Celebrate Yourself

Embrace Your Arms: The Complete Guide to Brachioplasty

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Many people struggle with excess skin and sagging in their upper arms, whether due to weight loss, aging, or genetics. Brachioplasty, commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and contour the arms, resulting in a more toned and defined appearance. If sagging skin has ever made you hesitant to wear sleeveless tops or you’ve longed for more toned, sculpted arms, this guide has you covered. 

Join Dr. Jonathan Kramer as he dives into brachioplasty, explaining everything from the best candidates to understanding the procedure, recovery, and expected results.  You will find everything you need to make an informed decision and embrace your arms with confidence!

What Is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is designed to eliminate excess skin and fat from the upper arms, resulting in a firmer, more sculpted appearance. By tightening underlying tissues and removing sagging skin, the procedure enhances arm contours, creating a smoother, more toned look. Whether due to aging or significant weight loss, brachioplasty restores a more youthful, proportionate shape, helping individuals achieve arms that better reflect their desired aesthetic.

When Is an Arm Lift Right For You?

If you struggle with loose, sagging skin on your upper arms due to aging, weight loss, or genetics, an arm lift may be the ideal procedure to help you reach your body contouring goals. If diet and exercise haven’t helped achieve the toned look you desire in your upper arms, brachioplasty can reshape and tighten the area, creating smoother, more defined contours. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking for long-lasting results to enhance their confidence and appearance.

What To Expect During the Procedure

During an upper arm lift, Dr. Kramer makes an incision along the inner or outer portion of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow, depending on the severity of excess skin. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures, while excess skin is carefully removed. The remaining skin is smoothed over the newly contoured arm, resulting in a firmer, more youthful appearance. You may also choose to combine your arm lift with liposuction for a more comprehensive transformation.

What to Expect with Upper Arm Lift Recovery?

Recovery from an upper arm lift varies depending on the surgical techniques used, but most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks. If the procedure is combined with other body contouring surgeries, additional healing time may be needed. To ensure proper recovery and prevent complications, heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 months. As healing progresses, the arms will take on a firmer, more contoured appearance, revealing smoother, more defined results.

When Do You See Results?

Visible results from an upper arm lift begin to emerge around six weeks post-surgery, once major swelling subsides. Since tissue removal is permanent, maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and exercise is essential for preserving your sculpted outcome. While scarring varies based on incision length, careful placement on the underside of the arm ensures discretion, and with time, any visible scars will fade, leaving behind a smoother, more contoured appearance.

If you are tired of hiding your arms under sleeves and want to take the first step toward a sleeveless summer, Dr. Kramer is here to help you achieve those goals. Call 208-344-4900 today to schedule a consultation and be on your way to a new, sculpted you.

Dr. Jonathan Kramer

Author: Dr. Jonathan Kramer

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Boise, Dr. Jonathan Kramer believes that plastic surgery goes well beyond what we see physically, and that it can bring profound life-changes. He earned his MD at Emory University and completed a two-year plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.