Skip to content Achieve toned, sculpted arms with Brachioplasty. Remove excess skin for a firmer, more defined look.
Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically caused by weight loss or aging.
$12,000–$16,000
1–2 Hours
2 Weeks
Upper Arm Lift
Liposuction of Arms
1 Week
These before and after arm lift images are from actual patients of Dr. James Lacey. They will help you understand your options and set realistic goals for your surgery.
Whether due to weight loss, aging, or genetics, many people find that no amount of exercise can tighten loose skin on the upper arms. This can leave you feeling self-conscious and frustrated, especially when you’re wearing sleeveless clothes.
If you’re looking for a procedure that sculpts your upper arms and gives you that lift then brachioplasty is the solution.
Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified surgeon, Dr. James Lacey not only performs brachioplasty but also offers personalized care in a private, modern facility for a comfortable and discreet experience.
Whether due to weight loss, aging, or genetics, many people find that no amount of exercise can tighten loose skin on the upper arms. This can leave you feeling self-conscious and frustrated, especially when you’re wearing sleeveless clothes.
If you’re looking for a procedure that sculpts your upper arms and gives you that lift then brachioplasty is the solution.
Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified surgeon, Dr. James Lacey not only performs brachioplasty but also offers personalized care in a private, modern facility for a comfortable and discreet experience.
There are several types of arm lift procedures depending on the extent of correction needed. During consultation, our surgeons will recommend the best approach based on your unique goals and anatomy.
A less invasive option that removes a small amount of excess skin and fat, with minimal scarring.
Best for: Mild sagging and minimal skin laxity
Removes a large amount of skin and fat from the upper arm, with an incision from the armpit to the elbow.
Best for: Moderate to significant sagging due to weight loss or aging
Addresses excess skin and fat from the upper arm, potentially extending to the chest wall for comprehensive results.
Best for: Extensive sagging, often after major weight loss
Combines an arm lift with liposuction to remove excess fat and improve overall arm contour simultaneously.
Best for: Excess fat in the upper arms alongside loose skin
Achieve toned, sculpted arms with Brachioplasty. Remove excess skin for a firmer, more defined look.
It’s also important to understand who benefits most from this procedure. Ideal candidates typically:
Important note: While this surgery can effectively tighten the skin of the upper arms, it may not be suitable for you if you’ve had a mastectomy that damaged your lymph glands during the procedure.
A Brachioplasty offers a range of both physical and emotional benefits.
Removes excess skin and fat, giving your arms a firmer, more toned look.
Helps you feel more confident wearing sleeveless clothing.
The results of an arm lift can be maintained for years with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Removes sagging skin that can cause discomfort or restrict movement in daily activities.
The first step in preparing for an arm lift is to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. During this initial appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations for the procedure.
The surgeon will carefully examine your arms for skin quality, the amount of excess fat, and muscle tone. They will also review your medical history and ask about any previous surgeries or treatments you’ve had.
This consultation is an important chance for you to ask any questions and express concerns. Your surgeon will explain the surgical techniques, potential risks, complications, and expected outcomes in detail. By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a plan for your procedure, so that you have clarity and confidence to move forward.
The surgeon will also guide you through any necessary pre-surgery steps, such as quitting smoking, adjusting medications, and arranging for post-surgical care.
The arm lift surgery (Brachioplasty) typically takes around 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:
The surgeon makes an incision along the underside of the arm, usually from the armpit to the elbow. The length and pattern depend on the amount of excess skin being removed. For less severe cases, a shorter incision (mini arm lift) may be used.
Once the incision is made, the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped using internal sutures. Liposuction may also be performed to remove any excess fat in the area.
Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is smoothed over the new contours of the arm. The incision is then closed with stitches, which will either dissolve or be removed at a follow-up appointment.
After the surgery, a dressing is applied and the arms are wrapped in elastic bandages to help reduce swelling and support the new arm shape during healing.
Immediately after the surgery, you will feel some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. You will need to wear a compression garment, which you are given to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Return to light activities. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous arm movements. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress and remove stitches if needed.
Swelling and bruising gradually subside. Your final arm contour becomes more visible as the body heals.
Full recovery as incisions heal completely and swelling resolves entirely. Scars will fade over time but may take up to a year to fully mature.
Right after the surgery, you’ll notice a more defined arm contour, though swelling may temporarily prevent you from seeing the full result. Your arms will appear smoother and tighter.
As the swelling subsides over the following weeks, the final shape of your arms will become more visible. Scars will be present but typically fade over time.
With proper care — including maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle — the results of an arm lift can last for many years. However, natural aging may still affect skin elasticity over time.
Maintaining the long-term results of your arm lift (Brachioplasty) involves a few key lifestyle practices and care routines.
Keep a stable weight, as weight fluctuations can stretch the skin and affect your results. A healthy diet and regular exercise will maintain muscle tone and minimize fat accumulation in the arms.
Dr. James Lacey may recommend treatments like silicone sheets or creams to help scars fade over time. It’s also crucial to protect them from sun exposure for best results.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Lacey ensure your healing is on track and any concerns are addressed promptly. A good skincare routine and staying hydrated also support long-term skin elasticity.
While an arm lift (Brachioplasty) is generally safe, like any surgery, it does carry some potential risks and complications. It’s important to be aware of these before deciding to proceed.
Visible scars are an inevitable part of the arm lift procedure, though they tend to fade over time.
Risk of infection at the incision site, which is monitored and managed post-surgery.
Bleeding or the accumulation of blood (hematoma) under the skin in some cases.
Delayed or poor wound healing can occur, particularly in patients who smoke or have certain health conditions.
Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation in the treated areas following surgery.
Slight differences in arm shape or size can occur. In some cases, revisions may be needed to achieve more symmetrical results.
It’s crucial to discuss these risks and complications with Dr. James Lacey prior to confirming your surgical intentions.
An arm lift with liposuction combines the benefits of both procedures to get you the best results.
Liposuction removes excess fat deposits from the upper arms. Once the fat is removed, the arm lift (Brachioplasty) tightens and removes excess skin, which results in a smoother, firmer look.
While liposuction alone can sometimes reduce fullness — particularly if excess fat is the main issue rather than loose skin — it’s important to proceed with caution.
Care must be taken to avoid disturbing the deeper layers of fat, as this can affect the nerves, glands, and veins of the arm. However, due to gravity and the skin’s reduced ability to shrink in this area, an arm lift with skin resection is often required when excess skin is present.
Surgery is not always required for arm reductions. In addition to liposuction, we offer VelaShape® technology. This non-invasive treatment reduces the appearance and volume of cellulite without any downtime.
In addition to this, the New Thermage Tips can be very effective in reducing the circumference and cellulite appearance in the upper arm area.
If you’re interested in these alternative treatments, schedule a consultation with our surgeons.
The cost of an arm lift (Brachioplasty) depends on the complexity of the procedure, and whether it’s combined with liposuction or other procedures. On average, the price ranges between $12,000 and $16,000. This includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs.
We understand that cost can be a concern, which is why we partner with third-party financing agencies to make elective medical procedures more affordable and stress-free.
Browse our full gallery of authentic before and after photographs from Dr. Lacey’s patients — real journeys, real confidence, real results.
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