Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Surgery, Recovery and More

Published February 10, 2024

Desiring a slim body is normal. Go for it if you think it can improve your self-esteem and confidence. Exercise and a healthy diet aid, but there are also cosmetic surgeries you can rely on. And one of them is brachioplasty. 

Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery that can enhance the look of your upper arms. It consists of tightening sagging skin and supportive tissue. It is also the removal of pockets of fat. As a result, it makes your arms appear more defined and sculpted. It is in a way that exercise and diet alone can’t. 

And if you’re curious about it, keep on reading. We’ll comprehensively discuss everything there is to know about brachioplasty. From what it is, its benefits, the procedure, cost, to recovery. Let’s get started. 

What Is Brachioplasty?

A brachioplasty is a surgery that resculpts the back part of your upper arm. It is from your arm to your elbow. It’s also defined as an arm lift. It cuts extra skin and tissue. It makes your it look smoother.

When a person gains a lot of weight, their skin slowly stretches with time. And if you lose a lot of weight, the skin may not have adequate elasticity to spring back into place. As a result, extra skin folds of tissue are born. These are likely to be under your arm and chin. Also, on your upper thighs and lower stomach. 

Brachioplasty is a kind of body contouring surgery. It is a type of surgery usually done after weight loss surgery. Most people who have had it are interested in a procedure that reshapes the body. Surgery also often does Brachioplasty at the same time as another surgery. These may include body contouring around the midsection, under the chin, or along the inner thighs. 

Benefits of Brachioplasty

1. Removes saggy skin 
2. Removes stubborn fat 
3. Improves arm contour 
4. Prevents rashes and skin irritation 
5. Promotes good hygiene
6. Improves comfort
7. Enhances appearance
8. Smooth and streamlined look 

Why Might I Need a Brachioplasty?

This procedure may be fitting for you if you recently lost weight. It’s typically done on people after they undergo weight loss surgery. You may not be happy with how you look after weight loss surgery if you’re left with extra folds of tissue under your arm. 

These extra skin folds may also trigger the following problems: 

1. General discomfort 
2. Inflammation and rash. It can lead to an infection 
3. Issues with hygiene in this area 
4. Poor self-esteem 

How Do I Get Ready for a Brachioplasty?

First, ask your medical provider if this surgery is ideal for you. Suppose you have specific health issues. In this case, the risk of the surgery might not be worth it. Your surgeon will also want to guarantee that you have a realistic idea of the outcome of surgery. You will also need to adhere to a healthy lifestyle. 

You may need to evaluate your finances as well. Most health insurance plans won’t cover body contouring surgery. They may cover it if you have complications. For one, an infection around a skinfold. Thus, these surgeries can be costly. It’s a good idea to know how much it can cost you. 

You should not have brachioplasty until you attain a stable weight. If you lose weight after surgery, you may get new areas of sagging skin. Conversely, gaining weight after the procedure can harm your weakened skin. It can direct to stretch marks and wide scars. 

Your surgeon may do testing before your Brachioplasty. These may include: 

1. Electrocardiogram. It is to evaluate your heart rhythm. 
2. Pulmonary function tests. It is to check your lung function.  
3. Basic blood tests. It is to check for infection, anemia, and kidney function. 

What Happens During an Arm Lift?

If brachioplasty surgery is fitting for you, here’s what to expect:

1. You receive medication to stay comfortable. It may include general anesthesia. It is what puts you to sleep and blocks sensation. You may, as an alternative, receive a local anesthetic too. The latter numb the surgical area. It aids you to relax. 
2. Surgeons make an incision on the inside or back of your arm—the size of the incision depends on how elaborate the procedure is. 
3. Your surgeon rids excess skin by cutting it away. In some cases, the surgeon is removed during liposuction. 
4. Your provider uses stitches to tighten supportive tissue. 
5. Prior to completing the treatment, surgeons close the incision with sutures. They also bandage your arm with sterile gauze. It is done to decrease the risk of infection. 

What Is Brachioplasty Recovery Like?

After the treatment, bandages guard the incision while it heals. You can wear a snug-fitting sleeve or compression garment, too. It is done to minimize swelling. There may also be tiny tubes under your skin to drain excess fluid. 

Arm lift recovery also includes: 

1. Altering bandages and elevation on pillows as necessary 
2. Get plenty of rest. Eat a healthy diet. 
3. Staying away from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a period of recovery 
4. Wearing a compression garment for weeks

How Soon Will I Notice Results?

You’ll quickly notice improvements in the shape and tone of your upper arms after surgery. Longer-term alterations include: 

1. Swelling and bruising, which may subside in a few weeks 
2. Scars may alleviate somewhat but never entirely disappear
3. Some recurrent looseness 
4. Sagging can occur naturally with further aging 

Brachioplasty Cost

The cost of brachioplasty can differ widely based on several factors. It may include the surgeon’s skills and experience. The geographic location of the procedure can impact, too. Also, the specific needs of the patient are considered. 

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that the average cost of an arm lift is $5,490.