Brachioplasty

For many individuals, an undesirable arm appearance may be caused by weight loss or the natural aging process, leading to discomfort or self-consciousness about the way they look. To address excess skin and fat that creates a “batwing” effect, brachioplasty can be performed to reshape and enhance the upper arms. Also known as arm lift surgery, brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that can help refine arm contours and improve both the look and comfort of a patient’s arms.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Robert Rothfield, MD performs arm lift surgery with precision and is dedicated to providing each patient with quality care during their brachioplasty journey. He develops tailored treatment plans to help his patients achieve natural-looking results and renewed confidence about the appearance of their arms.

Brachioplasty Benefits
Brachioplasty Candidates
Brachioplasty Procedure
Brachioplasty Recovery
Arm Lift Results
Arm Lift Complementary Procedures
Arm Lift Scars
Brachioplasty Cost

What Are the Benefits of Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty offers several benefits for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their upper arms. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat, which often results from significant weight loss or natural aging. Brachioplasty also tightens loose skin that can contribute to discomfort and chafing, improving both the aesthetic appeal of the arms as well as physical comfort. Arm lift surgery can help patients achieve a more toned and contoured arm shape and even enhance the overall body profile. Additionally, this surgery can boost self-confidence, allowing individuals to wear a wider variety of clothing styles.

Who Is a Candidate for Brachioplasty?

Candidates for brachioplasty typically include:

Adults with Significant Upper Arm Skin Laxity: Those with drooping or sagging skin due to aging or significant weight loss.
Individuals with Stable Weight: Ideal candidates should be at or near their goal weight, as weight fluctuations can affect the results.
Non-smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Those with Realistic Expectations: Patients should understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
Healthy Individuals: Ideal candidates should have no medical conditions that may affect the healing process or increase the risk of surgery.
Motivated for Personal Reasons: Candidates should pursue brachioplasty for personal satisfaction, not due to external pressures.

How Is Brachioplasty Performed?

Brachioplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. After anesthesia is administered, incisions will be made on the underside or back of the arm, often extending from the underarm to just above the elbow. The pattern and length of the incision depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed. After making the incisions, Dr. Rothfield will tighten and reshape the underlying supportive tissue with internal sutures and remove excess fat using liposuction if necessary. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the remaining skin is smoothed over the new arm contour. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the arms are often wrapped in elastic bandages to minimize swelling. In most cases, this procedure takes one hour and a post-operative visit will occur the next day.

How Is Recovery from Brachioplasty?

Recovery from brachioplasty typically involves several stages. Initially, patients may experience swelling, mild bruising, and discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. It may also be recommended that patients wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Most patients can return to light activities and certain types of work within three to five days, but exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks (or as recommended by Dr. Rothfield) to ensure proper healing. It is crucial to follow post-operative instructions closely, including keeping the arms elevated and attending follow-up appointments.

How Long Do Brachioplasty Results Last?

Arm lift surgery is designed to provide long-lasting improvement in the contour and tone of the upper arms. While this procedure can permanently remove excess skin and fat, the longevity of results generally depends on maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or the natural aging process can gradually affect skin elasticity over time. However, most patients enjoy firmer, more defined arms for many years following surgery, especially when they follow post-operative guidelines and maintain good overall health.

What Procedures Complement Brachioplasty?

Many patients choose to combine brachioplasty with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive body contouring results. Liposuction is commonly performed alongside an arm lift to further refine the shape and remove stubborn fat deposits. Additionally, procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift, or lower body lift are often included as part of a post-weight loss or mommy makeover plan. These combinations can create a more balanced, proportionate appearance across multiple areas of the body, enhancing overall outcomes.

In some cases, patients may also consider non-surgical treatments, such as skin tightening technologies, to further complement brachioplasty results and address mild skin laxity in surrounding areas. Combining procedures can also reduce overall recovery time compared to staging surgeries separately.

During a personalized consultation, Dr. Rothfield can recommend the most appropriate combination of treatments based on your individual goals, anatomy, and overall health.

Will I Have Noticeable Brachioplasty Scars?

Scarring is an important consideration with brachioplasty, as this procedure typically involves an incision along the inner or back of the upper arm. While scars are permanent, they can be strategically placed to be as discreet as possible and usually fade significantly over time. Initially, scars may appear red or raised, but they tend to soften and lighten over time. Proper wound care, sun protection, and following aftercare instructions can help optimize healing and minimize the appearance of scars. For most patients, the improvement in arm contour and confidence outweighs concerns about visible scarring.

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?

The cost of brachioplasty can vary widely based on factors such as:

A surgeon’s experience
The specific technique used
Anesthesia fees
Pre- or post-operative care

Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team will provide you with a customized quote. In addition to a variety of accepted payment methods, we also offer financing options for qualified applicants through reputable third-party lending companies. This makes it possible for the cost of arm lift surgery to be paid in a series of installments over time.

For more information about arm lift surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rothfield, contact our office today.