Brachioplasty overview

Achieve more shapely upper arms in Austin, TX

Excess loose and sagging skin and fat on the upper arms may be due to aging, genetic factors or weight loss. Whatever the cause, an arm lift can surgically reshape your arms and give them more contour. If you feel self-conscious about showing your upper arms or wearing short-sleeved shirts, an arm lift could help boost your confidence and allow you to enjoy your life to the fullest. For many, it is a step towards completing the transformation of their weight loss journey.

How an Arm Lift Works

An arm lift in Austin involves making an incision along the inner or underside of the arm, typically extending from the armpit toward the elbow. This allows your surgeon to remove excess skin and, when necessary, fat for a smoother contour. Liposuction may also be incorporated to further refine the arm shape.

At APSI, we tailor the incision pattern and surgical technique to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. For those with significant sagging, we may extend the incision pattern to ensure optimal contouring while minimizing visible scarring.

Before & After Brachioplasty

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Who is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift in Austin

Ideal candidates for an arm lift typically:

  • Have loose or sagging skin due to significant weight loss or natural aging
  • Desire firmer, more contoured upper arms
  • Maintain a stable, healthy weight
  • Have realistic expectations about results and scarring
  • Are in good overall health and free from medical conditions that may impair healing

A consultation at APSI will help determine whether an arm lift or a less invasive alternative is the best solution for you.

Alternatives to arm lift surgery

Many women like the athletic look of a fit and defined arm that does not have a lot of hanging skin. Sometimes this can be achieved with less invasive procedures like BodyTite and SAFE liposuction along with Morpheus8. If this less invasive procedure is right for you, it can be done through two 4mm incisions on each arm. 

Benefits of an Arm Lift

An arm lift in Austin offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved arm contour and firmness
  • Enhanced self-confidence and comfort in clothing
  • Long-lasting results when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle
  • Ability to combine with other body contouring procedures for more dramatic transformation
  • Better fit and appearance in sleeveless clothing

Arm Lift Recovery Process

Recovery after an arm lift in Austin usually involves:

  • Wearing compression garments for several weeks to support healing
  • Keeping the arms elevated to reduce swelling
  • Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks
  • Gentle exercises to maintain mobility
  • Scar care treatments to help improve the appearance of incisions

Most patients return to normal activities within two weeks, but full recovery can take several months.

We are here to boost your confidence.

At Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, our entire team strives to provide the best plastic surgery care in central Texas. All our doctors are board certified experts at their craft, and we care for each patient as if they were family. We really want to know what results you envision for yourself, so that we can help you achieve your personal aesthetic goals.

Austin Plastic Surgery Institute has been performing custom arm lift surgeries since 2003 and we are honored to be known as the premier surgery center in Austin. We are here to address any personal concerns about your upper arms and enhance your happiness and confidence. Imagine feeling completely confident in sleeveless tops, with upper arms that look youthful and sculpted!

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What is brachioplasty recovery like?

Your brachioplasty will be performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility and will most likely take around 2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. Your arm lift in Austin can be combined with other body contouring procedures. Following surgery, you should keep your arm elevated to help control swelling and promote circulation. You will experience a slow return of normal function. Arm and hand strength, specifically, will be weak for the first several weeks as your internal tissues heal.

Arm lift FAQs

Liposuction or arm lift?

If you have excess fat on the insides of your arms, you may be a candidate for BodyTite and SAFE liposuction, but arm lift patients typically do not have excess fat as their primary problem. They normally have excessive sagging and loose, hanging skin. The only way to correct this problem is through a brachioplasty procedure. If you have relatively good skin tone but also have excess fat in the arms, you may be able to achieve your desired results with a less invasive BodyTite, Morpheus and SAFE lipo procedure.

What about scarring?

It’s important to understand that scarring is a part of this procedure. We recommend that you avoid sun exposure by covering them and using sunscreen during the first year after your surgery to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the scars are a small trade-off for a new, shapelier arm. We will discuss scar care to help assist in the healing process.

Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. Some common techniques often combined during what is known as an “upper body lift” include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast surgery (breast lift). During your consultation, your doctor will discuss each surgery with you and will advise you on whether these procedures should be done at the same time.

How toned will I look?

An arm lift is performed to remove hanging skin and fat. The only way to build muscle is through strength training. Following surgery, once your arms are fully healed, you can resume exercise and weight training. This is a great way to add shape to the arms by toning and strengthening them.

How long do the results of an arm lift last?

The results of an arm lift are typically long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, natural aging can affect skin elasticity over time.

Can an arm lift be done without surgery?

Non-surgical treatments can provide mild improvements in skin tightness but cannot achieve the same results as a surgical arm lift. For significant excess skin removal and contouring, surgery is the most effective option.

How much weight do you lose with an arm lift?

An arm lift primarily focuses on removing excess skin and may involve some fat removal, resulting in a minor weight loss. The procedure is aimed at improving arm contour rather than significant weight reduction.

Why Choose APSI for an Arm Lift in Austin

At APSI, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring years of experience in arm lift surgery to every procedure. We take a personalized approach, ensuring your arm lift is tailored to your unique body and goals. Our Austin practice offers state-of-the-art surgical facilities and a full range of body contouring services, allowing us to combine procedures for optimal results.

We are committed to delivering safe, effective treatments with a focus on artistry, precision, and patient satisfaction.

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Related Procedures at APSI

For patients considering an arm lift, APSI also offers:

  • BodyTite and SAFE Liposuction for less invasive contouring
  • Morpheus8 skin tightening for improved elasticity
  • Tummy tuck and breast lift procedures for full-body rejuvenation

These options can be combined for a customized upper body transformation.

Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation in Austin

If loose, sagging skin is keeping you from feeling confident in sleeveless clothing, an arm lift in Austin may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At APSI, we provide expert surgical care in a welcoming

environment to help you achieve firmer, more sculpted arms. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your transformation.

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