Arm Lift Surgery San Diego
The Best Arm Lift Candidates
- Are self-conscious about the appearance of the upper arms
- Have excess loose skin of the upper arms
- Are happy trading the removal of excess skin and fat for a visible scar on the arm
- Are not taking blood thinner medications or using nicotine products
- Are healthy and a stable weight
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Arm Lift Options
Arm Lift techniques have been refined over the last decade and your Restore SD surgeon will work with you to plan the best operative approach. If you have a bit of extra fat in addition to extra skin, liposuction of the upper arm may be a useful addition. Sometimes liposuction is done as a separate procedure prior to removing the extra skin in order to optimize the final result. Arm lift and breast surgeries are often done at the same time.
Arm Lift Surgery
Your Arm Lift surgery is done under general anesthesia and generally takes 1 ½ – 2 hours. During the surgery, Dr. Gallus will remove the excess skin from your upper arms and sculpt the area into a more slim and shapely appearance. When surgery is complete, you will have compression dressings placed and will have a drain in each surgical site. Arm Lift surgery is an outpatient procedure and you will be able to go home after recovering from anesthesia.
Arm Lift Surgery Recovery
Once you have recovered from anesthesia you are able to go home with a responsible adult who can ideally stay with you for a few days during the early recovery process. Some surgical pain is expected and will be treated with pain medications. Most patients can return to work after 2-3 weeks. Normal daily activities like showering, eating and light activity such as walking can be resumed within 48-72 hours after surgery.
Some post-operative swelling is normal and generally resolves within the first 4 weeks after surgery. We offer lymphatic massage as an option for aftercare as it can significantly decrease swelling and enhance the definition of your newly sculpted arms. You should refrain from intense physical activity for 4 weeks. During the recovery period, you will have follow-up with Dr. Gallus and will be guided back to your usual activities.
Most complications occur from getting too active too early, so select a surgical date that allows an appropriate amount of time to heal and gradually return to your more vigorous activities.
Combining Procedures
Arm Lift surgery is a very powerful body contouring procedure that restores harmony to your proportions that has been disrupted with weight loss or aging. The procedure can be combined with breast surgery, liposuction using the SAFELipo™ technique, or facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Gallus will partner with you to develop a surgical plan that optimizes your result and your safety.
“Dr. Gallus did an upper arm procedure October 2021 and I love the results to date. I definitely highly recommend.”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
Arm Lift FAQs
What happens at my arm lift consultation?
When you arrive at Restore SD Plastic Surgery to discuss arm lift surgery, Dr. Gallus will perform a detailed examination as well as review your medical history and any medications you are taking. At your consultation, you will have photos taken with our Vectra 3D imaging system and discuss treatment areas and options while viewing your photos series. With our state-of-the-art Canfield software, potential surgical results can be viewed and adjustments can be made, helping you to visualize possible outcomes.
Tell me about the scars for arm lift surgery.
The incision for arm lift is placed on the bottom of the arm but can still be visible while wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing. Depending on your individual distribution of excess skin, the incision may stop short of the elbow or may extend just beyond. A surgical scar will take 9-12 months to fully mature. Your scar will go through changes during the healing process and your Restore SD team will help you manage this part of your recovery. This can consist of sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and fractionated laser treatments.
Is there a non-surgical treatment for sagging underarms?
Unfortunately, there is no non-invasive solution for this condition. Although some options to include laser and cryotherapy can be offered, they offer minimal skin tightening. With respect to treating sagging underarms, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
I am a massive weight loss patient after bariatric surgery – what do I need to know?
Arm Lift surgery is one of several body contouring procedures that are very effective in restoring your figure and look to a slimmer and youthful one. The various body contouring surgeries after massive weight loss can be staged in a number of ways. Your Restore SD surgeon will listen to your ideas and goals and partner with you to arrive at a surgical plan that optimizes results and safety.
Why is arm lift surgery for me?
Weight loss through diet and exercise or through bariatric surgery halts or reverses some serious medical conditions such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems. Loose skin of the arms can be an unanticipated side effect of weight loss and can be effectively treated with arm lift surgery. Some skin shrinkage can be expected in the months following weight loss, so surgery is generally not undertaken until you have been at a stable weight for several months.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Removes excess skin post-weight loss that cannot be addressed through exercise alone
- Creates more contoured and visually appealing upper arms
- Allows the underlying muscle tone in the arms to become more visible
- Reduces skin irritation and chafing by removing sagging skin
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) – A cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned and defined appearance.
- Anesthesia – Medications used to prevent pain during surgery; arm lift surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Axilla – The medical term for the armpit area; in arm lift surgery, incisions may extend into the axilla to achieve a more comprehensive removal of excess skin and fat.
- Compression Garments – Specialized clothing worn after arm lift surgery to reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and help the skin conform to the new arm contours.
- Elasticity – The skin’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape; loss of elasticity due to aging or significant weight loss can be addressed with an arm lift.
- Incisions – Surgical cuts made during an arm lift, which can vary in length and pattern, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed.
- Liposuction – A procedure that removes excess fat through a suction technique, which can be used in conjunction with an arm lift to enhance the contouring of the arms.
- Recovery Time – The period required for healing after an arm lift, during which activities may be limited and patients must follow care instructions to ensure optimal results.
- Scar Management – Techniques and treatments to minimize the appearance of scars following arm lift surgery, including the use of silicone sheets, gels, and proper wound care.
- Skin Excision – The removal of excess skin during an arm lift to tighten and smooth the underlying tissue for a more toned arm appearance.
- Subcutaneous Fat – The layer of fat just beneath the skin that can contribute to a sagging appearance in the upper arms, targeted for removal during an arm lift.
- Upper Arm Contouring – The process of reshaping the upper arms to achieve a slimmer, more aesthetically pleasing silhouette, typically through an arm lift.
Why should I choose Restore SD for my arm lift surgery?
Dr. Gallus has over 15 years of experience with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and is a fully credentialed, board-certified plastic surgeon. She also takes the time to listen to you, and partners with you to develop a surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and beautiful results. We want you to leave Restore SD Plastic Surgery looking and feeling your personal best. Read more about Dr. Gallus here »
How do I choose an arm lift surgeon?
It is important to ask if your surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As Board Certified plastic surgeons at Restore SD, we have years of training and expertise in body contouring surgery that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in body contouring surgery and arm lift surgery in particular. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of 23 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. These specialties represent the traditional core of fully trained specialists. Alternative boards have cropped up over the last several years to lend legitimacy to incompletely trained or poorly trained practitioners. Accept nothing less than a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who preferably is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
How much time off work should I take after arm lift surgery?
Depending on your profession, you should expect to take 2-3 weeks off from work. You will not be able to drive while taking narcotic pain medication and will be wearing arm compression garments. You will need a ride home after having general anesthesia and have a friend or family member stay with you for the first night and a day or two if possible.
What should I do to prepare for arm lift surgery?
If you have close friends or relatives who have had arm lift surgery – start there! A personal story of their journey may guide you to questions to ask your surgeon and having someone with a shared experience is invaluable. Educate yourself by reading our procedure page and viewing our educational videos.
I am a smoker – can I have arm lift surgery?
At Restore SD Plastic surgery, we want to deliver safe, consistent, and reproducible results. Smoking tobacco or using any nicotine products has adverse effects on wound healing. Your risk of tissue loss, infection, and prolonged incision healing are much higher if you use nicotine. We recommend a nicotine-free period of 8 weeks prior to surgery and a minimum 4 weeks post-operatively. We have a simple urinary nicotine test that we complete in the office to help you on your journey to a safe and gratifying surgical experience with us.
I have Diabetes – what do I need to know about arm lift surgery?
If you have diabetes it is important to work with your medical team to keep an ideal HbA1C. Diabetes can increase your risk for prolonged wound healing and certain types of infections. Surgery can be safely performed but requires a coordinated effort from patients, surgeons, and medical doctors to attain outstanding results. There are some instances where Dr. Gallus may want to postpone surgery until your diabetes is under better control.
How soon can I travel after having arm lift surgery?
Having surgery means a commitment to an appropriate recovery. We recommend scheduling your surgery at a time that allows enough time to recover and gradually return to your normal activities. Flying, driving long distances, or leaving the immediate area are not recommended until you have been cleared by your surgeon. If you have specific travel needs or require advice for emergency travel soon after a procedure, please let us know and we will be glad to discuss the details with you.
Your Safety = Beautiful Results
Arm Lift at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
“One of the greatest challenges after significant weight loss is the feeling of being trapped in a wrinkly lump of loose skin. Dr Gallus and her amazing team were so kind and generous in helping me peel away not only my extra skin, but in feeling like it was the right thing for me. She’s taken care of my abdomen, breasts and arms. The scars are very minimal and I feel absolutely amazing. If you’re considering plastics, you can’t go wrong with coming to her.”
—Google Review for Dr. Gallus
Schedule your consultation!
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus holds over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Her priority is taking the time to listen to your goals and partner with you to develop the best and safest surgical plan that will optimize your results and leave you looking and feeling your best. To schedule your personal consultation, call our office at 858-224-2281 or reach out online.
Call to schedule your consultation today
References »
Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. 2023 Jul 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–.
Reed LS. Brachioplasty with limited scar. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014 Oct;41(4):753-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.06.009.
Rohrich RJ, Mohan R, Durand PD. Brachioplasty Refinements. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2020 Apr;145(4):754e-756e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006688.
Sisti A, Cuomo R, Milonia L, Tassinari J, Castagna A, Brandi C, Grimaldi L, D’Aniello C, Nisi G. Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review. Acta Biomedica. 2018 Jan 16;88(4):393-402. doi: 10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609.
Knoetgen J 3rd, Moran SL. Long-term outcomes and complications associated with brachioplasty: a retrospective review and cadaveric study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Jun;117(7):2219-23. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000218707.95410.47. PMID: 16772920.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Mar 21, 2025
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