Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Miami

If loose, hanging skin on your upper arms makes you reluctant to wear sleeveless tops, an arm lift (brachioplasty) may be an option worth discussing. At CG Cosmetic Surgery in Miami, our board-certified plastic surgeons can evaluate your arms in a free consultation, explain what an arm lift can and cannot do, and walk you through your options. Our practice is rated 4.5 stars from more than 10,900 Google reviews.

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, and sometimes excess fat, from the upper arm, then reshapes the remaining tissue for a smoother, firmer contour. It is most often considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight, or whose skin has loosened with age, and who find that exercise alone does not change the hanging skin. Individual results vary.

Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

Every patient is different, and your surgeon will review these requirements at your consultation and decide whether surgery is appropriate for you. In general, you may be a good candidate if you:

• Have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms that bothers you
• Are at a stable weight, since significant weight changes after surgery can affect your results
• Are in good general health and do not use nicotine, or are willing to stop before and after surgery as your surgeon instructs
• Understand that the procedure leaves a scar and have realistic expectations

If your arms have more fullness than loose skin, liposuction alone may be a better fit. If you are thinking about other areas too, ask about combining procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, a breast lift or a mommy makeover. Whether combining is safe for you is your surgeon's call.

How the procedure works

The exact technique depends on how much extra skin you have and where it sits. Your surgeon will plan this with you during your consultation.

• Incisions: In a traditional arm lift, the incision usually runs along the inner or back of the upper arm, often from the elbow toward the armpit. For people with a lot of excess skin, the incision may need to extend further, sometimes along the side of the chest. A shorter incision may be an option for people with milder laxity. Your surgeon chooses the approach based on your anatomy and goals.
• Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, underlying tissue may be tightened, and liposuction may be added to refine the contour when appropriate.
• Anesthesia: Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia administered by an anesthesia professional. Your surgeon will explain what to expect.
• Duration: Surgery time varies with the technique and whether other procedures are combined. Your surgeon will tell you how long your procedure is expected to take and whether you can go home the same day.

Watch Dr. Andrew Lofman explain, in the video below, how he extended an arm lift down the side of the chest to address hanging skin in a patient who had lost a large amount of weight. Whether that approach suits you will depend on your anatomy and goals.

Understanding arm lift scars

Every arm lift leaves a scar, and no surgeon can promise a scar-free result. How a scar looks depends largely on how your body heals. Some scars fade and become hard to notice, while others stay wider or thicker. Your surgeon will talk with you about where the scar will be placed and about aftercare, which may include silicone-based products and gentle scar massage once your surgeon says it is safe to begin.

Recovery timeline

Recovery is different for everyone, and the timeline below is only a general guide. Your surgeon will give you personal instructions.

• First days: Swelling, bruising, tightness and soreness in the arms are common, and rest is important. Many patients are given pain medication and specific instructions about dressings, drains if they are used, and follow-up visits.
• First weeks: Most patients gradually return to light daily activities, while avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous arm movement. When you can return to work depends on your job and your healing, and your surgeon will give you a personal timeline.
• Compression: Your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment to help control swelling, and will tell you how long to wear it.
• Several weeks to months: Swelling continues to settle and scars mature gradually over time. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume exercise and upper-body workouts.

Risks and considerations

All surgery carries risk. Possible risks of an arm lift include:

• Visible or widened scarring, including thick (hypertrophic) scars
• Seroma (fluid collection) or hematoma (blood collection)
• Infection
• Asymmetry between the two arms
• Changes in skin sensation or nerve injury, which may be temporary or, rarely, lasting
• Delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthesia reactions, or results that differ from what you hoped for

Your surgeon will review these risks, and how they apply to your health, before you make any decision.

How much does an arm lift cost in Miami?

The cost of an arm lift depends on the technique, how much correction is needed, the surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees, and whether other procedures are combined. Because your plan must be tailored to you, an in-person consultation is required for an exact written quote, and the final price varies by patient. We will go over every cost with you. Ask your coordinator about financing options.

Why choose CG Cosmetic Surgery for an arm lift?

Dr. Andrew Lofman, a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery), performs arm lifts at CG Cosmetic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your goals and recommend the approach that fits you. You can browse general results on our before and after pictures page. Results vary from patient to patient and are not a guarantee of your outcome.

Arm lift FAQ

How long does arm lift recovery take?

Recovery varies. Many patients gradually return to light activity as they heal, while swelling and scar maturation continue for a long time afterward. Your surgeon will give you a personal timeline for work and exercise.

How much does an arm lift cost in Miami?

Pricing depends on the technique, the extent of correction and whether other procedures are combined. An in-person consultation is required for an exact written quote, and the final price varies by patient. Ask your coordinator about financing options.

Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?

You may be if you have loose arm skin, are at a stable weight, are in good general health and have realistic expectations. Your surgeon will make this decision after examining you.

Will an arm lift leave a scar?

Yes, an arm lift leaves a scar, and a scar-free result cannot be promised. How noticeable it becomes depends on how you heal. Silicone-based products and massage may help, as your surgeon directs.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

Risks include scarring, seroma, infection, asymmetry and changes in skin sensation, among others. Your surgeon will review them with you in detail.

Ready to find out if an arm lift is right for you?

Take the first step: your consultation is free. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our board-certified surgeons at CG Cosmetic Surgery in Miami. No pressure, just answers.