Brachioplasty (Tighten Arm Skin)

Arm Lift Surgery

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces excess and oftentimes sagging skin of the upper arms. The procedure results in tightening and smoothing of the underlying supportive tissue(s) that defines the shape of the upper arm by reducing localized pockets of fat in the region of the upper arm. Arm lift surgery may be right for you if your upper arms are sagging and appear loose due to excess fat and skin. This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about surgical procedures

What’s not included:

• Lab testing before and after the surgery, as needed
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), depending on age. If you had one elsewhere in the past 6 months and it read “normal”, we can forego this expense.
• Imaging costs. X-rays and MRIs can be obtained anywhere.
• Physical therapy services
• Medications you’ll need (oral or IV antibiotic infusions if an infection arises)
• Wound care
• Bracing supplies
• Additional doctor visits (a pre-operative visit with the surgeon, in person, and any required post-op follow-ups after the suture removal to monitor your progress
• Additional surgical intervention if a complication arises
• Additional imaging or hospital care if a blood clot develops

Arm Lift Cost

The average cost of an arm lift is $3,729, according to 2013 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The average fee above DOES NOT include anesthesia, the surgery center, or other related expenses. A physician’s arm lift price is based on several factors, including his/her experience, geographic location, and the type of procedure implemented.
Most health insurances do not cover arm lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.
Arm lift surgery costs may include:

• Hospital or surgical facility costs.
• Medical tests.
• Post-surgery garments.
• Prescriptions for medication.
• Surgeon’s fee.
• Anesthesia fee.

When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for an arm lift, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Arm Lift Consultation

During your arm lift surgery consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments.
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and previous surgeries.

Your arm lift surgeon will also

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
• Take photographs.
• Discuss your options.
• Discuss likely outcomes of arm lift surgery and any risks or potential complications.

Arm lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Arm Lift Preparation

In preparing for arm lift surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medication regimen.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid aspirin, NSAIDS (Ibuprofen), and herbal supplements as they increase bleeding.

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during arm lift surgery. General anesthesia is the most likely choice of anesthesia. Your surgeon and anesthesia provider will design the best anesthetic plan for you.
Step 2 – Incision
Incision length during arm lift surgery depends on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. The surgeon uses their best judgment and depends on surgeon preference and experience. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction. Then, underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following surgery.
Step 4 –Results
The smoother contours that result from arm lift surgery are apparent almost immediately. Swelling and bruising is expected and will subside with time.

Arm Lift Recovery

During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery.
Be sure to ask your arm lift surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

1. Where will I be taken after surgery is complete?
2. What medication will be prescribed to me after surgery?
3. Will I have dressings that need to be maintained? When can I remove them?
4. When will my stitches/staples be removed?
5. When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
6. When do I return for follow-up care?

Arm Lift Risks and Safety Information

Arm lift surgery risks include:

1. Anesthesia risks
2. Bleeding
3. Infection
4. Poor wound healing
5. Unsightly scarring
6. Fluid accumulation (seroma)
7. Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
8. Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
9. Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
10. Pain, which may persist
11. Sutures may not absorb, but spontaneously surface through the skin, causing irritation,
12. drainage, and redness
13. Possible need for revisional surgery.

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

How are follow-up and initial consultations handled?

In-person and telehealth consultations are possible with the surgeon to whom your case is assigned. The initial visit is included in the surgical package and is valued at $375.
We can also obtain the flights from the volunteer pilot nonprofit if you’d like to come for initial and follow-up visits in person. One follow-up visit is included in the surgical package at a value of $175. Any additional visits are charged at the time of service to your credit or debit card.