Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Patients who desire a more youthful appearance and thinner contour to the arms, or who have lost a significant amount of weight, may choose to have an arm lift. This procedure removes flabbiness or extra skin and fat in the upper, inner arms as well as folds of skin and fat in the upper chest near the armpit.

Insurance does not pay for brachioplasty.

Patients who undergo this procedure are placed under general anesthesia, and the operation takes about two hours. Some patients just have liposuction (to remove excess fat through very small incisions) if that is all that is needed. Other patients also may have excess skin removed. The incision for this is within the armpit or down the inside of the arm – depending on how much skin is to be removed and where the excess skin is located. If there is excess skin, the incisions are needed to lift the skin, tighten the skin on the arms, and remove the excess fat and tighten the ligaments in the arm to provide extra internal support. Most patients have drains placed for 24 to 48 hours, after which these are removed painlessly. Dressings cover the incisions, and a compression garment is used for several days to provide extra support to the healing skin and tissues. Some bruising and swelling are typical for the first few days. Most patients go home the same day with pain medication. Most resume normal activities within the first week, and the stitches are removed at about seven to 10 days. Most patients return to work in three to seven days.

Risks associated with the surgery include bleeding, infection and side effects from anesthesia.

Making an Appointment

For a consultation with a Washington University cosmetic surgeon, please call (314) 362-4452.

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Disclaimer: The photos on this website are of models, not actual patients.