgery.

Every patient’s recovery is different. Your recovery may be quicker or take more time than average.

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