An arm lift usually takes two to three hours, depending on the amount of excess skin being removed. General anesthesia is commonly used, though some cases may involve local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are typically made along the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit and are placed discreetly. Patients often experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first week, with swelling improving over four to six weeks. Results are noticeable as swelling subsides, with final outcomes appearing within three to six months.Most arm lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Surgeons generally recommend wearing compression garments for several weeks to help reduce swelling and improve contour.
Arm Liposuction / Brachioplasty
What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your upper arms while tightening underlying tissues. This creates smoother, more toned-looking arms that better match your body proportions.During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision typically along the inside or back of your upper arm, extending from your elbow to your armpit. Through this incision, they remove excess sagging skin and fat, then tighten and smooth the remaining tissue. The result is firmer, more contoured upper arms with improved definition.Arm lifts are particularly effective for people who have lost significant weight or experienced age-related skin laxity. When diet and exercise have toned your arm muscles but loose, hanging skin remains, an arm lift addresses what workouts cannot fix. The procedure reshapes your upper arms from armpit to elbow, eliminating the "bat wing" appearance that many find frustrating.
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Arm Liposuction / Brachioplasty Common Questions
Verify board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and look for surgeons performing 25+ arm lifts annually. Review before-and-after photos focusing on scar placement and arm contours with similar skin laxity to yours. Read patient reviews and ask about post-weight loss experience. AestheticMatch connects you with pre-vetted specialists.