Arm Lift
(Brachioplasty)
The contours of your arms can influence everything from how you dress to how free you feel as you go about your life. When loose, sagging skin or fat develops in the upper arms — typically due to weight fluctuations or aging — it can leave you feeling limited and frustrated, even if you’re otherwise healthy and active. Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, can reshape and redefine the upper arms, helping you move past those limitations and feel more confident, comfortable, and free in your body.
I’m Dr. Leela, and I view arm lift surgery as a way to help you refine and reconnect with your body. Whether you’re looking to feel more free in your clothing, more at ease in your movement, or simply more in sync with how you see yourself, I’ll create a surgical plan that feels intentional and true to you. My approach is always personal and precise — so you can move forward with a renewed sense of self and shape.
Who Is a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery if you:
- Have loose, hanging skin or excess fat on your upper arms
- Experience discomfort, skin irritation, or chafing in your upper arm area
- Have difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably around your arms
- Are maintaining a stable weight, especially after significant weight loss
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations
Brachioplasty is not a weight loss procedure, but rather a body contouring surgery focused on improving the shape and tone of the upper arms. During your consultation, I’ll assess your anatomy and goals to determine whether an arm lift, liposuction, or a combination of both will achieve the best outcome.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
Brachioplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, particularly for patients seeking a more toned and proportional upper body. Benefits include:
- Removing sagging or stretched skin from the upper arms
- Tightening the upper arms to restore a firmer arm contour
- Enhancing comfort during movement and physical activity
- Improving clothing fit around the upper arms
- Reducing skin irritation associated with chafing in the upper arm area
- Smoothing upper arm contour
For many patients, this procedure is about more than just the appearance of your arms. It’s about freedom — the freedom to move comfortably, dress confidently, and feel ease in your own skin. With these beautiful benefits in mind, I’ll create a surgical plan that’s tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle.
About the Procedure
An arm lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the amount of skin and tissue to be removed and whether liposuction is performed at the same time. Reshaping the upper arms is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying support structures. Where appropriate, liposuction is performed to remove excess fat and further refine upper arm contour. In all cases, the goal of arm lift surgery is a smooth, proportional shape that complements the rest of your figure — giving you a natural, confident look.
Surgical Techniques
Arm lift surgery involves an incision along the inner arm, usually extending from the armpit to just above the elbow. For those with mild skin laxity, a shorter incision may be used. This incision is carefully placed along the inside of the arm, where it is less visible when the arms are at rest. Through this incision, the entire upper arm is reshaped and excess skin is removed. Liposuction may be used alongside the procedure to further smooth the contours and optimize the final shape of the upper arms.
Every surgical plan is thoughtfully customized to reflect your anatomy, preferences, and desired outcome. I’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and guide you toward the technique that best supports a refined, balanced result — one that feels natural to your body and aligned with how you want to move through the world.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients return home the same day as surgery with dressings and compression garments to support healing. You can expect swelling, tightness, and mild bruising during the first 1 to 2 weeks. Gentle movement is encouraged early on, but it’s important to avoid lifting, overhead motion, or strenuous activity for 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients return to non-physical work within 7 to 10 days. Final results continue to refine over 8 to 12 weeks as swelling subsides and the tissues settle.
Throughout your recovery, I’ll be here to guide you with personalized care and support — so you feel confident, informed, and cared for every step of the way.
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