Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Serving Danville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Livermore, and across the East Bay metro area
Many people find that despite a dedicated fitness routine or significant weight loss, the skin on their upper arms remains loose and pendulous.
Loose, sagging skin can limit clothing choices and diminish the sense of accomplishment that follows a health transformation. An arm lift is specifically designed to tighten this area by removing the surplus tissue that gravity and time have pulled downward.
At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS, performs brachioplasty to create a streamlined transition from the arms to the torso. If you are unhappy with the look of your arms, schedule a consultation to discuss your surgical options for achieving toned, sculpted upper arms.
1 of 5
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, shapes and lifts the upper arms.
Dr. Ronan will use liposuction in combination with surgical techniques to remove excess tissue and skin, creating a smooth, sculpted contour.
If you are displeased with the look of your arms, please schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your options to achieve sleek, toned upper arms.
How to Prepare for Your Arm Lift
During your consultation, Dr. Ronan will provide detailed information on how to prepare for your arm lift. He will conduct the necessary physical examinations and review your medical history. He will also let you know about any medications or supplements that you’ll need to stop taking before the procedure, as these may result in complications during the surgery and delay recovery.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Your arm will first be marked along the areas where incisions are to be made, generally on the back or inside of your arms. You’ll then be put under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will remove excess skin to tighten and reshape the upper arm. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat from the upper arms. Your skin will then be redraped over the arm, and incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical tape. The procedure typically takes 3 hours to complete.
An arm lift provides a surgical solution for excess skin that persists despite weight loss or your efforts at the gym. This procedure addresses the "bat wing" effect, where skin hangs away from the triceps during movement. Often, liposuction is incorporated to sculpt away localized fat deposits that can obscure muscle tone in the arms.
Brachioplasty also resolves physical discomfort caused by skin-on-skin friction, which can lead to persistent irritation or rashes in the underarm region. By removing this excess tissue, Dr. Ronan restores a sleek, functional contour to the entire upper arm.
Brachioplasty restores a slim, toned arm shape. Removing redundant, sagging skin reveals muscle definition, creating a fitter, more athletic appearance.
Patients often say the most gratifying aspect of their arm lift results is being able to wear sleeveless tops, dresses, and swimwear without self-consciousness. An arm lift removes the need to "hide" your arms under layers, allowing you to dress for the California climate with confidence.
While non-invasive skin tightening can offer minor improvements, brachioplasty permanently removes excess tissue. Once the skin is surgically tightened, your new arm shape is long-lasting and provides a foundational change that lasts for years.
Eliminating excess skin folds can resolve chronic chafing and skin irritation. These functional improvements often make it easier to stay active and maintain the fitness goals that led to your transformation.
You Have Recently Lost Weight
Weight loss for a healthier, slimmer body is an admirable achievement. However, drastic weight loss often leaves excess skin and tissue that diet or exercise can't tighten or tone. Excess skin can detract from your weight loss results and cause discomfort. The arms are a common area for excess skin after weight loss, and brachioplasty removes excess tissue to enhance your overall appearance. It is important to note that you should wait until your weight loss program is complete before scheduling surgery. If you continue to lose weight after your brachioplasty, it may affect your final results.
You Want Toned Upper Arms
Recent studies have shown that women are paying more attention to their arms. Toned, sculpted upper arms can help you look more youthful, energetic, and healthy. While regular exercise can tone the muscles of the upper arm, it cannot change the amount of skin or its laxity. Even if you have maintained a healthy weight all your life, your arms may be a “trouble spot” that has always suffered from excess laxity. Age can also affect skin elasticity, causing skin that was once firm to loosen and sag.
After arm lift surgery, you’ll have bandages covering your arms, and you may need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling. Tubes may also be used for draining excess fluid and blood from the area. Some discomfort and pain are normal. Avoid raising your arms above shoulder level for at least 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should also avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 6 weeks following surgery.
Dr. Ronan and his team provide detailed aftercare instructions and check your healing at post-op visits. We provide attentive support and guidance throughout your recovery, remaining available to address any questions and ensure a safe, comfortable healing process.
Your sleek, streamlined arm contours will become visible as post-surgical swelling fully resolves over the first few months. While a surgical scar is necessary to achieve significant skin tightening, Dr. Ronan places the incision as discreetly as possible along the inner arm, where it is least visible. Over time, this line will fade, leaving you with the firm, defined arms you have worked to achieve.
Results from a brachioplasty can be seen immediately and are long-lasting. Following a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle helps you enjoy your results for years to come.
Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS, has spent over two decades serving the Danville and East Bay community, establishing a reputation for integrity and meticulous surgical skill. Because our practice features a private, QUAD A-accredited surgery center, you receive hospital-level safety in a high-end, concierge environment. At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we combine medical expertise with a commitment to personalized care, resulting in exceptional outcomes.
Incision placement is carefully planned to be as inconspicuous as possible. Generally, the scar runs along the inside of the arm or toward the back, extending from the underarm to just above the elbow. Dr. Ronan uses advanced closure techniques to encourage thin, flat scars that fade into a fine line over time. Most patients find that the trade-off of a scar is well worth the ability to have firm, toned arms.
Liposuction is excellent for removing excess fat, but it cannot tighten loose or hanging skin. If you have good skin elasticity and only a small amount of stubborn fat, liposuction may be sufficient. However, if you have "bat wings" or significant skin laxity, an arm lift is required to remove the redundant tissue and create a smooth contour. Dr. Ronan often combines both techniques to achieve the best possible result.
The cost of an arm lift can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. During your consultation, we provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote that covers the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and the use of our private surgical facility. We also offer flexible financing options to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Most arm lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in our Danville surgery center. Because we use general anesthesia and prioritize patient safety, you will be monitored in our recovery suite until you are ready to be driven home by a friend or family member. Dr. Ronan and our clinical team will provide clear instructions and support to ensure you are comfortable during your first night at home.
A mini arm lift involves a smaller incision limited to the armpit area and is designed for patients with a minor amount of loose skin located near the upper arm. A full brachioplasty is more common and addresses laxity that extends down toward the elbow. During your physical examination, Dr. Ronan will determine which approach will provide the most effective and harmonious results for your anatomy.
When it comes to plastic surgery, proper care happens before, during, and after surgery day. That’s why we’ve created blueprints outlining what patients and providers need to consider to ensure success. Our pre-care and post-care guides are here to help our patients and all patients take the necessary steps to maximize their chances of safe surgery and beautiful results.
Located in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is Northern California’s largest, most advanced plastic surgery and medspa center.
Patients choose our state-of-the-art facility for leading-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments—all in a luxurious, private setting. We are conveniently located in the San Francisco Bay Area to serve patients from the following locations:
PatientFi puts the patient’s best interest at the center of everything. Designed by the nation’s leading plastic surgeons, PatientFi allows you to pay for your treatment through flexible monthly payment plans, customized to fit your budget. Apply today to see which payment plan you qualify for with zero impact to your credit score!
Discover CareCredit, your health and beauty credit card. Benefit from easy monthly payments, zero upfront costs, and flexible usage for various services or follow-up visits. Take control of your well-being today.
