Arm Lift
Contour and Confidence for Your Upper Arms
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 to create a firmer, more toned appearance. This surgery is especially beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or experienced age-related skin laxity, resulting in loose, hanging skin—often referred to as “bat wings.”
By sculpting and smoothing the underlying tissues and tightening the skin, an arm lift restores definition and symmetry to the upper arms, helping patients feel more confident in short sleeves, sleeveless clothing, and swimwear.
Are You a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you:
During your consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your skin elasticity, fat distribution, and overall goals to determine whether an arm lift, liposuction, or a combination of both will provide the best result.
Star Plastic Surgery Advantage
Why Choose Star Plastic Surgery?
At Star Plastic Surgery in Novi, Michigan, our team of board-certified surgeons brings years of experience, advanced surgical techniques, and a patient-first approach to every procedure. We focus on natural-looking results and exceptional patient care—from consultation to recovery.
Understanding the Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
An incision is made along the inside or back of the upper arm—often extending from the armpit to the elbow—depending on the amount of excess skin being removed. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin, eliminate unwanted fat (often with liposuction), and tighten the underlying tissues to achieve a smoother, more defined contour.
Once the desired shape is achieved, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, and the arms are dressed in compression garments to aid healing. All efforts are made to place incisions in discreet locations and minimize visible scarring.
Arm Lift Recovery – What to Expect
Recovery after an arm lift is relatively straightforward. Most patients return to non-strenuous work and daily activities within 7 to 10 days.
You will be required to wear compression garments to reduce swelling, support the tissues, and help your arms conform to their new shape. Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal during the initial recovery period and will gradually resolve over several weeks.
Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks, but light walking is encouraged early on to aid circulation. As your body continues to heal, final results will become more visible, typically around 2 to 3 months post-surgery.
With a stable weight and proper aftercare, your results can be long-lasting and life-enhancing.
Arm Lift FAQs
Will I have visible scars?
Yes, an arm lift does involve a noticeable scar along the inner or back of the upper arm. However, the incision is carefully placed and will fade significantly over time with proper care. Many patients feel the improvement in contour is well worth the trade-off.
Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients combine an arm lift with thigh lift, tummy tuck, or breast procedures as part of a more comprehensive body contouring plan after weight loss or pregnancy.
Will an arm lift help with fat too?
Yes. In many cases, liposuction is used alongside skin removal to sculpt and refine the arm’s shape for more natural-looking results.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging will continue, your upper arms will always look more toned than they would without the procedure.
When will I see my final results?
You’ll notice a difference shortly after surgery, but full results become evident as swelling subsides—usually within two to three months.