Arm Lift

An arm lift, also known as a “brachioplasty,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper arms for a more toned, youthful appearance. Dr. Hutchinson, a Fellowship trained, board certified plastic surgeon caring for patients from NYC and beyond is a leading authority when it comes to utilizing state of the art surgical techniques that produce elegant, natural-looking outcomes.

Why Choose an Arm Lift?

Over time, the soft tissue in the upper arms becomes lax and may begin to droop and sag. Many patients who are interested in an arm lift are often embarrassed by the shape and contour of their arms. The goal of this procedure is to help patients feel more confident by improving their appearance and expanding their wardrobe options.

Key Benefits of an Arm Lift

Addresses the sagging, flabby, crepe-like skin on the upper arms
Removes fat on the upper arms
Significantly improves the overall contour of the arms
Boosts self image and confidence

Preparing for Your Arm Lift

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson provides her patients with detailed instructions to be followed prior to their arm lift, which include avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle (including diet and exercise,) and not taking any medications that increase the risk of complications. She will make recommendations for each unique patient, advising them on appropriate weight management, diet and nutrition, and requirements for medical clearance and bloodwork prior to surgery.

Schedule An Appointment

Wonderful experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!

Katie M.

Arm Lift Procedure Details

An arm lift is performed under local anesthesia with sedation (“twilight” anesthesia) and usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. During an arm lift, Dr. Hutchinson will create an incision so that she can access the fat underneath the dermis and remove excess skin. The incision is either limited to the underarm area or hidden along the inside of the upper arm, extending from the underarm towards the elbow. Excess fat from the upper arm may be removed using liposuction circumferentially. Excess skin is then trimmed and the remaining skin is tightened and sutured into place. Once the fat is removed, and the skin is smoothed, the incision is closed with resorbable sutures that will gradually disappear on their own.

For patients with only a small amount of loose skin, a short scar or minimally invasive arm lift procedure may be indicated. This type of arm lift surgery requires a short incision near the underarm area and permits limited removal of fat and tissue. For patients who have more significant amounts of unwanted arm skin or fat, better results may be obtained with more extensive surgery. Dr. Hutchinson will determine which surgical option is right for you after a physical examination and discussion of your individual goals for cosmetic surgery.

Some patients may benefit from additional body contouring procedures which are often performed concurrently, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, or breast enhancement.

Risks and Recovery

While an arm lift is considered a very safe cosmetic procedure, there are certain risks associated with any type of surgery. These are rare and may include infection, bleeding, unsightly scarring, or asymmetry. Dr. Hutchinson will be happy to discuss these risks with you as well as address any concerns you may have during your consultation.

Every patient will have their own personal experience and recovery but, in general, after an arm lift procedure, patients will experience some swelling and bruising. There will also be some mild discomfort that can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Hutchinson. A compression garment or bandages may be recommended for patients who have undergone extensive liposuction of the arms as part of their brachioplasty. It is essential you avoid strenuous physical activity after surgery and closely follow the detailed instructions provided by Dr. Hutchinson.

Results

The results of an arm lift are visible right away but will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside over the course of several weeks. Scars will continue to fade over time and become increasingly less noticeable and results typically last for many years after surgery.

Factors that may impact your results include the following:

The amount of loose, excess skin that was removed
The amount and distribution of extra fat that requires treatment
Prior surgery and pre-existing scars on the arms
Quality, tone, and elasticity of arm skin, including the presence of stretch marks

What Sets Dr. Hutchinson and Her Team Apart?

Utmost Trustworthiness and Honesty

With Dr. Hutchinson and her team, you’re in the best of hands, not just in terms of care but also with regard to honest recommendations for the very best treatment options. Dr. Hutchinson will always provide her professional opinion on which procedure is ideal for you based on her surgical expertise and your personal goals.

Extensive Knowledge and Experience

With a plastic surgery career spanning decades, Dr. Hutchinson has extensive experience in evaluating each patient individually and determining the best plan to address their aesthetic needs and goals.

Outstanding Skill

Dr. Hutchinson has superb operating skills and the manual dexterity required to perform technically complex surgeries with the utmost expertise and finesse.

Excellent Judgment

Dr. Hutchinson is not only extremely well versed in determining a unique surgical approach for each patient but she is also keenly adept at addressing and managing any unforeseen situation that may arise in the operating room, where excellent judgment is of the utmost importance.

Who is a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

An arm lift procedure is ideal for patients who are bothered by excess hanging skin or extra fat in the upper arm area. Patients who make good candidates for arm lift surgery include those who:

Are close to their ideal weight
Do not smoke and are in overall good health
Do not have any major medical conditions that may negatively impact surgery

Your Arm Lift Consultation

Your initial consultation for an arm lift with Dr. Hutchinson includes the following:

A comprehensive in person discussion with Dr. Hutchinson, during which she will discuss your medical history
A conversation about what bothers you about your arms and what results you hope to achieve with the surgery
A private examination in which Dr. Hutchinson will assess your unique physical characteristics
Medical “before” photographs, which will provide additional information when discussing your arm plastic surgery
The explanation of all available surgical options for your needs
Your customized surgical plan to achieve your goals
Instructions for before and after your arm lift surgery to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery
Plenty of time to go over any questions or concerns you may have
The scheduling of your plastic surgery once you’ve decided to proceed

Why Choose Dr. Hutchinson for Arm Lift Surgery?

When you choose Fellowship trained, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Olivia Hutchinson for your cosmetic surgery, you’re choosing the very best in patient care, experience, safety, and results. Thanks to her exceptional credentials, above and beyond concierge services, discretion, and personalized attention, Dr. Hutchinson is among the most sought-after body sculpting surgeons in NYC. To book your arm lift consultation, contact us online or call us at (212) 452-1400.