If you’re bothered by upper arm sagging, an arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) can help. This procedure reduces excess skin in the upper arm and tightens and smooths the underlying tissue, providing a slimmer, more proportional arm shape. After surgery, arms are tighter and smaller.
The procedure is performed by making an incision on the inside or back of the arm or in the armpit, removing excess fat, and tightening supportive tissue. Your doctor will help you understand the procedure and recommend the technique to achieve the best cosmetic result.
Planning
You and your surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail so you can understand how it will be performed. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your surgery.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll receive either IV sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will make an incision, either in the armpit or inside or on the back of your arm, depending on the amount and location of excess skin being removed. Excess fat is removed surgically or with liposuction. The underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over the new contour. The skin is then closed with absorbable sutures or stitches.
Recovery after arm lift surgery
After the procedure, your arms will be bandaged and may be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and provide support during healing. Small tubes may be placed under the skin to help drain excess blood or fluid.
You’ll typically return home on the day of surgery with instructions from your doctor, as well as any prescribed medications for pain and infection prevention. You’ll likely be able to return to work or regular activities after a few days. Your scars, while permanent, will fade over time.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Stephen Bradley Baker, MD
Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Alayna Marie Blazakis, AGPCNP-BC
Wound Care & Plastic Surgery
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Gabriel Alfonso Del Corral, MD
Microvascular Plastic Surgery, Gender Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Kenneth L. Fan, MD
Plastic Surgery
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Grant Michael Kleiber, MD
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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David Zachary Martin, MD
Surgical Wound Care & Plastic Surgery
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Kerry Shumanski Moose, CRNP
Wound Care & Plastic Surgery
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Rajiv P. Parikh, MD, MPHS
Microvascular Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Julie Perta, PA
Plastic Surgery & Breast Surgery
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Kathryn M Sidrow, PA-C
Plastic Surgery
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David Habin Song, MD
Breast Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Mimi Yue Wu Young, MD
Plastic Surgery
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Richard C Youn, MD
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Surgical Wound Care & Plastic Surgery
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Ravi Kumar Aloor, MD
Plastic Surgery
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Rafael J. Convit, MD
Plastic Surgery
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Konrad L. Dawson, MD
Plastic Surgery
Show All Plastic Surgery
Our locations
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MedStar Health: Plastic Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road NW, BLES Building 1st. Floor Washington, D.C., 20007
866-990-5515
MedStar Health: Plastic Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St. NW POB North Ste. 3400 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
Frequently asked questions
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Am I a candidate for an arm lift?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You’re physically healthy
- You’re at a stable weight and not significantly overweight
- Your expectations are realistic
- You understand the risks that come along with surgery
- You have upper arm sagging and loose skin
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How much does the procedure cost?
The costs for the procedure will vary based on your specific needs. Most insurance plans don’t cover arm lifts.
When you come in for your consultation visit, we’ll be better able to discuss fees in detail with you. Our staff will also review the financing options available.
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Is the procedure covered by insurance
In most cases, the surgery isn’t covered by insurance. In rare cases, insurance coverage may be available if excess skin impedes arm function. It’s always best to discuss coverage questions with your insurance carrier.
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Do I need a referral to your office
If you’re exploring options for insurance coverage, you may need to request a referral from your primary care doctor, depending on your health insurance plan. Check with your carrier to see if medical coverage is an option for you and, if so, whether a referral is required.
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What are the risks of surgery
As with any surgery, arm lifts do pose some risks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, risks include:
- Anesthesia complications
- Bleeding
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, or muscles
- Fat tissue death (necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor scarring
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Sutures that don’t absorb and spontaneously surface through the skin
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How should I prepare for surgery
Before surgery, you may be asked to get blood tests and take or adjust medications. If you smoke, quitting will help you heal faster and better avoid complications. You’ll also need to arrange for transportation to and from the procedure on the day of surgery, and for someone to stay with you the night after the surgery.
For more information visit Patient Resources or Preparing for Surgery.