Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Many candidates have experienced significant weight loss through GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or lifestyle changes, while others develop excess skin as a natural part of the aging process.
Even with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, excess skin and tissue in this area can be difficult—or impossible—to improve through diet and fitness alone. Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a firmer, smoother, and more contoured appearance.
Dr. Talbott performs arm lift surgery to address loose, hanging skin between the underarm and elbow, helping patients achieve improved arm contours and greater confidence in sleeveless clothing. Depending on the patient’s goals, brachioplasty may be performed alone or combined with liposuction to enhance the overall shape and definition of the upper arms.
Many patients choose brachioplasty after significant weight loss, while others seek treatment to address age-related changes that have resulted in sagging skin. During your consultation, Dr. Talbott will evaluate your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty may be an excellent option for individuals who are bothered by loose, sagging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with diet and exercise. Many candidates have experienced significant weight loss, while others develop excess skin as a natural part of the aging process.
You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery if you:
- Have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
- Are bothered by excess fat or tissue between the underarm and elbow
- Have maintained a stable weight and are close to your ideal body weight
- Are in good overall health and do not have medical conditions that could impair healing
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure and resulting scars
Brachioplasty is designed to improve the contour and appearance of the upper arms, but it is not intended as a weight-loss procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Talbott will discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine whether an arm lift alone or an arm lift combined with liposuction is the best approach for achieving your desired results.
Brachioplasty Procedure
Brachioplasty is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a firmer, smoother, and more youthful contour. The procedure begins with carefully placed incisions along the inner arm, extending from the underarm toward the elbow. The exact length and placement of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin being treated.
Dr. Talbott removes excess skin and, when appropriate, excess fat to improve the shape and definition of the upper arms. Liposuction may be used in conjunction with brachioplasty to further refine the contour. Once the desired improvement has been achieved, the remaining skin is tightened and the incisions are closed with sutures.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and generally takes between two and three hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction required. Brachioplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and assist them during the initial recovery period.
Brachioplasty Recovery
Following brachioplasty, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. These symptoms are temporary and can generally be managed with prescribed medication and compression garments. Compression sleeves are often recommended to help minimize swelling and support the healing tissues during recovery.
Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, although strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous upper-body activities should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks. As swelling gradually subsides, the arms will reveal a smoother, firmer, and more toned appearance.
It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. While brachioplasty does result in permanent scars, Dr. Talbott places incisions as discreetly as possible, and the scars typically fade significantly over time. Most patients find that the improvement in arm contour and confidence makes the procedure well worth the recovery process.
Patients who have experienced significant weight loss through GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or lifestyle changes may also be interested in learning more about our <a href=”/body-contouring-after-weight-loss/”>Body Contouring After Weight Loss</a> options.
What Our Patients Are Saying
I have had a tummy tuck and now a breast reduction with Talbott Plastic Surgery. It is an amazing experience from the first meeting with LaDawn to the last check up post-surgery. She is a brilliant surgeon, amazing educator, and detailed in her results. I tell people she does that little extra to ensure you are satisfied beyond expectations. Making sure you love the results is her priority. Couldn’t be happier with the results; wish I had done both procedures sooner in life 🙂 – S.S.
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5060 Meadowood Mall Circle Suite 200
Reno, NV 89502
