Arm Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the contour of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. (1)
Over time, the skin of the upper arms may begin to sag due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetic factors, creating the appearance of ‘wings’ that often do not respond to exercise. This issue can affect how one feels about their appearance, often leading them to hide their arms under long sleeves.
Led by double-board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Lee, JL Plastic Surgery is widely regarded as one of the East Coast’s leading cosmetic practices. Specializing in numerous body contouring procedures, Dr. Lee and his team have helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a patient-first approach, artistic eye, and meticulous attention to detail. Serving patients all across the Northeast, JL Plastic Surgery can help you achieve impressive results.
If you are interested in learning more about the arm lift treatments offered at JL Plastic Surgery, contact Dr. Lee and his team online or give us a call at (617) 340-2822 to schedule a personal consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Arm Lifts
Arm lifts focus on reshaping the upper arms by eliminating sagging tissue and restoring a smooth, firm appearance. This treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years. (2) Arm lifts are often sought after by patients who have recently undergone a period of substantial weight loss, (3) but also benefit those with laxity due to other factors such as aging.
Benefits
There are many benefits you can experience from an arm lift. Some of the benefits commonly reported with this treatment include:
- Improved Contours: An arm lift creates a more defined and youthful arm shape.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: Patients often feel more confident wearing sleeveless tops and swimwear post-procedure.
- Reduction of Excess Skin: The removal of sagging skin effectively reduces the ‘bat wing’ appearance that can develop after weight loss.
- Long-lasting Results: With a stable weight, the results of an arm lift can provide long-term satisfaction and body confidence.
- Customized Technique: Each arm lift can be tailored to meet the individual aesthetic goals of the patient.
To explore how you can experience these benefits for yourself, contact Dr. Lee and the JL Plastic Surgery team online or give us a call at (617) 340-2822.
Ideal Candidates
Many factors will influence whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for an arm lift. You may be eligible for treatment if:
- You are bothered by sagging skin or stubborn fat in the upper arms.
- You have undergone significant weight loss, and your skin will not retract.
- Your skin has lost elasticity due to aging.
- You are physically healthy and do not have any underlying medical issues that would complicate surgery or recovery.
- You are a non-smoker or willing to quit nicotine use before surgery and during the recovery period.
- You have realistic expectations regarding the results you can achieve with this treatment.
Dr. Lee will establish your candidacy during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Anyone interested in resculpting the appearance of their arms should begin by scheduling a personal consultation. With a reputation for consistent and natural-looking results, Dr. Lee is dedicated to helping each patient achieve the arm aesthetic they desire.
To schedule your personal consultation and learn more about this transformative procedure, please contact JL Plastic Surgery online or by calling (617) 340-2822.
Preparation
In preparation for your arm lift procedure, Dr. Lee will provide personalized instructions to ensure a safe and successful procedure. He may advise you to stop smoking and pause using certain supplements and medications—especially those that contain blood-thinning properties—with the approval of your primary care physician. We also encourage you to arrange transportation home from your procedure ahead of time, as well as coordinate assistance during the initial recovery phase. Following all of Dr. Lee’s instructions carefully will help make for a smooth treatment process.
Procedure
Arm lifts are typically performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Dr. Lee will begin your arm lift by making an incision from the underarm area down to the elbow. Dr. Lee places the scar on the inside of the arm so that it remains hidden when a patient’s arms are down.
Dr. Lee often uses an arm lift technique that combines liposuction and skin removal to provide the best contour while minimizing risks of damaging the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, an important structure that supplies sensation to one side of the forearm.
After performing liposuction, he will trim away excess skin and redrape the skin to create a more defined contour. Dr. Lee will close the incisions and apply compression garments to help minimize swelling and support healing.
Recovery
After your arm lift, you can expect temporary swelling, bruising, and tightness. Dr. Lee will prescribe pain medication if necessary; most patients stop taking their prescription pain medication after just a few days.
You will need to continue to wear your compressive garments for your arms for 4 weeks to help manage swelling. Dr. Lee and the JL Plastic Surgery staff will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal properly.
Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within one to two weeks, but more physically demanding tasks should be avoided until Dr. Lee approves. You will be asked to attend follow-up visits with Dr. Lee so that he can monitor your healing and progress. His team will remain available throughout your recovery to answer questions and provide support.
Results
Dr. Lee and the JL Plastic Surgery team are confident you will leave their practice satisfied with the results of your treatment. After an arm lift, Dr. Lee’s patients notice a significant improvement in arm contour immediately, and results typically continue to improve as swelling decreases over the next few weeks.
Scars can be visible when a patient raises his/her arms, so it is important to accept the scar as a necessary step to improving arm contour. Scars often fade with time and can be further minimized with Dr. Lee’s specialized scar care regimens.
Once healed, your arms will appear more slender, leaner, and more proportionate to the rest of your body. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results can last for many years.
Corresponding Procedures
In many cases, patients choose to combine an arm lift with other body contouring treatments, such as a breast lift, tummy tuck, or a mommy makeover package, to achieve more comprehensive body rejuvenation. If you are interested in additional procedures, Dr. Lee would be happy to discuss these potential additions during your consultation to ensure your treatment plan aligns with your goals.
To learn more about the other procedures that may be performed alongside your arm lift, we encourage you to read the JL Plastic Surgery blog!
Cost of Arm Lift in Boston and Newton, MA
The cost of your arm lift procedure will depend on several factors. These may include the extent of surgery, any additional procedures performed, and your individual goals. Dr. Lee’s team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation after the details of your treatment have been established. If you are interested in getting an idea of what your treatment might cost before your personal consultation, check out our surgical and nonsurgical pricing pages.
Schedule your consultation online today to begin exploring your arm lift options. If you have any further questions or prefer to speak over the phone, you can call us directly at (617) 340-2822. We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQ
Will I have visible scars after an arm lift?
Yes, scarring is an inevitable aspect of the arm lift process. However, Dr. Lee makes incisions on the underside of the arm, so the scars will likely not be visible when you have your arms down. Scar care treatments after you heal can further reduce the appearance of visible scarring.
When will I be able to return to work after my arm lift?
Most patients can return to light duties after one to two weeks, depending on their healing and the nature of their job. Some patients return to work even sooner.
Are the results of my arm lift permanent?
The results of an arm lift can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to keep in mind that the skin of the arms will continue to age normally, so their appearance may change over time.
Can I combine my arm lift with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to undergo an arm lift alongside other contouring procedures. Dr. Lee will discuss your options during the consultation.
References
- Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36256762/
- ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Handal M, Handal J, Nevill T, Finkelstein P, Kichler K. Cosmetic Procedures After Massive Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide for Prospective Patients. Cureus. Published online November 1, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72864