Aging, fluctuations in body weight, and heredity can cause the skin (and fat) on the underside of your upper arms to droop and sag. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can restore a more youthful and toned appearance to your upper arms by removing excess skin and localized pockets of fat from the affected areas.
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Before & After photographs shown on this site are actual patients of Dr. James Lee who have given their permission to have their photos published online. They are for illustrative purposes only; individual results vary. We do not guarantee outcomes, and no prediction of outcome is implied. Individual healing characteristics and unexpected complications can affect the outcome of any surgery.
The best arm lift candidates are healthy, non-smoking adults who are unhappy as a result of having significant upper arm skin laxity (with or without localized fat deposits). Candidates should ideally have a relatively stable and normal body weight, in addition to having realistic expectations with regard to surgical outcomes.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
The location and the amount of excess skin to be removed will generally dictate the technique (and consequently the incision pattern and length) used to perform your arm lift procedure. Three different techniques can be used: the limited technique, the traditional technique, and the extended technique. Regardless of the technique used, liposuction is performed to remove excess fat before skin incisions are made in excess upper arm fat.
This technique is typically indicated for patients who only have proximal upper arm (i.e. in the vicinity of the armpit) skin redundancy. An elliptical or T-shaped skin excision pattern just outside the armpit (axilla) results in a linear or T-shaped scar pattern following skin closure.
This technique is typically indicated for patients with skin redundancy of the entire upper arm, from the elbow up to, but not including, the chest wall.
The incision is usually placed along the inner surface of the upper arm and extends from the elbow up to the axilla. Excess skin and fat are subsequently removed from the inner aspect of the arm and axilla to allow for the advancement and tightening of redundant skin from the underside of the arm. Wound closure results in a linear scar pattern along the inner aspect of the upper arm, extending from the elbow to and along the periphery of the axilla.
This technique is typically indicated for patients with skin redundancy along the entire upper arm and onto the lateral chest wall. The incision is once again placed along the inner surface of the upper arm, continued from the axilla down along the lateral chest wall, and may extend as far as the fold beneath the breast, if necessary.
Wound closure once again results in a linear scar pattern that runs along the upper arm’s inner aspect. A zigzag pattern closure is performed within the axilla to avoid postoperative scar contracture. Lastly, a linear closure of the wound along the lateral chest wall is performed.
All wounds are closed in multiple layers over a surgical drain with absorbable sutures and skin staples, which will be later removed.
Dr. Lee will perform a thorough medical evaluation during your consultation to ensure you are medically fit for surgery.
He will also revise your medication list, as certain medications may need to be temporarily stopped before your surgery.
After carefully evaluating your arms and chest and assessing your aesthetic goals, Dr. Lee will review your available surgical options and help you choose a treatment plan that will allow you to achieve your desired results.
Since smoking is known to be associated with poor/delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence, wound infections, and increased scarring postoperatively, smokers will be asked to stop smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery, and for at least 4 weeks postoperatively.
Patients will also be scheduled for routine preoperative blood testing and an electrocardiogram must be 4 weeks minimum before surgery. If necessary, further recommendations will be made once the results of these tests have been reviewed.
Patients who are also bothered by excess sagging skin in other areas of their body could consider combining their arm lift with another body contouring procedure (i.e. “tummy tuck” and/or breast lift). Combined procedures offer patients the advantage of treating multiple areas of their body in one operative setting with a shorter overall recovery period.
The operation is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients are permitted to go home a few hours after surgery. There will be dressings over your upper arms after surgery. You will also be given a surgical garment or compression wrap for the first 6 weeks. Before leaving our facilities, you will be given specific instructions on caring for your surgical wounds throughout your recovery. You must follow these recommendations in order to minimize the appearance of your scars and to optimize your final results. Dressings should be left place until your first post-operative visit with Dr. Lee, at which point he will assess your wounds and if necessary, apply new dressings.
You will experience some discomfort; however, this can be controlled with the pain medications which will be prescribed for you. Some swelling and bruising are expected for the first 3-4 weeks after surgery. Although your arm lift surgery results will be immediately apparent, it may take up to 6-12 months for your scars to fully mature, swelling to completely resolve, and your final look.
Most patients can return to work or school after a week of recovery. For the first 4-6 weeks, patients are asked to avoid excessive/repetitive movements with their arms or lifting anything over 5 pounds. Light exercises are permitted at two weeks, while regular exercise and activities can be resumed at 4-6 weeks.
Scars form as the body’s natural response heal tissues. As with any scar, the extent of post-surgical scarring depends on a number of modifiable factors (i.e. avoidance of UV light exposure, tension-free wound closure, appropriate wound care, etc.) and non-modifiable factors (i.e. patient age, comorbidities, skin type, genetics, etc.). While it is not possible to perform scar-free surgery, Dr. Lee makes every effort to minimize the appearance of your post-surgical scars through careful pre-operative planning, the use of meticulous surgical technique, and by ensuring appropriate wound care and follow-up post-operatively. It is not unusual for scars to appear red and be slightly raised/firm for the first 4-6 weeks following surgery. Scars will flatten and become more pale over time, and can take up to 12 months before achieving their final appearance.
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with arm lift surgery. Smoking, diabetes, peripheral artery disease (poor circulation), as well as heart, lung, or liver disease, may increase your risk of perioperative and post-operative complications. Arm lift risks/complications include:
Dr. Lee will thoroughly discuss these risks (and possibly others) with you and answer any questions you might have before obtaining your consent for surgery.
