Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Loose upper-arm skin can persist after weight change or develop with aging. The assessment should distinguish skin excess from fat and review how far the looseness extends toward the elbow or side of the chest. Explain what bothers you in movement and clothing. Discuss previous scars, arm swelling and any surgery involving the armpit before planning incisions.

Brachioplasty removes selected skin and tissue along the upper arm. The incision may extend from the armpit toward the elbow, placed on the inner or back aspect according to the plan. A short armpit incision is suitable only for selected patterns. Ask to review the trade-off between scar length and the amount of skin that would remain.

Arrange help with reaching high shelves, dressing, washing your hair, shopping and lifting. These can be difficult even if you feel otherwise well. Discuss your usual work and whether it involves repetitive arm movement. Ask how to care for wounds, position the arms and use any garment without making it too tight or restricting circulation.

Swelling, bruising and temporary tightness may limit movement early on. Follow instructions for gentle movement while protecting the incision from pulling. Ask when you may drive, return to overhead work, carry a bag and resume strength training. Being able to move an arm does not mean the wound is ready for the same force as before surgery.

1. Early healing: Arrange a ride and the help recommended for your operation. Follow instructions for wound care, medicines and gentle movement; feeling better does not mean the tissues are fully healed.
2. As activity increases: Use follow-up to review the incision and agree on work and exercise. Driving requires safe movement and freedom from the effects of sedating medicines.
3. Over the following months: Scars and remaining swelling may continue to change. Keep scheduled checks and ask about a result that is not progressing as expected.

The scar is permanent and may show when you raise your arms or wear sleeveless clothing. It can widen, thicken or differ between sides. Changes in sensation and prolonged swelling are possible. Some looseness may remain, especially if skin changes extend beyond the treated area. Ask to review realistic examples showing scars as well as the contour.

Liposuction may be appropriate when the main concern is fat and the skin can adapt, but it cannot remove a hanging skin fold. Exercise can improve strength without removing that skin. A stable weight and a clear view of the scar trade-off help with the decision. You can choose to retain some looseness rather than accept a longer scar.

Your estimate should reflect the length of correction, any liposuction, garments and wound checks. Ask for the surgeon, anesthesia and facility charges to be listed, along with garments, tests, follow-up and any costs for a complication or revision. Confirm what happens if the plan changes or surgery is postponed. This website does not provide a confirmed price, insurance decision or financing offer.

Before discharge, get written instructions explaining expected symptoms, warning signs, an after-hours contact and where to go if help is needed. Report worsening pain, fever, spreading redness, unexpected drainage or a wound that opens. Uncontrolled bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting needs emergency care; call 911 in the United States. A website guide cannot assess a postoperative symptom or replace your team’s instructions.

These patient resources explain general principles. They do not confirm a particular clinician, technique or result at Veloré. This guide is educational; your treating clinician must confirm the plan and give personal instructions.

• ASPS — Arm lift
• ASPS — Arm lift — procedure steps
• ASPS — Arm lift — risks and safety

Content updated 3 November 2026.