What does it treat?
Loose upper-arm skin, sometimes with excess fat.
An arm lift addresses skin that may remain after weight loss or changes with age.
Body Contouring · Arms
Brachioplasty / Arm Lift
Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, removes excess upper-arm skin and may reduce fat to reshape the area between the armpit and elbow.
Will there be a scar?
Yes. Removing skin leaves a permanent scar.
The scar may extend from the armpit toward the elbow. Its length and position depend on how much skin needs removal.
Is it the same as liposuction?
No. Liposuction removes fat rather than excess skin.
It may be combined with an arm lift, but it cannot reliably correct substantial loose skin on its own.
01 · Overview
Understanding an arm lift
Weight changes, aging, and inherited skin qualities can leave the upper arms with hanging skin. Exercise can strengthen the muscles underneath, but it does not remove stretched skin. [1]
During brachioplasty, the surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the supporting tissue. Liposuction may also be used when excess fat contributes to fullness. The incision pattern depends on the amount and location of loose skin. [2]
The central choice is whether a change in arm shape and comfort is worth a lasting scar. A consultation should cover your goals, health, skin quality, weight stability, and the limits of what surgery can achieve. [1]
- Treatment area
- Upper arms
- Main approach
- Surgical skin removal
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the plan
- Main tradeoff
- Improved contour in exchange for permanent scars
Does an arm lift change muscle tone?
It changes the skin and soft-tissue contour, not muscle strength. Strength training and brachioplasty address different concerns.
Does it treat the forearms or side of the chest?
A standard arm lift focuses on the upper arms. Skin extending onto the side of the chest may require a longer incision and a broader surgical plan. Forearm treatment is not routinely part of brachioplasty.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What brings people to a consultation
Loose upper-arm skin can affect comfort, clothing choices, or how you feel about your arms. Your priorities help guide the discussion.
Hanging skin
A fold beneath the upper arm may persist even when your weight and exercise habits are stable.
Fullness with loose skin
Both fat and skin may contribute to the arm's shape, so removing fat alone may not address the concern.
Rubbing or clothing fit
Loose skin may rub or make sleeves uncomfortable. Tell your surgeon where this happens and what activities it affects.
Uneven arm contours
One arm may look different from the other before surgery. An arm lift may improve balance, but exact symmetry is not expected.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
The amount and location of excess skin determine which approach is worth discussing. A smaller incision is not always enough to address your goals.
Standard arm lift
Removes loose skin along the upper arm.
How it worksAn incision on the inner or back portion of the arm allows skin removal, often from the armpit toward the elbow.
May suitMay suit people with loose skin extending along much of the upper arm.
Main tradeoffThe longer scar may be visible when your arms are raised or uncovered.
Limited-incision arm lift
Addresses a smaller area of laxity near the armpit.
How it worksSkin removal is concentrated near the armpit rather than along the full upper arm.
May suitMay suit selected people with mild, localized excess skin.
Main tradeoffIt offers less correction and may leave looseness farther down the arm.
Extended arm lift
Addresses excess skin that continues onto the side of the chest.
How it worksThe incision extends beyond the upper arm to remove adjacent loose skin.
May suitMay suit people with more extensive skin excess, including after major weight loss.
Main tradeoffIt creates a longer scar and a larger area that needs to heal.
Arm lift with liposuction
Treats excess skin and fat together.
How it worksLiposuction reduces selected fat deposits alongside planned skin removal.
May suitMay suit people whose upper-arm fullness involves both fat and loose skin.
Main tradeoffAdding liposuction changes the treatment scope and may increase swelling; it does not replace skin removal.
Incision length and placement vary with your anatomy. Ask your surgeon to show where your proposed scars would lie with your arms relaxed and raised. [2].
Can I choose an armpit-only scar?
Only if that approach can reasonably address your skin excess. Limiting the incision despite more extensive looseness may leave a result that does not meet your goals.
Can other procedures be done at the same time?
Sometimes, but a longer operation can add recovery demands and risk. Your surgeon should explain whether combining procedures or staging them is safer for your health and planned treatment.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
A change in contour
Upper arms may look smoother and less loose.
- Early swelling and bruising can obscure the new shape.
- The degree of change depends on skin quality, anatomy, and the amount safely removed.
- Some looseness or asymmetry may remain.
A lasting scar
Scars are permanent, even as they soften and fade.
- Scar appearance continues to change over many months.
- Some scars become wide, raised, or more noticeable than expected.
- Discuss scar placement before surgery rather than assuming it will always be hidden.
Long-term maintenance
Results may be long-lasting, but your arms will continue to change.
- Aging and gravity continue to affect skin.
- Weight changes can alter the contour.
- Revision may be discussed for persistent concerns, but additional surgery has its own risks.
An arm lift is a contouring operation, not a weight-loss treatment. Stable weight helps support a more predictable plan and lasting contour. [1]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Determined by Your Surgeon
- Initial recovery at home
- Varies by Individual
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Based on Surgeon Clearance
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery, whether liposuction is added, and how you heal. Your surgical team's instructions take priority over general timelines.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
Dressings are placed over the incisions, and some patients have drains or a support garment. If you go home the same day, arrange an adult to drive you and help as directed.
Step 2 · First several days
Early healing
Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common. Your team will explain wound care, permitted arm movement, and how to recognize problems.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Gradual return to routine
Light daily tasks and desk work may become manageable before lifting or exercise. Returning to work does not mean the incisions or deeper tissues are fully healed.
Step 4 · Following months
Settling and scar maturation
Swelling gradually settles and scars continue to change. Follow-up visits help guide activity progression and scar care once the incisions have healed.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Desk workPlanning context: Some people can return within about one to two weeks, while others need longer. [1]What affects it: Pain, fatigue, drains, commuting, and arm use can affect timing.
DrivingPlanning context: Resume only when your surgeon clears you and you can operate the vehicle safely.What affects it: Sedating medication, restricted movement, and pain can interfere with steering and emergency responses.
Lifting and exercisePlanning context: Expect restrictions for several weeks, with timing set by your surgeon. [1]What affects it: Weights, pushing, pulling, and carrying children can strain healing incisions.
Showering and swimmingPlanning context: Ask separately when showering and soaking are allowed.What affects it: Open areas, dressings, and drains influence water-exposure guidance; swimming usually waits until wounds are healed and cleared.
Ask for restrictions that match your job, household responsibilities, and exercise routine rather than relying on a single recovery date.
Before your procedure
- Discuss your health history, prior operations, and any history of blood clots or healing problems.
- Bring a list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Review nicotine use and follow your surgeon's requirements for stopping before and after surgery.
- Discuss weight stability and any plans for further major weight loss.
- Arrange transportation and help with lifting, childcare, and household tasks as needed.
- Get written instructions for fasting, medication changes, wound care, and reaching the surgical team.
Will I need drains or compression?
Possibly. These are not used in every plan. If prescribed, ask how to manage them, when to call about problems, and when they can be removed or stopped.
When can I start scar care?
Wait for your team's clearance. Silicone products or other scar treatments may be discussed after the skin has closed. Do not place products on an open incision unless instructed.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary swelling, bruising, soreness, tightness, and altered sensation can occur. They should generally improve; worsening symptoms or a sudden change deserve prompt advice.
Bleeding or fluid collection
Blood or fluid can collect beneath the skin and may need drainage or another procedure.
Infection or delayed healing
Incisions can become infected, separate, or heal slowly. Some areas may lose skin or require additional wound care.
Noticeable scarring
Scars may widen, thicken, remain tender, or be more visible than expected.
Sensation or nerve changes
Numbness or altered feeling may persist. Nerve injury can occasionally cause lasting symptoms.
Contour concerns
Unevenness, asymmetry, residual looseness, or an unsatisfactory result may lead to discussion of revision.
Anesthesia and blood-clot complications
Anesthesia reactions and clots in the legs or lungs are possible and can be serious.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [3]
What your clinician assesses
- Overall health, anesthesia safety, and blood-clot risk
- Skin excess, fat distribution, and existing arm asymmetry
- Nicotine use, diabetes, nutrition, and healing history
- Weight stability, expectations, and ability to manage recovery
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope, including whether treatment involves both arms, liposuction, or an incision extending onto the chest.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon's services and the planned arm-lift approach.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether liposuction, additional areas, and any revision policy are included.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services and operating-facility charges.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether these are billed separately and how changes in operating time affect charges.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Potential garments, dressings, medications, and postoperative visits.
Ask your surgeonConfirm which items and visits are included and how unexpected care is billed.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately listed care-coordination or administrative services.
Ask TRCAsk what each service includes, whether it is optional, and whether it carries a separate fee.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will insurance cover an arm lift?
An arm lift is generally considered cosmetic. If you have documented skin irritation or functional problems, ask your insurer about its requirements before scheduling; symptoms do not guarantee coverage.
Should I finish losing weight first?
Usually, planning is more predictable when weight is stable. Further major weight loss may create more loose skin. Discuss your weight goals and nutrition with your surgeon.
Can the scars be completely hidden?
No placement can guarantee hidden scars in every position or outfit. Ask to review the proposed incision with your arms both down and raised.
Can loose skin return?
Some laxity can develop with aging or weight changes. Surgery removes existing excess skin but does not stop those processes.
0 consultation questions in your plan
View in My TRC workspaceMy Aesthetic Plan
Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm the treatment areas, incision pattern, and whether liposuction is included.
- Obtain personalized recovery restrictions and an after-hours contact plan.
- Review the written estimate and arrange transportation and home support.
View My Aesthetic Plan
Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]Cleveland Clinic: Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)Reasons for arm lifting, candidacy, distinction from liposuction, scars, recovery ranges, activity restrictions, and long-term contour changes.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Arm Lift ProcedureAnesthesia options, incision variation, skin removal, tissue reshaping, and use of liposuction.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Arm Lift Risks and SafetyBleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, poor healing, scarring, nerve and sensation changes, asymmetry, revision, anesthesia risks, and blood clots.
- [4]MedlinePlus: Cosmetic Breast Surgery — DischargeGeneral postoperative warning signs including breathing trouble, chest pain, fever, redness, swelling, wound drainage, and worsening pain; not arm-lift technique or recovery timing.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.