Arm Lift, Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift plastic surgery, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat, reducing the circumference and reshaping the upper arm area. Careful planning and excision of the excess skin and fat can conceal the scar on the inner side of the arm, improve the patient’s ability to fit into clothing and improve general comfort in this area.

In certain patients, the modified arm lift (a smaller procedure) limits the scar to only the armpit and is normally combined with a liposuction procedure to remove the fat through a keyhole wound.

Arm Lift
Before After Photos

Planning your Arm Lift Plastic Surgery

The consultation

In your initial consultation, Dr Barnouti will assess your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the quality of your skin and the amount of fat present. Please be sure to talk about your expectations with him.

This surgery is not suitable after mastectomy or other operations in the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.

The surgery

The procedure is typically carried out under general or local anesthesia. Surgical correction depends on the amount of excess skin and the degree of looseness in the supporting tissues. Excess skin is removed through incisions made along the inner arm, placing the incision where the tissues can be most effectively tightened. The incision may extend from the inside of the elbow to the inside of the armpit. Surgical sculpting involves addressing not only the superficial skin but also the deeper attachments that have become loose. In cases of limited excess skin, the incision can be concealed in the armpit, which can also help to re-suspend tissues in some cases. When there is excess fat and the skin is reasonably tight, the procedure of choice is liposuction, which is performed through a small puncture wound.

Regardless of the location of the surgical incision, every effort is made to ensure that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Drainage tubes following the operation are usually not needed, and the surgery usually takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Dissolving stitches are used to close the incisions, which are also taped for greater support.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

After Surgery

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

You’re likely to feel sore in the arms for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication that we will prescribe. Within several days, the dressings tape will be removed, and you will be asked to wear a compression garment. This is to reduce swelling and assist in shrinking and tightening of the skin. You should wear it as directed. Elevations of the arm with pillows while sleeping will increase comfort. The sutures are absorbable.

Getting you back to work and normal activities

Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for one’s job. Limiting heavy lifting is essential for 1-2 weeks.

Exercise and regular activities may be resumed in 2 weeks.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. They may remain the same size for several months.

Plastic Surgery Costs