All Procedures
Arm Lift: Brachioplasty
Useful information for patients on Arm Lift procedures - reducing excess skin and fat from the arms.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and, when appropriate, fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, firmer, and more proportionate contour.
Loose upper-arm skin may develop because of significant weight loss, aging, reduced skin elasticity, or genetics. Exercise can improve muscle tone, and weight loss can reduce fat, but neither can reliably remove skin that has lost its elasticity.
When excess fat is present, but skin elasticity remains good, liposuction alone may be sufficient in selected patients. However, liposuction does not tighten significantly loose skin. In patients with moderate or severe skin laxity, surgical skin removal is usually necessary, sometimes in combination with liposuction.
The length and location of the incision depend on the amount and distribution of excess skin. More commonly, the incision extends along the inner aspect of the upper arm from the axilla toward the elbow. In patients with extensive weight-loss-related skin excess, the incision may also extend onto the lateral chest and/or past the elbow into the forearm.
The principal trade-off of brachioplasty is a permanent scar in exchange for a more defined arm contour and removal of hanging skin.
Who Is It For?
Brachioplasty may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have loose, hanging, or sagging upper-arm skin
- Have persistent upper-arm skin excess after significant weight loss
- Have skin laxity that does not improve with exercise or further weight reduction
- Experience discomfort, chafing, hygiene difficulty, or difficulty finding clothing because of excess upper-arm skin
- Are at or near a stable weight
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke or use nicotine, or are able to discontinue nicotine as directed before and after surgery
- Understand and accept the location and length of the resulting scar
- Have realistic expectations regarding contour improvement and scar quality
Brachioplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients should ideally reach a stable, sustainable weight before surgery, because significant future weight fluctuations may affect the result.
Liposuction vs. Arm Lift
- Liposuction alone may be appropriate when excess fat is the primary concern, and the skin has enough elasticity to contract after fat removal.
- Brachioplasty is generally required when loose skin is the main concern. Removing fat without removing significantly lax skin may leave persistent or more noticeable skin looseness.
Some patients benefit from a combination of liposuction and skin excision to improve the transition between the arm, armpit, and chest.
The appropriate approach depends on skin quality, fat distribution, degree of laxity, previous weight loss, and the patient’s goals.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients typically undergo a detailed medical history and physical examination.
Preparation may include:
- Maintaining a stable weight
- Discontinuing nicotine before and after surgery according to your surgeon’s instructions
- Reviewing all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Temporarily discontinuing medications or supplements that may increase bleeding when medically appropriate
- Completing laboratory testing or medical clearance if indicated
- Arranging assistance at home during the early recovery period
Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific instructions regarding bathing, skin preparation, shaving, fasting, and medications before surgery.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
Operative time varies depending on whether one or both arms are treated, the amount of skin removed, whether liposuction is included, and whether the excision extends onto the chest. This procedure could take between two to three hours.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
A formal brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Most isolated arm lifts are performed as outpatient procedures. An overnight stay may be recommended depending on the extent of surgery, combined procedures, or the patient’s medical history.
Temporary surgical drains may be used depending on the extent of the operation and the surgeon’s technique.
Additional Information
Temporary effects may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Tightness of the upper arms
- Soreness or discomfort
- Temporary numbness or altered skin sensation
- Limited shoulder or elbow mobility during early recovery
- Mild asymmetry related to swelling
- Temporary swelling of the forearm or hand
Swelling gradually improves, although some residual swelling may persist for several weeks or months.
Potential risks include:
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Seroma or fluid accumulation
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation
- Skin or fat necrosis
- Widened, thickened, hypertrophic, or otherwise unfavorable scars
- Temporary or persistent numbness
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Arm asymmetry
- Contour irregularity
- Persistent swelling
- Lymphatic swelling or lymphedema, particularly in patients with preexisting lymphatic problems or previous lymph-node surgery
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Need for scar revision or additional surgery
Keloid formation is possible in susceptible individuals but is less common than widened or hypertrophic scarring.
Patients are encouraged to begin gentle walking shortly after surgery.
During early recovery, the arms may feel tight, swollen, and sore. Elevating the arms when resting may help reduce swelling. A compression garment or elastic sleeve may be recommended for several weeks.
Patients should avoid excessive overhead reaching, forceful pushing or pulling, heavy lifting, and strenuous upper-body activity during the early healing period.
Many patients can return to desk-based or light work within approximately one to two weeks, depending on discomfort, swelling, and job requirements. Patients whose work involves lifting, repetitive arm use, manual labor, or significant reaching may require additional recovery time.
Driving should be avoided while taking narcotic pain medication and until the patient can safely control the vehicle and perform all necessary arm movements without significant pain or restriction.
Exercise is gradually resumed according to the surgeon’s instructions. Walking is encouraged early, while strenuous upper-body exercise and heavy lifting are generally restricted for several weeks.
Pain medication may be prescribed as part of an individual postoperative pain-control plan.
Brachioplasty can provide:
- Removal of hanging or excess upper-arm skin
- Reduced upper-arm circumference
- Improved arm definition and proportion
- Reduced chafing, skin-fold irritation, or hygiene difficulty
- Improved comfort in fitted clothing
The improvement in arm contour is visible shortly after surgery, although swelling initially obscures the final result. The arms continue to settle and become more defined over several months.
The scars are permanent. They are typically most noticeable during the early healing period and generally fade and soften over time. Scar maturation may continue for 12 months or longer. Scar quality varies according to genetics, skin tension, incision location, healing characteristics, and postoperative care.
Results are generally long-lasting when a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are maintained. Exercise can improve muscle tone and overall arm appearance but cannot prevent all future changes related to aging, weight fluctuation, or loss of skin elasticity.
Please note: Individual results vary based on the amount of skin laxity, fat distribution, skin quality, previous weight loss, scar formation, and overall health. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine whether liposuction, brachioplasty, or a combination approach is most appropriate.