You may need to consult with a brachioplasty arm lift plastic surgeon if:
- You have lost a substantial amount of weight recently for any reason;
- The weight gains and losses associated with pregnancies have caused your upper arm skin to lose its elasticity;
- Your skin has begun to droop on your upper arms as a result of the aging process;
- You have excessive skin and/or fat in your upper arm regions that needs tightening for any other reason;

The upper arm lift surgical procedure involves an incision to be made along the length of the upper arm. The exact location of that incision would depend upon the amount of skin that you desire to have removed.
An upper arm lift surgery, also known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical technique that takes away any excess skin from your upper arm in order to create a more toned, firm appearance. An excessive amount of arm skin can cause you to not want to wear your favorite clothing or even to hold your arms up in the air. Your brachioplasty arm lift plastic surgeon will create a more youthful, athletic arm contour for you.
The upper arm lift surgical procedure involves an incision to be made along the length of the upper arm. The exact location of that incision would depend upon the amount of skin that you desire to have removed. For patients with a severe amount of excess skin to be removed, the incision would run the entire length from the elbow to the armpit. Many times, the surgeon will make an incision in the shape of a Z, or a simple curved incision in order to optimally hide any postoperative scarring.
Who can benefit from a brachioplasty arm lift plastic surgeon?
Basically, anyone with excessive arm fat and skin can benefit from brachioplasty. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with the upper arm lift surgery to optimize results. Excessive fat tissue is suctioned away, excessive skin is cut away, and then the entire area is stretched back together and sutured. There is always scarring involved. However, most people that elect an upper arm lift surgery feel that the scars are trivial as compared to the excessive amounts of fat and skin.
What is a mini arm lift?
Mini arm lifts are normally performed on individuals that have lost significant weight due to diet and exercise programs. The procedure is basically the same as an upper arm lift, yet is far less invasive. Most of the time, the incision can be completely hidden in the armpit region. This procedure is of course performed for the same reasons as brachioplasty, but to a considerably lesser degree.
Brachioplasty upper arm lifts and mini arm lifts are used to enhance appearance of the upper arms in instances where the skin has changed over time in any or all of the following four ways:
- The skin has diminished in thickness;
- The skin has lost elasticity;
- The skin has lost its ability to adhere to the tissues underneath of it;
- The skin has been drastically affected by the force of gravity;
In addition to these effects on the skin, subcutaneous fat layers, bones and muscle tissue all become thinner with aging as well. Further, collagen and other elasticized tissues located in the dermis correspondingly decrease in volume. Upper arm lifts and mini arm lifts are performed by your brachioplasty arm lift plastic surgeon in order to restore a tighter, more visually pleasing arm contour.
A list of upper arm lift and mini arm lift benefits:
- The restoration of a more youthful arm profile;
- The elimination of flabby extra skin tissues located on the inside of the upper arms;
- Enhanced aesthetics in the area of the upper chest;
- Increased confidence and self esteem;
- Restored desire to wear more revealing clothing;
- Results that are long enduring;
What are the risks involved with upper arm lift brachioplasty?
All types of surgery have risk factors associated with them. Your brachioplasty arm lift plastic surgeon will of course perform to the best of his or her ability to minimize your chances of experiencing any of the following:
- Any adverse reactions to general anesthesia;
- Postoperative bleeding;
- The onset of infection;
- Unsightly scarring;
- Any instances of asymmetry;
- Any nerve damage;
- Blood clotting;
- Hematoma;
- Chronic pain;
Always take the time to address any concerns or questions that may be on your mind with your brachioplasty arm left plastic surgeon. Be frank and open with your surgeon so that you can gain a clear understanding of the procedure that you are considering. Never rush into any type of cosmetic surgery. Upper arm lifts and mini arm lifts are serious surgical procedures that require your forethought and deep consideration.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.
If you are considering a Brachioplasty Arm Lift, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities