- Removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arms
- Enhances arm contour and definition
- Reduces friction and chafing between the arms and body
- Allows for greater confidence in sleeveless clothing
- Creates more proportionate upper body appearance
- Makes activities more comfortable
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Brachioplasty
Restore toned, youthful arms in Concord, CA
Do you find yourself choosing long sleeves, even on warmer days? Perhaps you’ve achieved significant weight loss, but you’re left feeling self-conscious about loose skin. Or maybe, despite staying active, time and gravity have simply changed your arms in ways you don’t love.
If you’re looking for a definitive way to reshape your upper arms and restore a firmer, more youthful contour, an arm lift could be the answer. This procedure removes the excess skin that creates the look of “bat wings” on your upper arms.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Mariotti has helped hundreds of men and women from Concord, Walnut Creek and throughout the East Bay regain their confidence through arm lift surgery.
Benefits
Surgical Notes
Anesthesia: General
Procedure Length: 2-3 hours
Time Off Work: 1-2 weeks
Final Results: 3-6 months
Related Procedures: Thigh Lift, Post-Weight Loss Surgery, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction
What Is Brachioplasty?
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess skin from the upper arms. The procedure can also remove stubborn pockets of fat, especially when it is combined with liposuction.
We all experience loss of skin elasticity to some degree as part of the aging process. As collagen and elastin production diminish, our skin’s underlying framework weakens, and it loses its firmness and resistance to gravity. These changes allow our skin to droop and sag throughout the body, including the area from the armpit to the elbow.
If you have lost a substantial amount of weight through diet and exercise or weight loss surgery, skin sagging can be more extreme. You may be left with bulky, hanging skin that has stretched beyond its ability to “snap back”.
An arm lift addresses these concerns surgically. During the procedure, Dr. Mariotti trims away excess skin, tightens the underlying tissues and smooths the remaining skin over the new contour of your arm.
Can an Arm Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Aesthetic concerns don’t always happen in isolation. Many patients find that excess skin affects multiple areas of their bodies, especially after massive weight loss.
Dr. Mariotti frequently combines brachioplasty with procedures like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thigh lifts, butt lifts and breast lifts to create proportionate, natural-looking results throughout the body. This combined approach is popular for surgery after weight loss and mommy makeover procedures.
It is also common to combine arm lift surgery with liposuction. While the lift addresses excess skin, liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits. This pairing allows Dr. Mariotti to sculpt your arms more comprehensively.
What Are the Most Commonly Used Arm Lift Techniques?
Dr. Mariotti doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he carefully evaluates your specific anatomy and goals to choose the right technique for you. In most cases, he uses the standard brachioplasty technique.
The standard arm lift addresses moderate to significant sagging in the upper arm. The incision typically runs from the armpit to the elbow, placed on the inside or back of the arm where it’s less visible. This approach allows Dr. Mariotti to make significant adjustments and create a smooth, toned appearance throughout the upper arm.
Book Your Personalized Plan“Dr. Mariotti is not only a remarkably gifted surgeon and physician, he’s also super nice! I have had two surgeries with Dr. M, and from start to finish, the experience was amazing. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I highly recommend Dr. Mariotti and his staff to everyone I know.”
- Laura L.
What to Expect From Your Arm Lift With Dr. Mariotti
Book NowPreparation
Your first step is a private consultation at our Concord plastic surgery office. During this initial meeting, Dr. Mariotti will evaluate your arms, discuss your goals, review your medical history, and take measurements and photos. He will propose a treatment plan based on this thorough evaluation and explain the procedure in detail, including its potential risks and benefits, so you can make an informed decision.
If you decide to proceed, you will receive detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare. Our team will schedule your surgery and make sure you understand our financial policies and payment options.
Procedure
Your arm lift surgery will take place at Premier Surgery Center in Concord, where Dr. Mariotti serves as medical director. Most arm lifts are performed under general anesthesia and take two to three hours.
Dr. Mariotti begins by making incisions following the pattern discussed during your consultation. Through these incisions, he removes excess fat either directly or with liposuction, then tightens and reshapes the underlying tissues.
When the sculpting is finished, Dr. Mariotti closes the incisions with multiple layers of sutures to minimize tension and optimize scar appearance. He takes pride in creating natural-looking results that enhance your appearance while maintaining proper proportion and function.
Recovery
You will go home with your arms wrapped in a compression garment that helps control swelling and supports your new contours. Some discomfort, bruising and swelling are normal initially. Dr. Mariotti will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable. Many patients find they can switch to over-the-counter options after a few days.
You should avoid raising your arms above shoulder level or lifting anything heavier than a few pounds for the first two weeks. Plan for one to two weeks away from work or school to focus on rest and healing. You may return to desk work and light activities after this point but should continue to avoid strenuous activities for four to six weeks.
You will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Mariotti to monitor your healing and remove any non-dissolving sutures. Our team remains available throughout your recovery to address any questions or concerns that arise.
Results
The most exciting part of the journey is seeing your new contours take shape. You will notice a difference immediately after surgery, but there will also be swelling in the initial weeks. The swelling gradually subsides over the coming months, revealing your smoother, firmer arms.
Your scars will initially appear red and raised but will fade and flatten over time. Faithful use of the scar treatments recommended by Dr. Mariotti can improve their final appearance.
Is an Arm Lift Right for Me?
You’re excited by the thought of slipping into a sleeveless dress without hesitation, or waving to a friend without worrying about how your arms look in motion. But does an arm lift truly fit your goals and circumstances?
Your weight should be stable before undergoing a body contouring procedure. If you’re planning to lose weight, Dr. Mariotti may recommend waiting to have your arm lift so future weight changes don’t affect your results.
Ultimately, the most reliable way to determine if an arm lift is right for you is through a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Mariotti will provide an honest recommendation tailored specifically to you. We are dedicated not only to helping you achieve results you love but also ensuring you feel heard and cared for throughout your experience.
You might be a great candidate if:
- Your upper arms have loose skin that hangs (“bat wings”)
- You feel self-conscious about the appearance of your arms
- Excess skin on your arms causes physical discomfort or skin irritation
- Your arms appear disproportionate to the rest of your body
- You don’t smoke (or are willing to quit, at least temporarily)
- You’re in generally good health
FAQS
What will my scars look like after an arm lift?
Scars are an expected part of arm lift surgery. Usually, the scar runs from the armpit to the elbow on the inside or back of the arm. Scars typically fade and flatten over time. Most patients feel the dramatic improvement in their arm contour and comfort is a worthwhile trade-off.
How much does an arm lift cost?
The cost of an arm lift varies depending on personal factors, such as the specific technique used and the overall complexity of your procedure. Because each surgery is tailored to the patient, the best way to get an estimate is through a consultation with Dr. Mariotti. We can provide a detailed breakdown of the anticipated costs and discuss available financing options during your visit.
Can I view before and after photos of people who have had an arm lift?
Our before and after gallery is a great way to get a feel for what’s possible with an arm lift. Dr. Mariotti can also show you additional before and after photos during your consultation. Looking at patients with body types similar to yours can help you visualize what your results might look like.
Can exercise tighten loose arm skin instead of surgery?
Exercise can build muscle and reduce fat, but it cannot significantly tighten loose skin, and surgery is the only way to remove excess skin. That said, maintaining muscle tone through regular exercise will enhance your surgical results. Strength training is fantastic for improving underlying muscle tone to enhance the overall shape and firmness of your arms.
How do I know if I need an arm lift or just liposuction?
The key factor is your skin elasticity. If you have good skin tone with fatty deposits in your upper arms, liposuction alone might achieve your goals. However, if you have loose, hanging skin, an arm lift is usually necessary to achieve a tighter contour. Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures.
Are there any nonsurgical alternatives to an arm lift?
There are some nonsurgical treatments that stimulate collagen and provide mild skin tightening. These may offer improvements for mild skin laxity. However, for moderate to significant amounts of loose, sagging skin on the arms, surgery remains the most effective and definitive solution. Nonsurgical options typically cannot achieve the dramatic lifting and contouring results possible with a surgical arm lift.
“Dr. Mariotti and his team have been absolutely phenomenal from the first time I called to schedule a consultation to all of my follow up appointments after surgery. To say that I am pleased with the results is an understatement.”
- Jamie W.
Wave Goodbye to Worry With an Arm Lift at MBody
Some people struggle with excess arm tissue their entire adult lives due to genetics. Others work hard to lose weight only to find that their skin doesn’t shrink to match their new body. And many simply want to address the natural changes that come with aging. Whatever your reason, Dr. Mariotti can help.
Give us a call at 925-685-4533, or reach out through our online form to set up your personal consultation at MBody Plastic Surgery Center.
