
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and reduces stubborn fat from the upper arms for a smoother, more toned look. If you feel self conscious about "bat wings," hide your arms in photos, or avoid sleeveless clothing, a professionally performed arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) in Los Angeles, CA can restore a sleeker, more defined arm silhouette that looks natural with your frame.
In the hands of a meticulous, aesthetics focused plastic surgeon, arm lift surgery is carefully designed to refine the upper arm while prioritizing balance, symmetry, and discreet scar placement. The objective is not just smaller arms, but proportionate, confident looking arms that align with your upper body and the way you want to present yourself in Los Angeles.

With age, genetics, or weight changes, the upper arms can develop loose, deflated skin and pockets of fullness that do not respond to diet or workouts. A top rated arm lift in Los Angeles targets several issues at once to restore a more athletic, toned contour. An arm lift can help improve:
Excess, hanging skin that creates a "bat wing" effect along the underside of the upper arm
Localized fat deposits in the upper arms that cause a bulky or disproportionate look
Skin laxity after weight loss when the skin cannot bounce back to match your new shape
Chafing, irritation, or hygiene challenges where redundant folds of skin cause friction
How your clothing fits, especially tailored sleeves, jackets, dresses, and sleeveless styles
Self consciousness and limited wardrobe choices due to visible sagging or fullness. For many patients in Los Angeles, the most life changing benefit is feeling free to wear fitted or sleeveless clothing with confidence, whether at work, social events, or on the beach.
Arm lift candidates are usually men and women who feel frustrated by loose upper arm skin or fullness that has not improved with healthy habits. Ideal candidates are in good general health, nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about the improvements, scars, and recovery involved with surgery. You may be a good candidate if:
Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility in Los Angeles, CA. Each procedure is individually tailored to your anatomy, the amount of excess skin, and your priorities for scar placement and clothing preferences. In general, the procedure may involve:
Detailed preoperative markings to map the ideal contour and incision line
Removal of redundant skin along the inner or underside of the upper arm
Tightening of the underlying support tissue to refine the internal structure of the arm
Optional targeted liposuction to sculpt away excess fat and smooth transitions
Careful redraping of remaining skin to create a firmer, more sculpted arm
Closure of incisions with meticulous suturing and placement of compression dressings. Most arm lifts take about one to two hours, depending on complexity and whether your Los Angeles plastic surgeon performs additional contouring procedures at the same time.

Every arm lift creates scars, but their location, length, and visibility can be thoughtfully planned to keep them as discreet as possible. The incision pattern depends on how much extra skin you have and where it is concentrated. Common approaches include:
Recovery is a key part of your arm lift journey, and you will receive clear, step by step instructions to protect your results and support healing. In the early period, you can expect:

Once your surgeon removes excess skin and fat, the improvement in arm contour is typically long lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Natural aging will continue, but the amount of looseness is usually significantly reduced compared to what it would have been without surgery. It is important to understand that:
For some people, arm concerns develop along with changes in the chest, back, or abdomen, especially after major weight loss or pregnancy. In carefully chosen candidates, an arm lift can be combined with other procedures to create a more balanced, streamlined upper body. Common combinations include:

Like any surgery, arm lift procedures include potential risks. A detailed preoperative evaluation is essential to optimize your safety and candidacy. Potential risks include:
Most arm lift procedures take about one to two hours, depending on the amount of skin removal, whether liposuction is included, and if other procedures are performed during the same visit.
Yes. Any procedure that removes extra skin requires incisions that create scars. Incisions are usually placed along the inner or underside of the arm so they are less visible when your arms are by your sides. With time, sun protection in the Los Angeles sun, and dedicated scar care, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
Not always. Some patients mainly need skin removal, while others benefit from combining brachioplasty with liposuction to address excess fat and create smoother transitions. Your surgeon will determine this after a physical evaluation of your arms and overall body contour.
Many patients return to desk based or light duty work in about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their healing and comfort level. Jobs that require lifting or repetitive arm movements may require a longer recovery period.
Light walking is encouraged early to support circulation, but strenuous exercise and upper body workouts are usually restricted for about 4 to 6 weeks, or until your surgeon clears you at follow up visits.
Pricing varies based on surgical complexity, whether liposuction or other procedures are included, anesthesia, and facility fees. After a thorough consultation in Los Angeles, you will receive a customized quote that reflects your specific treatment plan.
No surgical result is completely permanent due to natural aging, but removal of excess skin and fat provides a long lasting improvement. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy habits helps preserve your improved arm contour for many years.