Arm Lift

If you avoid lifting your arms because you are embarrassed by the sagging skin and fat on your upper arms, our Richmond brachioplasty may be right for you. Our plastic surgeons specialize in arm lifts for men and women. Contact us to schedule your personal consultation to learn more about brachioplasty at Richmond Plastic Surgeons.

Sometimes, even the most rigorous regimen of diet and exercise is no match for the combination of genetics and anatomy that can result in extra fat or sagging skin on the upper arms. Brachioplasty is an “arm lift” procedure that restores the natural tone and contour to these unsightly areas. Richmond Plastic Surgeons offers brachioplasty for men and women in Richmond, Midlothian and surrounding areas of Virginia.

What Exactly is Brachioplasty?

Factors like aging, weight changes, and genetics all determine the development of sagging, fatty upper arms. Sometimes these issues persist, even in the face of dedicated diet and exercise.

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, will restore your upper arm areas, allowing you to enjoy a more naturally toned appearance.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

Brachioplasty is perfect for:

Eliminating pockets of stubborn fat between the elbow and shoulder
Removing unsightly sagging skin

We’ll tailor your arm lift to your unique, individual goals, allowing you to enjoy exactly the outcome you’ve been looking for.

Am I the Ideal Candidate for Brachioplasty?

Arm lift surgery is best suited to men and women who:

Are in good health and don’t smoke
Are committed to a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise
Experience inadequate elasticity of the skin in the upper arm, resulting in a drooping or sagging appearance
Understand the risks and benefits of the procedure

Before & After

What Do I Need to Do Before My Arm Lift?

Our expert surgical staff will start you off with a personal consultation at Richmond Plastic Surgeons, to ensure that you fully understand the procedure, while answering any questions you might possibly have.

We specialize in brachioplasty for both men and women in Richmond, and pride ourselves in safety through our vast amount of experience and expertise.

What Should I Expect on The Day of My Brachioplasty?

Our Richmond arm lift removes the extra skin and fat that leaves the upper arms looking unattractive. To remove this tissue, your surgeon will make an incision beginning at the elbow and extending to the armpit.

The underlying muscles and structures will then be tightened and held in place with dissolvable sutures. The skin and fat will be pulled tight across the top of the incisions, and the excess will be trimmed away. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove smaller pockets of fat before the incision is sutured closed.

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How Long Will My Arm Lift Take?

An arm lift typically takes about two hours to perform.

What Can I Expect After My Brachioplasty?

Your arms will likely be wrapped in a comfortable compression bandage or garment, to minimize swelling and guide the healing process.

You’ll want to limit your activities for about one to two weeks, and avoid any strenuous activities. It may be smart to have someone around who can help you during the healing process, as well.

You’ll experience mild to moderate swelling for the first three days, and you’ll feel a little tired for up to a week. Full recovery can take up to two weeks.

Meet Your Providers

At Richmond Plastic Surgeons, we are focused on care and results. Each of our physicians has years of experience, countless successful outcomes, and board-certification in their respective specialty. Learn more about our providers.

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Sharline Z. Aboutanos M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.S. Learn More

Stephen M. Chen M.D. Learn More

Darrin M. Hubert M.D., F.A.C.S. Learn More

Lewis T. Ladosci M.D., F.A.C.S. Learn More

Isaac L. Wornom, III M.D., F.A.C.S. Learn More

FAQ

Will I Have Scars After My Arm Lift?

Yes, you will have some scarring after your brachioplasty. After the first seven to 10 days, you’ll notice that the incision has begun to heal, forming a pink scar. The color of the scar will slowly darken, depending on your specific skin tone. Most people don’t notice any scarring, due to its placement on the inside of your arm; in most cases, it’s only visible when your arm is raised.

When Will I See the Results?

You’ll enjoy a noticeable improvement in the shape and size of your arms immediately after your surgery! Do note that the swelling can mask the final results for a few months.

What Are Possible Complications of Brachioplasty?

Our expert surgeons work hard to mitigate potential complications like:

Irregularities in the skin or subcutaneous fat
Bleeding
Infection
Loss of sensation on the skin
Nerve, muscle or blood vessel damage

How Long Will I Enjoy the Results of My Arm Lift?

You’ll love your incredibly toned upper arms immediately after your procedure, but no surgery can stop the effects of aging, weight fluctuations, medical conditions, and other factors. We recommend that you maintain a healthy diet and proper exercise, in order to enjoy the benefits of your arm lift for years to come.

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost in Richmond?

Brachioplasty is an elective procedure, so the cost won’t be covered by most medical insurance policies. We tailor each surgical plan to the patient’s individual needs and goals, so the cost can vary. We’ll give you an accurate cost of your arm lift after your consultation, and we accept several forms of payment, including financing through CareCredit®.