Arm Lift Surgery

Refined arms. Renewed confidence.

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the upper arms to improve their shape and contour. Factors such as aging, major weight loss, and genetic factors can contribute loose, hanging skin along the upper arms, often creating a “bat wing” appearance that cannot be corrected through diet or exercise alone. Arm lift surgery tightens and tones the upper arms for a firmer, more sculpted appearance.

Every patient’s body and goals are unique. Dr. Ryan Constantine will work closely with you to design a surgical plan tailored to your needs. His goal is to deliver results that look refined, feel comfortable, and help patients feel more confident in their proportions.

Who Is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery may be a good option if you:

Have loose or sagging upper arm skin
Have excess upper arm skin after significant weight loss
Feel self-conscious about your arms when wearing sleeveless clothing
Experience chafing or skin irritation due to excess upper arm skin

Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Ideal candidates are also at or near a stable body weight and understand that arm lift surgery is designed to improve contour rather than promote weight loss.

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

Patients who choose to undergo arm lift surgery can look forward to the following benefits:

Improved arm contour: Remove excess skin and tissue for a firmer, more toned upper arm appearance.
Enhanced body proportions: Improve balance between the arms and the rest of the body.
Greater clothing confidence: Feel more comfortable in sleeveless tops and fitted clothing.
Long-lasting results: Excess skin is permanently removed, providing lasting improvement (with a stable body weight).
Improved comfort: Reduce skin irritation and chafing caused by excess tissue.

About the Procedure

Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours, depending on the amount of correction needed. During the procedure, Dr. Constantine removes excess skin and tissue from the upper arms and reshapes the remaining tissue to create a smoother, firmer contour. Liposuction may also be performed to remove stubborn fat and further refine the arm shape. Most patients return home the same day to begin recovery.

Request a Consultation with Dr. Constantine

Recovery and Healing

Here is what most patients can expect for recovery after an arm lift:

First week: Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common. Compression garments may be worn to support healing and reduce swelling.
One to two weeks: Most patients return to work and light activities.
Four to six weeks: Gradual return to exercise and more strenuous activity as cleared.
Three to six months: Swelling fully resolves, and final arm contours become visible.

Dr. Constantine provides personalized recovery instructions and follow-up care to support optimal healing and long-lasting results.

Arm Lift FAQs

Will there be visible scars?

Yes. Arm lift surgery requires incisions to remove excess skin, but the surgical incisions are discreetly placed along the inner arm whenever possible to minimize their appearance. Dr. Constantine carefully plans incision placement to minimize visibility while achieving the best contour improvement. The resulting scars typically fade over time.

Can an arm lift get rid of stubborn fat?

Yes. Liposuction is commonly combined with arm lift surgery to remove stubborn fat and further refine arm contours.

How long do arm lift results last?

Results from arm lift surgery are typically long-lasting. Maintaining a stable body weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve results over time.

Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Arm lift surgery may be combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, thigh lift, or body lift, particularly after significant weight loss. Dr. Constantine will discuss whether combining procedures may be appropriate for your goals.

When will I see my final results?

Improvements are visible immediately after surgery, but swelling takes time to resolve. Final results are typically visible within three to six months as healing progresses and tissues settle.