Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, more toned contour. This body contouring procedure is ideal for patients whose arms have not responded to diet and exercise alone.
What Is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm from the underarm region to the elbow. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, brachioplasty reduces excess sagging skin, tightens the underlying supportive tissue, and removes localized fat deposits in the upper arm region. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes one to three hours. An incision is made along the inside or back of the arm, and excess tissue is removed before the remaining skin is redraped and closed.
- Skin tightening: Removes the "bat wing" appearance caused by loose, hanging skin.
- Fat removal: Eliminates stubborn fat pockets that resist exercise, sometimes using liposuction in combination.
- Tissue reshaping: Smooths and tightens the underlying structures for a more defined arm contour.
Clinical data from StatPearls notes that brachioplasty remains the gold standard for patients with significant skin redundancy, particularly following massive weight loss.








