Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon trained to reshape the body, performs an arm lift. The surgeon decides the length and pattern of the cuts based on how much extra skin there is. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, reshapes the under part of the upper arm, from the underarm to the elbow. The surgeon makes cuts, called incisions, usually on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm. The cuts may reach from the underarm to just above the elbow. In some people the cuts may be more limited.
Why a doctor might recommend it
An arm lift is usually the removal of skin that hangs over or is extra along the inside of the upper arm. The change can be very dramatic, especially for people who lost a lot of weight before the surgery.
How to prepare
Before arm lift surgery, you may be asked to do the following.
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medicines, or change the medicines you take now.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, because they can increase bleeding.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night.
What happens during it
Arm lift surgery may be done in an accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. You will get medicine for your comfort. The choices include intravenous sedation, which is given through a vein, and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. Extra fat may be cut out directly or treated with liposuction. The tissue under the skin that shapes the arm is tightened with stitches inside the arm. Then the skin is smoothed over the new shape of the arm. The cuts are closed with absorbable sutures, which dissolve, or with stitches that are removed later.
Recovery
The smoother, tighter shape can be seen almost right away after the surgery. Swelling and bruising are likely at first. Stitches that need to be removed come out within one to two weeks after the arm lift.
Risks and side effects
Arm lift surgery has risks. They include the following.
- Risks from anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Damage to deeper parts such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
- Death of some fat under the skin, called fat necrosis
- A buildup of fluid, called a seroma
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Pain, which may last
- Poor wound healing
- A possible need for more surgery to revise the results
- Stitches that do not dissolve and come up through the skin, causing redness and drainage
- Unsightly scarring
You will be asked to sign consent forms so that you fully understand the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and others with you before you give consent. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop or breathing problems. Chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more is also a warning sign of an emergency. So are fainting or loss of consciousness.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon performs an arm lift. Your plastic surgeon uses his or her best judgment to choose the length and pattern of the cuts.
Common questions
Will I need someone to drive me for an arm lift?
Yes, you should arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. That person should also stay with you for at least the first night.
What kind of anesthesia is used for an arm lift?
The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
When are stitches removed after an arm lift?
Stitches that need to be removed come out within one to two weeks after the surgery. The cuts may be closed with absorbable sutures instead.
Should I avoid aspirin before an arm lift?
You may be asked to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. They can increase bleeding.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Getting ready for an arm lift may include lab testing or a medical evaluation. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Arm Lift Procedure Steps
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Arm Lift Preparation
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Arm Lift Risks and Safety
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
