Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

arm lift model

Remove the excess skin and fat from your upper arms axilla to the elbow.

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to help remove the excess skin and fatty tissue from the axilla and upper arm. Brachioplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight. Your preferences, anatomy and Dr. Johnson's recommendation will determine the technique and approach.

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Arm Lift FAQs

Brachioplasty (arm lift) before & after photos

All photos are of procedures performed by Dr. Melissa Johnson

Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?

An arm lift will remove the excess skin and fat from the upper arm from the axilla to the elbow. For optimal results, you should be at an ideal body weight. If you are actively losing weight, we recommend your weight be stable before undergoing an arm lift. During your consultation, we will provide you with our expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate. We will discuss the surgical process along with any possible risks and complications of the surgery. Write down any questions or concerns you have so they can be fully addressed at your consultation. Know what your surgical expectations are so Dr. Johnson can discuss them with you. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to help your recovery process.

How should I prepare for my arm lift consultation?

Researching arm lift on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the surgery and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you to discuss all your surgical options. We'll answer all your questions and provide you with all the necessary information so that you'll feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decisions.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 consultation fee for your initial visit. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson, the $100 consultation fee will go towards your surgery cost.

Are there different types of arm lift procedures?

An arm lift is done with an incision on the inside of the upper arm from the axilla (under arm) to the elbow. The excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is smoothed over and closed with dissolvable sutures. Liposuction may be recommended in addition to excision of the excess skin to better contour the arms. Drains may be placed to help prevent seromas (fluid collections) under the skin.

Where will my brachioplasty surgery be performed?

Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are accredited by the Joint Commission and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval, and both are conveniently located in Springfield, MA.

What is the surgical process for an arm lift?

The surgery is performed at a hospital. During surgery you will receive general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 2-3 hours. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours. Our recommendation is that you spend one night in the hospital.

Are there risks involved with arm lift?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with an arm lift are pain, infection, wound healing complications, hematoma/seroma, unsatisfactory results or scars that may require a revision surgery, injury to nerves, numbness or changes in sensation, or asymmetry.

What is the recovery process from Brachioplasty?

The first few days you may feel tightness and/or pain of the upper arms. You will notice that the pain decreases with each passing day. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. We will recommend that you wear a compressive dressing to help minimize swelling for the first week. We will see you a few days after surgery to evaluate your healing process and to change the dressing. The drains are removed about one week after surgery. We request that you do no heavy lifting for at least one month following surgery.

Will my insurance cover arm lift surgery?

Generally, an arm lift is not a covered procedure. Contouring your upper arms is considered a cosmetic procedure. Most insurances do not deem this procedure medically necessary and therefore it is not a covered procedure.

Can I finance my arm lift?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.