What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue of the upper arms. This procedure is ideal for patients who struggle with hanging skin, sagging tissue, or skin laxity that does not respond to exercise.

An arm lift is frequently performed after major weight loss but is also popular among patients experiencing natural skin aging. The goal of brachioplasty is to create a smoother arm contour and improve the overall shape and proportion of the upper arms.

At New Look New Life, our surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to achieve refined, natural-looking results while minimizing scarring whenever possible.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery in New York City if you:

• Have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms

• Have experienced significant weight loss

• Have sagging skin due to aging and reduced skin elasticity

• Maintain a stable weight

• Are in good overall health

• Do not smoke

• Have realistic expectations about results and scarring

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, evaluate your arm skin and tissue, and determine whether brachioplasty is the best solution for your body contouring goals.

Candidates for arm lift surgery are in generally

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, including:

• Removal of excess, sagging skin

• Improved upper arm contour and definition

• A slimmer, more toned appearance

• Enhanced comfort in clothing

• Increased confidence in sleeveless attire

• Long-lasting results with proper lifestyle maintenance

For many patients, the improvement in arm shape and firmness creates a noticeable enhancement in overall body proportions.

How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

Arm lift surgery is performed at our state-of-the-art Manhattan surgical center. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and takes approximately two to three hours to complete.

During surgery:

• An incision is made along the underside of the upper arm, extending from the elbow to the armpit

• Excess skin is removed

• Underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped

• Liposuction may be performed to remove excess fat

• The remaining skin is repositioned for a smooth contour

• Sutures are placed to close the incision

Your surgeon carefully plans incision placement to keep scars as discreet as possible while achieving optimal contouring results.

Arm Lift Recovery and Results

After arm lift surgery, patients can expect temporary swelling, bruising, and limited arm mobility. Compression garments are worn to support healing and maintain the new arm shape.

Most patients:

• Return to desk work within one week

• Resume light activity after two weeks

• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks

Results are visible immediately and continue to improve as swelling subsides. Final results develop over several months as the skin fully settles into its new contour.

With proper care, arm lift results are long lasting.

Arm Lift Cost in NYC

The cost of an arm lift in NYC varies based on the extent of excess skin, whether liposuction is included, and whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries.

At New Look New Life, arm lift surgery typically starts at $9,000. Your personalized quote will be provided during your private consultation and includes:

• Surgeon’s fee

• Anesthesia and anesthesiologist

• Accredited surgical facility

• Operating room fees

• Compression garments

• All post-operative follow-up visits

Flexible financing options are available.

Arm Lift Risks and Safety

When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, brachioplasty is considered safe. However, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk.

Potential risks include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Poor scarring

• Nerve irritation or compression

• Temporary or permanent sensory changes

• Anesthesia complications

Your surgeon will review all risks during your consultation and answer any questions you may have.

Combining Arm Lift with Other Procedures

Arm lift surgery can be safely combined with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results, including:

• Thigh lift

• Tummy tuck

• Mommy Makeover

• Liposuction

Combination procedures may reduce overall recovery time and provide more balanced body proportions. Your surgeon will determine whether combining procedures is safe for you.

Arm Lift Consultation in New York City

Your arm lift consultation is an important step in your surgical journey. During your private consultation, your surgeon will:

• Perform a physical evaluation

• Review your medical history

• Take clinical photographs

• Discuss your aesthetic goals

• Answer all questions

• Recommend surgical options

• Design a personalized treatment plan

Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and comfortable with your decision.

Is Arm Lift Surgery Painful?

Since your brachioplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort during your recovery can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Will My Arm Lift Leave Scars?

Since incisions are made during an arm lift, scarring is inevitable. However, our surgeons try to place incisions in inconspicuous locations. Brachioplasty scars will fade with time.

When will I see my arm lift results?

The results of an arm lift are immediate, and you will continue to enjoy improvements as your skin heals and adheres to the new shape. Patients are extremely pleased with the drastic yet natural-looking reduction in arm size.

How long will I need to wear a compression garment after arm lift surgery?

Most patients are advised to wear a compression garment for several weeks after arm lift surgery. This helps reduce swelling, support healing, and maintain the new arm contour as the skin adjusts.

Check out our financing information to learn more about paying for your arm lift in New York.

When can I return to exercise after an arm lift?

Light walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, but strenuous exercise, weightlifting, and upper-body workouts should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery progress.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

When performed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon, brachioplasty is generally safe with little risk of complications. However, all cosmetic procedures come with risks.

These risks include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Poor scarring

• Nerve compression

• Sensory loss

• Anesthesia complications

How long will my arm lift results last?

Your arm lift results are long lasting, provided you maintain an appropriate fitness level and a healthy diet. Skin elasticity weakens due to the natural aging process, and you may notice slight loosening in the arms over many years.

How long does an arm lift take to perform?

The arm lift procedure takes approximately two to three hours to complete.

Does an arm lift treat excess fat?

Brachioplasty alone does not treat significant excess fat. Patients with extra fat in the upper arm may benefit from liposuction surgery.