Arm Lift
Remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms with expert brachioplasty by Dr. James Rosing. Sculpted, proportionate arm contours.
Arm Lift
Remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms with expert brachioplasty by Dr. James Rosing. Whether after significant weight loss or due to natural aging, achieve sculpted, proportionate arm contours you can feel confident about.
2-3 hrs
Procedure Time
1-2 weeks
Initial Recovery
Permanent*
With Stable Weight
General
Anesthesia
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, more toned contour. This procedure is particularly transformative for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with hanging, redundant skin that no amount of exercise can address.
Dr. James Rosing believes in complete honesty about what brachioplasty entails. The incision runs along the inner arm, and while it fades significantly over 12-18 months, it is a permanent trade-off that patients should understand before surgery. For most patients, the dramatic improvement in arm contour and the freedom to wear sleeveless clothing with confidence far outweighs the presence of a well-healed scar.
Dr. Rosing tailors the procedure to each patient's unique anatomy and goals. For some, a mini arm lift with a shorter incision may suffice. For others, combining brachioplasty with liposuction delivers the most comprehensive improvement. During your consultation, he will recommend the approach that best balances your cosmetic goals with the most favorable scarring outcome.
Arm Lift Techniques
Traditional Brachioplasty
The standard approach for moderate to significant excess skin, with an incision from the armpit to near the elbow along the inner arm.
- Maximum skin removal
- Best for post-weight-loss patients
- Most dramatic improvement
- Scar hidden on inner arm
Mini Arm Lift
A less extensive option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity concentrated near the armpit area.
- Shorter incision in armpit
- More concealed scar
- Shorter recovery period
- Ideal for mild laxity
Liposuction-Assisted
Combines arm lift with liposuction for patients who have both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms.
- Removes fat and skin together
- More refined contour
- Smoother transition to shoulder
- Comprehensive improvement
Are You a Candidate?
An arm lift may be right for you if any of the following describe your situation:
Recovery Timeline
Arm lift recovery requires patience, particularly with scar maturation. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for your results.
Initial Recovery
Arms wrapped in compression garments. Moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness along the inner arms. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation. Pain medication prescribed. Keep arms elevated when resting.
First Follow-up
Drains removed if present. Dressings changed. Swelling beginning to settle. Light walking encouraged. Compression garment must remain on. Avoid reaching overhead or lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds.
Gradual Improvement
Bruising fading significantly. Sutures removed or dissolving. Many patients return to desk work. Arms still feel tight, which is normal. Continue wearing compression garment as directed.
Returning to Activities
Swelling continuing to improve. Arm mobility increasing. Light daily activities resume comfortably. Incision scars still red and raised, which is expected at this stage. Scar care protocol begins.
Continued Healing
Significant improvement in arm contour visible. Scars beginning to flatten and fade from red to pink. Light exercise can resume with Dr. Rosing's approval. Compression garment may be discontinued.
Final Results
Complete healing with final arm contour achieved. Scars continue to mature and fade over 12-18 months, settling into thin, pale lines along the inner arm. Full exercise and activity without restriction.
Dr. James Rosing, MD, FACS
Dr. James Rosing is a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who brings both surgical precision and honest communication to every brachioplasty consultation. He believes patients deserve complete transparency about what arm lift surgery can and cannot achieve, including realistic expectations about scarring.
With over 14 years of experience in body contouring procedures, Dr. Rosing has refined his techniques to maximize skin removal while minimizing scar width. His approach to post-operative scar management helps patients achieve the best possible long-term cosmetic outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most important trade-off to understand with brachioplasty. The incision typically runs along the inner arm from the armpit toward the elbow, and while Dr. Rosing places it in the most concealed location possible, the scar will be visible when your arms are raised or exposed. Over 12-18 months, scars fade significantly from red to a thin, pale line. Dr. Rosing will discuss scar management strategies including silicone sheeting and laser treatments. Most patients find that the dramatic improvement in arm contour far outweighs the presence of a well-healed scar.
Yes, arm lift surgery is frequently combined with liposuction for optimal results. Liposuction removes excess fat while the brachioplasty addresses loose, redundant skin. This combination is particularly effective for patients who have both excess fat and significant skin laxity. For patients with good skin elasticity but primarily excess fat, liposuction alone may be sufficient—Dr. Rosing will help determine the best approach for your specific anatomy during your consultation.
Yes, Dr. Rosing recommends maintaining a stable weight for at least 6 months before arm lift surgery. Significant weight fluctuations after the procedure can compromise your results by stretching the remaining skin. If you are actively losing weight or planning further weight loss, it is best to reach your goal weight first. For post-bariatric patients, Dr. Rosing will coordinate timing to ensure the best possible outcome.
Compression garments are typically worn for 4-6 weeks following arm lift surgery. The garment helps reduce swelling, supports the healing tissues, and encourages the skin to adhere smoothly to the underlying contour. Dr. Rosing will provide specific guidance on when you can begin removing the garment for short periods and when it can be discontinued entirely.
Light walking is encouraged within the first week to promote circulation. Light lower-body exercise can typically resume at 3-4 weeks. Upper body exercises and weight training should be avoided for a full 6 weeks to allow the incisions to heal without tension. Dr. Rosing will provide a graduated return-to-exercise plan tailored to your healing progress. Pushing too hard too soon risks widening the scars.
Dr. Rosing uses a multimodal pain management approach that includes long-acting local anesthesia placed during surgery, oral pain medication for the first several days, anti-inflammatory medications, and ice therapy. Most patients report that discomfort is moderate and well-controlled, describing it more as tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain. By the end of the first week, many patients have transitioned to over-the-counter pain relief.
Financing Available
From $100/month
Arm Lift $6,000–$10,000 with 0% APR options available
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Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosing to discuss your arm lift goals. He will provide an honest assessment of your options and help you decide whether brachioplasty is the right choice for you.