Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
In The Greater Toronto Area
Reveal Before & Afters (May Contain Nudity)
Brachioplasty Surgery Before & Afters
What is a Brachioplasty?
An arm lift (formally known as a brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess loose or sagging skin and fat from your arms to reshape them and provide a slimmer, more youthful look. Aging, genetics and weight fluctuations can all contribute to excess skin and fat in the arms. We offer a variety of arm lift procedures to address those concerns. At Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann will develop a surgical plan unique to your needs and will help you achieve your vision for your body. Dr. Dreckmann is a board certified, highly talented plastic surgeon with years of expertise performing arm lifts in the Greater Toronto Area.
Why Get a Brachioplasty?
- Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
- Remove loose, sagging or wrinkled skin around the arms
- Remove excess fat from the arms
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- Often paired with liposuction to remove the most amount of fat
- Achieve a thinner, more youthful and aesthetic contour of your arms
Am I Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute follows all guidelines from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to maximize patient safety, and Dr. Dreckmann will personally perform any necessary physical assessments during a consultation to evaluate your eligibility as a candidate. The following are a general set of requirements to be an eligible candidate for arm lift surgery:
- Generally fit and healthy
- Body mass index (BMI) less than 35
- You can calculate your BMI here
- Smokers should quit smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, as well as after
- You have upper arm loose or sagging skin
- You have reached and are maintaining a stable weight
- Realistic expectations
- With a consultation at Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Dreckmann will help provide realistic expectations by aligning your desired arm contour with your age, lifestyle, physique and proportions so that you have a clear idea of what you can expect in your final result.
Valespring reserves the right to turn down patients who do not meet the necessary physical or psychological criteria for cosmetic surgery, and would do so only because we make your health and safety our top priority.
An Arm Lift Surgery Overview
Procedure
- All procedures involve an incision on the upper arm to remove excess skin. Depending on the type of arm lift, the incision may be along the length of the upper arm or hidden near the armpit area.
- After the excess skin and fat is removed, the incisions are sutured closed, improving arm contours and tightness of the skin.
- The procedure takes roughly 2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia
- General Anesthesia so that the patient is fully asleep for the procedure
Recovery
- Return to work after 1 to 2 weeks
- Return to exercise after approximately 4 weeks
- Final results will be apparent after 6-12 months
- A compression garment or arm wrapping may need to be worn for about 4 weeks
- These numbers serve as a rough guideline, but you should always follow your surgical team’s specific and individualized recovery plan, as recommendations may vary from patient to patient
Arm Lift Techniques
Mini Arm Lift
(Mini Brachioplasty)
The mini arm lift limits the incision to the armpit area, and thus has minimal scarring relative to other arm lifts. It is reserved for patients with little excess skin and fat in the upper arm area.
Traditional Arm Lift
(Standard Brachioplasty)
A traditional arm lift requires an incision that runs from the armpit down towards the elbow. Excess skin and fat is removed from the entire upper arm and then tightened, leaving a scar that is hidden if your arms are at your side. This is the most commonly used brachioplasty technique.
Extended Arm Lift
(Extended Brachioplasty)
An extended arm lift is similar to a traditional brachioplasty except that the incision is extended beyond the armpit down the side of the chest to excise any loose skin and fat that might be under the arm area along the side of the chest. This technique is less common because of a larger, more visible brachioplasty scar and is typically reserved for select massive weight loss patients.
Let us guide you through the decision
Book a Free Brachioplasty Consultation Now!
How Much Does a Brachioplasty Cost?
Mini Arm Lift
$7500+
- Cost Includes:
- Mini arm lift procedure on both arms
- Arm liposuction, when indicated
- Compression garment
Arm Liposuction
+$4000+
- Cost Includes:
- Liposuction of entire upper posterior arm when added to another qualifying surgical procedure
Traditional Arm Lift
$11000+
- Cost Includes:
- Traditional arm lift procedure on both arms
- Arm liposuction, when indicated
- Compression garment
Extended Arm Lift
$14000+
- Cost includes:
- Extended arm lift procedure on both arms
- Arm liposuction, when indicated
- Compression garment
Optional Overnight Stay
+$3000
Patients normally return home on the same day of the procedure, but some would like the extra peace of mind of staying in an overnight bed in our medical facility, under the supervision of 2 personal attendants.
- Cost includes:
- Overnight stay in one of our beds
- Nurse supervision for the length of your stay
- Meals for dinner and breakfast the following morning
Consultations are free with no obligation
If you have any questions about our pricing or have specific needs, do not hesitate to contact us
Prices serve as a guideline only. Fees will be adjusted based on each patient’s individual anatomy and the complexity of the case.
Prices do not include HST
Get your arm lift now, make payments later!
See Our Other Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Liposuction
Body Lift
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Tummy Tuck
Mommy Makeover
Thigh Lift
FAQs about Brachioplasty
When can I exercise after an arm lift?
After about 4 weeks, it is usually safe to resume most exercise. However, this varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will be happy to advise you on when it is safe for you to return to various forms of exercise.
How long does a brachioplasty take to heal?
The arms are likely to feel swollen, tight and sore for the first few weeks after surgery. Mild bruising is also likely during this period. It will typically take another 2 to 4 weeks of recovery before exercises involving the arms can be done. Final results typically become apparent after 6-12 months.
Is an arm lift worth it?
A vast majority of patients are delighted with their arm lift results and think the procedure is worth it. In fact, on RealSelf, the arm lift procedure has a 94% “Worth It” rating at the time of writing this article.
How painful is an arm lift?
You will be put to sleep with with general anesthetic for the brachioplasty procedure, and you should not feel anything for the duration of the surgery. After the surgery you will likely experience bruising, swelling and moderate discomfort for the first few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe medication to control the pain. A complimentary arm wrapping or compression garment will also be provided which needs to be worn for an extended period after surgery and can reduce swelling as well as discomfort.
What is an invisible arm lift?
An invisible arm lift gets its name from the incision used for the procedure. Arm liposuction is performed to remove fat, and arm skin removal is done using an “invisible” arm lift incision hidden in the arm pit, pulling the skin tight. This is also sometimes referred to as a mini arm lift. To see if you are a candidate, book a free consultation today.
How long does an arm lift take?
An arm lift generally takes 2 to 4 hours, depending the technique and individual.
How do you sleep after a brachioplasty?
For the first few weeks, it is typically recommended for patients to sleep on their backs with their arms elevated, propped up by a few pillows. Sleeping in a recliner is preferred by some patients after arm lift surgery.
Where is the scar for an arm lift?
It depends on the technique. One technique can require an incision along the inner aspect or back of the upper arm, which is where the most excess loose skin is. Another technique involves a scar near the armpit which tends to be visible when your arm is up in the air, but hidden when at your side.
How long after brachioplasty before I can drive?
Most patients can resume driving 1 week after brachioplasty surgery, provided they are no longer requiring pain killers at that time. However, this time period varies from patient to patient and your plastic surgeon will advise you when you can begin driving after arm lift surgery.
Is an arm lift scar noticeable?
Depending on the technique used, the scar may be noticeable from different angles. It may be hidden from the front, but not the back. Or it may be hidden when the arm is down, but not when the arm is up. Scars tend to fade over time, but not for all patients. Genetics, age and ethnicity all influence how your scars change appearance over time.