Upper Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. An “upper body lift” includes liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast surgery (breast lift). During your consultation, each surgery will be discussed and recommendations will be made on whether these procedures should be done at the same time.

The decision to perform a skin lift versus liposuction only will depend on the elasticity of the patient’s skin. Patients that have small volumes of fat in their arms may be candidates for liposuction. In patients where there is an excess of loose, hanging skin, the only way to correct this problem is through a brachioplasty procedure.

An upper arm lift is a cosmetic procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It’s perfect for those struggling with excess fat and sagging or drooping skin on their arms.

Good candidates for an upper arm lift are patients in good overall health with realistic expectations who are struggling with excess fat and sagging skin on their arms. We also recommend candidates be nonsmokers and not pregnant or breastfeeding.

An upper arm lift procedure typically takes 2-3 hours.

At the beginning of the upper arm lift recovery process, you will have bruising, swelling, and discomfort. We’ll prescribe pain medication and give you a compression garment to help with discomfort and swelling, respectively. After 1-2 weeks, swelling will start to go down, and you can return to work and some light activities. In the following weeks and months, you will be able to return to most of your normal activities, and your results will be fully visible.

Some of the potential risks associated with an upper arm lift include infection, bleeding, scarring, and loss of sensation.

The decision to perform a skin lift versus liposuction only will depend on the elasticity of the patient’s skin. Patients that have small volumes of fat in their arms may be candidates for liposuction. In patients where there is an excess of loose, hanging skin, the only way to correct this problem is through a brachioplasty procedure.

It’s important that patients understand scarring is a part of this procedure. The scar will extend along the inner arm, from the armpit to the elbow. It is recommended that patients avoid excessive sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the scars are a small trade-off for a new, shapelier arm. Dr. Demianczuk will discuss scar care to help assist in the healing process.