What is Brachioplasty Surgery?
Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and, when appropriate, unwanted fat from the upper arms. Aging, significant weight loss, and changes in skin elasticity can cause the upper-arm skin to become loose, creating a “bat wing” appearance.
At BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Boswell is a board-certified plastic surgeon who helps patients improve upper-arm contours and feel more confident in their clothing.
Brachioplasty can remove loose skin and excess fat extending from the elbow to the armpit. If excess skin extends onto the side of the chest, the incision may be lengthened to address this area. This additional procedure is called an axilloplasty and may be performed at the same time as an arm lift.
Is an Arm Lift Right for You?
Brachioplasty may be appropriate if you have:
- Significant loose skin on the upper arms
- Excess skin after major weight loss
- Skin laxity related to aging
- Upper-arm contours that have not improved with diet and exercise
- Difficulty wearing short sleeves or clothing comfortably because of excess skin
Arm exercises can strengthen the underlying muscles and improve mild laxity, but they generally cannot correct significant excess skin. Nonsurgical treatments may provide limited improvement, but surgery is typically the most effective way to remove substantial loose skin.
Arm Liposuction
Liposuction may be an option for patients who have excess fat in the upper arms but good skin elasticity and little or no significant skin laxity. During your consultation, Dr. Boswell will evaluate your skin quality and recommend the procedure—or combination of procedures—best suited to your goals.
Brachioplasty Procedure
During an arm lift, excess skin is removed through an incision typically placed along the inner or underside of the upper arm. The incision length depends on the amount and location of excess skin. It may extend from near the elbow to the armpit.
The procedure may also address the contours of the:
- Upper arm
- Armpit
- Area in front of the armpit
- Side of the chest, when an axilloplasty is performed
For some patients, the incision is extended into the armpit in a pattern sometimes described as a “hockey stick.” If excess skin extends onto the lateral chest, the incision may continue partway down the side of the chest.
Dr. Boswell will discuss the planned incision, expected scar placement, and treatment options during your consultation. An arm lift may be performed on its own or combined with other body-contouring procedures.
Brachioplasty Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Arm Lift Surgery Last?
Patients typically arrive at the hospital approximately two hours before surgery to meet the hospital and anesthesia teams. This also allows time for Dr. Boswell to confirm the surgical plan, mark the incision sites, and answer any final questions.
The procedure generally takes two to three hours, followed by approximately one hour in the recovery area. The exact timing depends on whether additional procedures are performed.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. Your anesthesia team will review the anesthesia plan with you before surgery.
Is a brachioplasty an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
An arm lift performed by itself is generally an outpatient procedure. If it is combined with other surgeries, an overnight or longer hospital stay may be recommended, depending on the procedures performed and your individual needs.
What are common side effects?
Temporary side effects may include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness
- Changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or tingling
These effects typically improve during the recovery period.
What are the Risks of Arm Lift Surgery?
As with any surgery, brachioplasty has potential risks. These may include:
- Noticeable or widened scars
- Contour irregularities
- Bleeding or a hematoma
- Seroma, or fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Delayed wound healing
- Persistent or permanent changes in skin sensation
- The need for revision surgery
Arm lift scars are permanent. They are typically located along the inner or underside of the upper arm and may remain red or noticeable for many months. Scars often fade and flatten over time, but their final appearance varies from patient to patient.
Dr. Boswell will review the potential risks and benefits of surgery during your consultation.
What is recovery like after an arm lift?
Most patients can return to work in approximately one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job and their rate of healing.
General activity guidelines may include:
- Walking on the day of surgery
- Walking as the primary form of exercise during the first month
- Resuming activities such as biking or using an elliptical machine around four weeks, with approval
- Returning to unrestricted exercise around six weeks, with approval
- Avoiding lifting more than 10 pounds during the first two weeks
- Limiting lifting to no more than 20 pounds during weeks three and four
Your specific recovery instructions may differ. Follow Dr. Boswell’s recommendations carefully to reduce the risk of complications and support proper healing.
Scars may continue fading and flattening for six to 18 months after surgery.
How Long Do the Results of Arm Lift Surgery Last?
Arm lift results are long lasting and are generally considered permanent. However, future aging, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of the arms.
Some recurrent skin laxity is normal as postoperative swelling resolves. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results.
Schedule an Arm Lift Consultation in St. Louis
If you are concerned about loose upper-arm skin or want to learn whether brachioplasty is right for you, schedule a consultation.
During your consultation, Dr. Boswell will evaluate your arms, discuss your goals, explain your treatment options, and create a personalized surgical plan.