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Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)

What is a Brachioplasty?

For many women, weight loss, aging, or the natural changes that follow breast cancer treatments can leave behind sagging skin on the upper arms. This can make wearing sleeveless clothing or feeling comfortable in one’s skin a daily struggle. 

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, addresses this concern. Designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, a brachioplasty creates a smoother, more toned appearance.

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Key Information

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Removes excess skin and fat for a toned arm contour
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Takes 1.5–3 hours under general anesthesia

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Return to light activities in about a week

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Resume full activities in 4–6 weeks

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Incisions hidden inside the arm; scars fade over time

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Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected

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Low risk of complications with expert care
Best for healthy non-smokers with excess arm skin

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What to Expect During Surgery

During your arm lift, you’ll be comfortably asleep under general anesthesia. Our skilled surgeons make a discreet incision along the inner or back of the arm, depending on your needs. 

Excess skin and fat are then carefully removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened to create a smoother contour. In some cases, liposuction is used to further refine the shape. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures designed to minimize scarring. 

The entire procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, and it focuses on safety, precision, and natural-looking results.

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Before & After

See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    You’ll experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness. Keep your arms elevated, limit movement, and avoid lifting heavy objects. Pain is manageable with prescribed medication.
  • Week 2:
    By the second week, swelling and bruising begin to improve. Most patients feel ready to return to light activities and work, but should avoid strenuous
  • Week 3-4:
    Discomfort continues to ease, and incisions begin to heal more visibly. If your surgeon approves, you may start gentle stretching and light exercise.
  • Week 5-6:
    By the fifth and sixth week, most swelling has resolved, and the scars are fading. With your surgeon's clearance, you can typically resume all normal activities, including exercise.
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Am I a Candidate for an Arm Lift Surgery?

Like any surgery, brachioplasty is best suited for individuals with certain health and lifestyle criteria. Some patients may be better candidates than others, based on overall health, skin quality, and personal goals.

You may be a strong candidate for upper arm skin removal if:

-You have excess, sagging skin on your upper arms
-You maintain a stable, healthy weight
-You are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
-You are in good overall health without uncontrolled medical conditions
-You have realistic expectations about the results and recovery

Am I a Good Candidate for DIEP Flap?

If you’ve had a mastectomy or are planning one, and you’re seeking a long-term, natural alternative to implants, you may be a strong candidate for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. This procedure uses your own tissue to rebuild the breast and can often include sensation restoration at the same time.

Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

  • Have enough tissue in the lower abdomen to recreate the breast
  • Prefer to avoid or remove implants
  • Are seeking natural results that look and feel like their own body
  • Are in good general health and able to tolerate a longer surgery
  • May have had complications with previous reconstructions or implants
  • Are interested in restoring breast sensation through nerve reconstruction (if eligible)
  • Are not currently smokers (or are willing to quit prior to surgery)
  • Do not have medical conditions that impair healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
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Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Will Insurance Cover an Arm Lift?

An arm lift is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, there are rare instances where coverage may be possible if the surgery is deemed medically necessary—such as when excess arm skin causes rashes, infections, or limits your ability to perform daily tasks. 

Our team at PRMA is happy to assist you in navigating your insurance benefits and provide any necessary documentation to support your case.

For more information, visit [Insurance FAQs] in the patient resource center.
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Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

Whether you’re local or traveling in, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Explore what to expect before surgery and how to plan your trip to PRMA.

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Preparing for Surgery
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the results of my arm lift last?
The results of brachioplasty can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, natural aging may gradually affect skin elasticity over time.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after my arm lift?
In most cases, brachioplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Rarely, an overnight stay may be recommended for observation, particularly if combined with other methods.
Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
Yes! Many patients combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as breast surgery or a tummy tuck, for a more comprehensive result. Your surgeon will discuss safe options based on your goals and overall health.
Will an arm lift affect my ability to exercise or lift weights long-term?
After full recovery, most patients regain their full range of motion and strength. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s guidelines during recovery and gradually reintroduce activities like lifting weights or high-impact exercise.

Reclaim Confidence with Beautifully Contoured Arms

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