Arm lift
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, reshapes your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat.
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, reshapes your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat.
The upper arms are one of the most common areas where weight loss or aging can leave behind loose, sagging skin. For many women, this creates discomfort, limits clothing choices, and causes self-consciousness. Despite regular exercise, the appearance of loose skin, soft tissue, or the so-called "bat wings" may remain.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty surgery, reshapes the upper arms by removing excess skin and underlying fat, tightening underlying supportive tissue, and restoring smoother contours. Whether you're recovering from significant weight loss or simply want to reduce the batwing-like appearance that comes with time, Dr. Rose performs this cosmetic surgery with care, precision, and an honest approach. Every step, from your initial consultation to scar care after healing, is designed to support comfort, clarity, and meaningful results.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm area to improve tone and contour. The goal is to tighten loose skin, reshape the underarm region, and restore balance between your upper arms and the rest of your body contours.
Brachioplasty surgery is most often performed after significant weight loss or weight fluctuations, which can leave behind stretched skin and reduced skin elasticity. It may also be used to correct soft tissue changes associated with aging or hormonal shifts. Depending on your anatomy, liposuction may be combined with the surgical procedure to remove localized pockets of excess fat and enhance the contours of your arms.
Traditional Arm Lift - A traditional arm lift (full brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically through an incision that runs from the armpit to the elbow, allowing for maximum reshaping and tightening of the tissue.
Mini Arm Lift - A mini arm lift addresses mild to moderate skin laxity with a shorter incision, often limited to the armpit area, and is ideal for patients who need only a subtle contour improvement.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Rose will carefully explain your options and help determine if a traditional arm lift or a mini arm lift is more appropriate. She prioritizes a well-informed process, helping you make confident decisions about your care.
The arm lift procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After marking the areas of skin excess and soft tissue redundancy, Dr. Rose makes incisions along the inner arm, usually extending from the underarm region to the elbow, depending on the amount of skin and fat being removed. Underlying supportive tissue is tightened with internal sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed to reshape the area. Drainage tubes may be placed to drain excess fluid and minimize swelling during early recovery.
A compression garment is applied before discharge to minimize fluid accumulation and support the healing process. Patients return home the same day with follow-up appointments scheduled and a detailed aftercare plan in place.
Arm lift surgery is ideal for patients with excess sagging skin or skin laxity in the upper arms that hasn’t improved with exercise or weight stability. This includes patients who have undergone significant weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery and are left with hanging or loose skin.
Many women choose an arm lift to eliminate a batwing-like appearance in the upper arms that doesn’t reflect their current weight, activity level, or body image. For others, cosmetic surgery becomes an option when skin elasticity diminishes due to age, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. When your underlying muscle tone is strong but covered by excess skin or soft tissue, an arm lift can restore the tone and comfort you’re seeking.
The benefits of brachioplasty go beyond appearance. Most patients report feeling more comfortable in sleeveless clothing, better able to exercise without irritation, and more confident overall. Specifically, an arm lift can:
Dr. Rose designs each arm lift to balance results with function, prioritizing a smooth silhouette that enhances your body's natural contours.
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and are bothered by excess sagging skin or soft tissue on the upper arms. Candidates should be non-smokers and free of medical conditions that could impair healing.
Whether your concerns are the result of losing weight, aging, or genetics, the arm lift procedure is tailored to your unique anatomy and goals. Dr. Rose will walk you through the details of the brachioplasty procedure and provide realistic expectations of your arm lift results during your initial consultation. Together, you'll determine whether a traditional arm lift or a modified mini arm lift is right for your goals and anatomy.
Patients return home the same day as surgery with a compression garment in place. Bruising, swelling, and tightness are expected in the first week. Dr. Rose may prescribe pain medication to ease early discomfort, though many patients transition to over-the-counter options quickly.
Light walking is encouraged early on to support circulation and minimize the risk of fluid accumulation. You'll be advised to avoid heavy lifting or raising your arms above shoulder height for several weeks. Most patients return to normal routines within 1–2 weeks, though the full recovery process continues for several months as scars mature and swelling resolves.
Dr. Rose will provide follow-up appointments, scar care tools, and emotional support throughout your brachioplasty recovery journey.
Initial improvements are noticeable within days of surgery, with final results developing over 3–6 months. As swelling subsides and scars begin to fade, you’ll see a smoother, firmer, and more toned upper arm area that feels more in sync with the rest of your body.
For patients who’ve worked hard to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, removing excess skin and fat can feel like the final step in reconnecting with their physical identity. With Dr. Rose’s focus on scar minimization, careful technique, and functional recovery, your outcome can feel not just lighter but more aligned with who you are.
Dr. Jacqueline Rose Makerewich is recognized for her empathy, surgical precision, and postoperative care that extends far beyond the day of surgery. As a female plastic surgeon, she understands the emotional and physical layers behind pursuing cosmetic surgery. Her approach is grounded in listening, collaboration, and setting clear, honest expectations.
At every stage of your journey, you’ll feel heard and supported. Whether you're pursuing brachioplasty as part of a larger transformation or as a standalone procedure, Dr. Rose offers Toronto arm lift care rooted in dignity, detail, and follow-through.
Scars are typically located along the inner arms and can be visible when wearing sleeveless clothing. Dr. Rose uses fine closure techniques and provides a scar care plan to help minimize long-term visibility.
Arm lift risks include wound separation, fluid accumulation, infection, nerve changes, and scar thickening. Choosing a qualified surgeon and following recovery protocols can reduce the likelihood of these potential complications.
Light walking can begin right away, but heavy lifting or upper body workouts should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to allow the internal sutures and remaining skin to heal properly. Dr. Rose will guide you on when to return to various levels of activity.
A mini arm lift is designed for patients with minimal skin excess and requires a shorter scar. A traditional arm lift removes a larger area of excess skin and soft tissue and is best for patients with more significant skin laxity.
If excess fat is present along with loose skin, liposuction may be added to improve contour. Dr. Rose will help you decide on the best approach.
The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Aging continues, but skin and fat removal are permanent unless weight is regained.
Yes, the brachioplasty procedure is often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss to address sagging skin and soft tissue changes that don’t respond to exercise.
