Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, most often after major weight loss, to restore a firmer arm contour.

What is arm lift?

Arm lift, or brachioplasty, treats the loose, hanging skin of the upper arms — the area often called bat wings — that remains after weight loss or with aging, when skin elasticity cannot spring back. Liposuction alone cannot fix loose skin, so when skin excess is the main problem, excision is required, and the trade-off is a scar along the inner arm.

How is arm lift done?

Through an incision along the inner or back of the upper arm, sometimes extending into the armpit, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightens the remaining tissue, and closes the incision, often with liposuction for contour. Surgery is usually outpatient under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. Compression sleeves are worn during healing.

What are the options for arm lift?

Traditional arm lift. An incision from armpit to elbow for significant skin excess, giving the greatest correction and the longest scar. Mini arm lift. A shorter incision confined to the armpit area for mild looseness near the armpit only. Arm lift with liposuction. Liposuction contours the arm and removes fat, combined with skin excision where skin excess exists; liposuction alone suits only fatty arms with good skin elasticity.

What affects the cost of arm lift?

There is no single fixed charge for arm lift, and this guide does not publish prices: the written quote you receive at consultation is the binding figure.

Factors that commonly move the total include the surgeon's experience, the facility type (office procedure suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital), the type and length of anesthesia, the complexity of the surgical plan, whether other procedures are combined in the same operation, garments and follow-up visits, and the revision terms. Ask for an itemized written quote that states exactly what is included, and what would cost extra if a revision or an overnight stay became necessary.

What is recovery like after arm lift?

Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness in the arms for the first weeks, with sleeves worn as directed. Many patients return to desk work within about one to two weeks, keep arm movement gentle at first, and return to full activity, including heavy lifting, in about four to six weeks. Scars along the inner arm fade over a year or more but remain visible when the arm is raised; sun protection during healing helps them mature well.

What are the risks of arm lift?

Risks include scarring (including thickened or widened scars, a particular concern on the arm), asymmetry, infection, fluid collections, poor wound healing, numbness, and swelling of the hand or forearm if lymphatic drainage is disturbed. Smoking increases wound-healing risk. Patients should weigh the scar against the contour gain honestly before committing, since the scar is the price of the correction.

What should I ask at a arm lift consultation?

• Do I need a full or mini arm lift, and where exactly will the scar sit?
• Would liposuction alone give me an acceptable result, or is skin removal required?
• What is the total quote, broken down, and what are the revision terms?
• Can you confirm your board certification? (Check the badge on each profile in this directory.)

Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons patient information and procedure guidance; U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance where applicable. General information only, not medical advice. Confirm details with a board-certified surgeon at consultation.