What is an arm lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:

  • Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
  • Tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
  • Reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Fluctuations in weight, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This condition cannot be corrected through exercise. Arm lift surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms is sagging or appears loose and full due to excess skin and fat.


Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery?

In general, arm lift candidates include:

  • Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
  • Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
  • Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
  • Nonsmokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

How much does an arm lift cost?

The average cost of an arm lift (brachioplasty) is Rs_______, according to the latest statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon's office to determine your final fee.

A surgeon's fee for arm lift surgery will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic office location. Most health insurance plans do not cover arm lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.


Arm lift costs may include:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Medical tests
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Surgeon's fee

When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for an arm lift, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

What should I expect during a consultation for arm lift surgery?

During your arm lift surgery consultation, be prepared to discuss:

  • Your surgical goals
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
  • Previous surgeries

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about arm lift surgery?

  • Are you certified by the International Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
  • How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
  • Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  • What will be expected of me to get the best results?
  • Where and how will you perform my procedure?
  • What surgical technique is recommended for me?
  • How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
  • What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
  • How are complications handled?
  • How can I expect my arms to look over time?
  • What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my arm lift?
  • Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

What are the risks of arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
  • Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Infection
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Poor wound healing
  • Possible need for revisional surgery
  • Sutures may not absorb, but spontaneously surface through the skin, causing irritation, drainage, and redness
  • Unsightly scarring

How should I prepare for arm lift surgery?

In preparing for arm lift surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

What are the steps of an arm lift procedure?

An arm lift procedure includes the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: Medications are administered for your comfort during arm lift surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
  2. The incision: Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Incisions are generally placed on the inside or back of the arm, extending from the underarm (axilla) to above the elbow. Excess fat may be excised or treated with liposuction.
  3. Closing the incisions: Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed after one to two weeks.
  4. Results: Smoother, tighter contours will be visible almost immediately, although swelling and bruising are expected.

What should I expect during my arm lift recovery?

During recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied, and a compression garment may minimize swelling. You will receive specific care instructions for the surgical site and follow-up details.

What results should I expect after arm lift surgery?

The results are expected to be long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. However, some loss of firmness is natural with aging.