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Upper Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

An upper arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove loose, sagging skin from the underside of the upper arms, typically caused by aging or significant weight loss. Many individuals choose this treatment to enhance the final results of their weight loss transformation. During your consultation, a personalized surgical plan will be developed to align with your cosmetic goals. The procedure involves making an incision along the inner portion of the upper arm, usually from the armpit to the elbow. Through this incision, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat, and excess skin is removed to create a smoother contour. In cases with severe tissue laxity, internal support structures may be reinforced, and a drain may be temporarily placed to manage fluid buildup and minimize bleeding.

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a smoother, firmer, and more toned contour. Often referred to as an arm lift, this procedure is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity. Dr. Arko Demianczuk performs brachioplasty using advanced techniques to help you achieve natural-looking results with minimized scarring and downtime.

What Is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is a body contouring procedure that targets loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits along the upper arms. During the procedure, Dr. Demianczuk makes an incision along the inner or back of the arm, removes excess skin and fat, and reshapes the tissue to create a more toned silhouette. In some cases, liposuction may be combined with surgical excision to enhance contour and improve definition. The result is a more proportionate appearance of the arms.

Who Can Benefit from Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is best suited for healthy adults who are at a stable weight and are concerned with sagging skin or fatty tissue on the upper arms that cannot be improved through diet or exercise. Ideal candidates may have experienced significant weight loss or notice age-related changes in skin elasticity. Dr. Demianczuk will evaluate your overall health, skin tone, and cosmetic goals to determine if arm lift surgery is right for you.

What Can Be Combined with Brachioplasty?

To further refine results, brachioplasty can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). In some cases, patients undergoing post-weight-loss body contouring may include arm lift surgery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Dr. Demianczuk customizes each surgical approach to fit your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

What to Expect During Surgery and Recovery

Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the extent of correction. You may experience swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with medication and compression garments. Most patients return to normal daily activities within seven to ten days, although strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Demianczuk provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Brachioplasty Results

You will notice an immediate improvement in the shape and firmness of your upper arms following surgery. As swelling subsides and the incision lines fade over time, results continue to improve. Final outcomes are typically visible within a few months, offering long-lasting enhancement in arm contour and overall body proportions. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your surgical results for years to come.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to restore confidence in your arms and achieve a more contoured upper body, schedule a consultation with Dr. Demianczuk today by completing our online contact form.

Before & After

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine this surgery with other procedures?

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.

Should I get liposuction or an arm lift?

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.

What is an upper arm lift?

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.

Who is a good candidate for an upper arm lift?

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.

How long does the upper arm lift procedure take?

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

What is the recovery process like for an upper arm lift?

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.

What are the risks of an upper arm lift?

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

Liposuction or lift?

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.

Will there be a scar?

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.

Schedule your consultation

To find out how brachioplasty procedure can help you meet your goals, contact Dr. Demianczuk of Pacific Plastic Surgery.

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“I’ve seen him for 2 different surgeries and he is BY far the best and doctor ever. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for best results and his honesty is like no other. I could go on and on about My past experiences with others but I’ll keep it short. If you want good results and a great doctor see Dr D.”

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Dr. Arko Demianzcuk

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | BLOG

Dr. Arko Demianzcuk received his MD degree with honors from Queens University and his Plastic Surgery training (FRCS) from the University of British Columbia. His post-graduate education included subspecialty training in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston. Dr. Demianzcuk has been appointed as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and served as Director of the UBC Resident Cosmetic Clinic for over a decade.Dr. Demianzcuk’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada with subspecialty training in Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Medical Association.