Arm Lift — Brachioplasty
Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a firmer, smoother, more defined arm contour — most commonly sought after significant weight loss.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose, hanging skin and stubborn fat from the upper arm to restore a firmer, more toned contour from the armpit to the elbow. It is the only reliable way to correct significant skin laxity — common after major or GLP-1 weight loss — because exercise can build muscle but cannot tighten skin that has lost its elasticity. Dr. Levesque often pairs it with liposuction to refine the final shape.
Good candidates are at a stable weight with loose upper-arm skin that diet and exercise cannot fix, and are non-smokers in good overall health. The procedure is outpatient; most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and wear a compression sleeve for several weeks while swelling settles and the incision heals.
Brachioplasty — Upper Arm Lift
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm — the area between the elbow and armpit that tends to become loose and drooping with age or after significant weight loss. Exercise can build muscle, but it cannot tighten skin that has lost its elasticity.
The procedure involves an incision along the inner arm, typically extending from the armpit to or toward the elbow, depending on the degree of excess. Dr. Levesque performs arm lift at Levesque Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX. He designs the incision to sit as inconspicuously as possible along the inner aspect of the arm so it is not visible from the front or back.
Liposuction is often performed at the same time to further refine the contour of the arm before the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened.
- Significant weight loss (including GLP-1 medication weight loss)
- Bariatric surgery
- Natural aging with skin laxity
- Genetics (some patients have arm laxity regardless of weight)
An arm lift does produce a scar. Most patients find it an acceptable trade — a well-placed, faded scar is far less visible than skin hanging from the upper arm. The scar typically fades significantly over 12–18 months. Dr. Levesque will discuss scar placement and management at your consultation.
Often combined with other procedures
Patients addressing post-weight-loss skin laxity often combine arm and thigh lift in one operation.
As part of a comprehensive body contouring plan after major weight loss.
Used alongside the arm lift to remove residual fat and improve contour before skin tightening.
What to Expect
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Andre Y. Levesque, MD · Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) · Last reviewed February 26, 2026
Every arm lift begins with a one-on-one consultation and ends with a contour that holds for years. Here is what the process looks like from first visit to final result.
Dr. Levesque examines your skin quality and the degree of excess, discusses scar placement, and designs a plan — arm lift alone, or paired with liposuction for a more refined result.
Performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia in about one to two hours. Excess skin is removed, fat is refined with liposuction where helpful, and the incision is closed in layers along the inner arm.
You go home the same day in a compression sleeve. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and resume full activity, including arm workouts, by about six weeks.
Am I a Candidate?
An arm lift is the right procedure when loose skin — not just fat — is the concern. The best candidates share a few things in common:
- At a stable weight, with the bulk of any major or GLP-1 weight loss behind you
- Loose, hanging upper-arm skin that diet and exercise cannot tighten
- In good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop before and after surgery)
- Comfortable trading a well-placed inner-arm scar for a firmer contour
If excess fat — not loose skin — is your main concern and your skin still has good elasticity, liposuction alone may be enough. Dr. Levesque will give you an honest assessment at consultation rather than steer you toward more surgery than you need.
Recovery Timeline
- First 3–5 days: Rest with arms elevated; soreness and swelling peak and are managed with medication. Compression sleeves are worn continuously.
- Week 1–2: Most patients return to desk work and light daily activity. Bruising fades.
- Weeks 3–6: Swelling continues to settle; compression is worn as directed. Avoid strenuous arm activity.
- 6 weeks and beyond: Return to full exercise. The scar begins a 12–18 month fading process, helped by silicone therapy and sun protection.
Cost & Financing
Arm lift is quoted as a single surgical fee that includes the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility. Adding liposuction or combining with a thigh lift changes the total, which is why pricing is finalized at consultation after Dr. Levesque examines you.
Levesque Plastic Surgery offers financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, Cherry, and PatientFi, with monthly-payment plans that can be pre-qualified in minutes without affecting your credit. See our financing options or the full menu of services & pricing.
Before & After
Actual patients treated at Levesque Plastic Surgery. Individual results vary.
Frequently asked questions
What is an arm lift (brachioplasty)?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a more toned, contoured look. It's most often what patients want after significant weight loss or when the skin has lost elasticity with age.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
You're a good candidate if you're at a stable weight with significant excess skin and fat on the upper arms that hasn't responded to diet and exercise. Ideally you're a non-smoker in good health with realistic expectations. I evaluate each patient individually at consultation.
Will an arm lift leave visible scars?
An arm lift does leave a scar, usually running along the inner arm from the armpit toward the elbow. I place it as inconspicuously as possible, and it keeps fading and flattening over 12–18 months with good scar care, including silicone therapy and sun protection.
How long is arm lift recovery?
Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work and wear a compression garment for 4–6 weeks. Swelling and bruising settle over several weeks. You can resume light activity within 1–2 weeks, but I'll have you hold off on strenuous arm exercises for 6 weeks. Most patients are very comfortable within 2 weeks.
Can liposuction replace an arm lift?
Liposuction alone is appropriate only when excess fat is the main issue and your skin elasticity is good. If you have significant loose or hanging skin, lipo won't fix it — you need an arm lift to remove the excess skin. I'll help you figure out which approach is right at your consultation.
Is an arm lift painful?
Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain for the first several days, well controlled with medication. Discomfort eases quickly, and by two weeks the majority feel close to normal.
How long do arm lift results last?
The skin that is removed does not come back, so results are long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight preserves them; significant future weight change can affect any body-contouring result.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. After major weight loss, many patients combine arm lift with a thigh lift, tummy tuck, or breast procedure in a single anesthetic to consolidate recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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