What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape and contour of the upper arms. It removes excess skin and, in some cases, reduces localized fat that does not respond to diet or exercise.

This procedure is commonly chosen by patients who have experienced significant weight loss or natural skin laxity due to aging. The goal of an arm lift is to create smoother, firmer, and more proportionate upper arms that better match the rest of the body’s contours.

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery can significantly improve both appearance and comfort. Many patients feel self-conscious wearing short sleeves or fitted clothing due to loose or hanging upper arm skin.

Benefits may include a more toned arm appearance, improved skin tightness, and better overall body proportions. Clothing may fit more comfortably and confidently, and the upper arms often appear more sculpted and youthful after healing is complete.

The BYUN Approach to Arm Contouring

Dr. Michael BYUN focuses on creating natural, balanced arm contours that align with each patient’s body structure. Rather than simply removing skin, his approach considers overall arm shape, skin quality, and long-term aesthetic stability.

When appropriate, liposuction may be combined with skin tightening techniques to refine the arm’s silhouette. Incisions are planned carefully to minimize visibility while achieving durable and natural-looking results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Ideal candidates for an arm lift are individuals who have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with exercise. This is often due to aging or significant weight loss.

Patients should be in good overall health and at a stable weight before undergoing surgery. Those who are non-smokers and have realistic expectations about scarring and recovery tend to achieve the best outcomes.

During a consultation, Dr. BYUN evaluates skin elasticity, fat distribution, and overall arm structure to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Arm Lift Surgical Technique

Arm lift surgery involves removing excess skin and reshaping the underlying tissue to improve arm contour. The incision is typically placed along the inner or back portion of the upper arm to reduce visibility.

In some cases, liposuction is used in combination with skin excision to remove stubborn fat deposits and enhance definition. The specific technique used depends on the amount of excess skin and the patient’s desired outcome.

The goal is to achieve a smoother, more natural arm shape while maintaining proportion with the rest of the body.

Arm Lift Recovery and Downtime

Recovery from an arm lift typically involves swelling, bruising, and tightness in the upper arms for the first one to two weeks. These symptoms gradually improve as the healing process continues.

Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks, although lifting and upper body exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Compression garments may be recommended to support healing and reduce swelling.

As healing progresses, the arms become smoother, firmer, and more contoured over time.

Arm Lift with Liposuction

In some cases, arm lift surgery is combined with liposuction to improve contouring results. Liposuction helps remove localized fat deposits, while the surgical lift addresses excess skin.

This combination approach can enhance definition and create a more sculpted upper arm appearance. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have both fat accumulation and loose skin in the upper arms.

Mini Arm Lift vs Full Brachioplasty

A mini arm lift is a less extensive version of brachioplasty designed for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity near the upper arm area close to the armpit. It typically involves a shorter incision and a more limited amount of skin removal.

A full brachioplasty is used for patients with more significant excess skin that extends along the upper arm. This technique provides more dramatic reshaping but involves a longer incision.

The best option depends on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, which are evaluated during consultation.

How Long Do Arm Lift Results Last?

Arm lift results are long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Once excess skin is removed, it does not return, although natural aging will continue over time.

Most patients enjoy their improved arm contour for many years. Maintaining consistent weight and muscle tone can help preserve results and support long-term satisfaction.

Arm Lift Before and After Photos

Before and after photos demonstrate the improvements that can be achieved with arm lift surgery. These images typically show reduced skin laxity, improved arm shape, and a more toned appearance.

Every patient’s results vary depending on skin quality, amount of excess tissue, and surgical technique. During your consultation, you may review case examples to better understand potential outcomes.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Chicago?

The cost of an arm lift in Chicago varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgical technique used, and whether liposuction is included.

Other factors that may influence cost include anesthesia fees, facility costs, and the extent of skin removal required. A personalized treatment plan and full cost estimate are provided during consultation.

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Arm Lift FAQ

How painful is an arm lift?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, especially during the first few days. This is typically managed with prescribed medication and improves steadily as healing progresses.

Will there be visible scars after an arm lift?

Yes, an arm lift does involve scarring, which is typically placed along the inner or back portion of the arm to reduce visibility. Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable.

How long is arm lift recovery?

Initial recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks for most daily activities. However, full healing and final results may take several months as swelling continues to resolve.

Can an arm lift remove fat as well as skin?

Yes, in many cases liposuction is used in combination with an arm lift to remove excess fat and improve contouring results.

Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?

You may be a good candidate if you have loose or hanging upper arm skin that does not improve with exercise, are in good health, and maintain a stable weight.

Q: How does Dr. BYUN do the liposuction on thighs and arms? Does he cut and lift or use the conventional thigh and arm lift techniques (brachioplasty)? Will he correct the mistakes of other surgeons? How does he do it? Why don’t others use his techniques? 

A: As the Facelift Guru of the Midwest, Dr. BYUN has contributed to the field of plastic surgery by creating a staged body lift with a 360 degree liposuction, also known as the “Circumferential Lipoplasty”, and this “reverse Nike logo pattern” skin and thigh lift. This incision shape and mechanism will improve your body shape to last you a lifetime. 

Revolutionary Vision,
Unmatched Outcomes

Often times, conventional arm and thigh lifts by amateur surgeons leave very visible scars along your groin area. Other surgeons often think that they can aggressively lift the arms and thighs, but this is simply not the case. As patients exercise, the scars will get wider and the skin will start to pull down. Patients often get ripples of skim accumulating at their inner arms and thighs a short period after surgery.

This is why Dr. Michael BYUN does his Circumferential lipoplasty along with a specially designed incision to remove and lift excess skin once and for all, leaving almost no visible scars. 

On the homepage of our website, there is a video with a young woman who recently lost a lot of weight and this unfortunately left a lot of loose skin. She had a thigh and arm lift, as well as abdominal skin tightening and Dr. BYUN’s circumferential lipo in stages. See her before and after photos!