Precision, Compassion, and Confidence in Every Contour

Dr. David Parizh, DO, FACS, understands that sagging upper arms can affect more than appearance. Many patients avoid sleeveless clothing or feel self-conscious raising their arms in social settings. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Parizh brings a meticulous, patient-centered approach to every brachioplasty he performs at his Long Island and Manhattan offices. His reconstructive background, developed through years of complex wound and burn care at institutions including NYU and the University of Cincinnati, gives him a refined understanding of tissue behavior, incision placement, and scar management that directly benefits his arm lift patients.

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.

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Benefits of Brachioplasty

  • Improved arm contour: Creates a smoother, more proportional shape from shoulder to elbow.
  • Greater clothing confidence: Patients feel comfortable wearing short sleeves, sleeveless tops, and fitted garments.
  • Enhanced body proportion: Particularly after significant weight loss, brachioplasty helps the arms match a newly contoured body.
  • Long-lasting results: When combined with a stable weight, results are durable and aging-appropriate.
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Are You a Candidate for Brachioplasty?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have excess, sagging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with exercise
  • Are at a stable weight and not planning significant weight loss or gain
  • Are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
  • Are in good overall health without conditions that impair wound healing
  • Have realistic expectations about scarring and outcomes
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Why Choose Dr. Parizh for Brachioplasty in Long Island?

Dr. Parizh's credentials set him apart. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he also serves as Interim Director of the Burn Center and Director of Hyperbaric Medicine at Nassau University Medical Center. This dual expertise in reconstruction and aesthetics allows him to minimize scarring, optimize healing, and deliver arm contours that look and feel natural.

He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, reflecting his commitment to advancing surgical standards.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

  • Dr. Parizh evaluates your arm anatomy, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals
  • You'll discuss incision placement, expected scarring, and realistic outcomes
  • Cost and financing options are reviewed during your visit

During the Procedure

  • General anesthesia is administered for your comfort
  • An incision is made along the inner arm, with length determined by the degree of correction needed
  • Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened and redraped
  • Liposuction may be used to further refine the contour

Recovery and Results

  • Compression garments are worn for several weeks to minimize swelling
  • Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks
  • Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are restricted for approximately six weeks
  • Final results become visible as swelling resolves over the following months
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Related Procedures

Brachioplasty is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures, especially for patients who have undergone significant weight loss. Dr. Parizh may recommend pairing an arm lift with a thigh lift, liposuction, or a lower body lift for comprehensive, balanced results.

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Reclaim Confidence in Your Arms. Book a Consultation Today

If sagging upper arms are holding you back from feeling your best, Dr. David Parizh, DO, FACS, can help. Schedule a consultation at his Garden City, East Hills, or Manhattan office to explore your brachioplasty options.

Brachioplasty FAQ

Will the scars from brachioplasty be visible?

Can brachioplasty be performed on both arms at the same time?

Will I lose sensation in my arms after surgery?

How long will my brachioplasty results last?

Can I have brachioplasty if I'm still planning to lose more weight?

Is brachioplasty covered by insurance?

When can I start exercising my arms again after surgery?

What is the difference between brachioplasty and arm liposuction?

Will the scars from brachioplasty be visible?

Incisions are placed along the inner arm where they are less noticeable, though scarring will be present. Scars typically fade significantly over the first year and can be further improved with scar management treatments recommended by Dr. Parizh.

Can brachioplasty be performed on both arms at the same time?

Yes, both arms are treated during the same surgical session. This is standard practice and does not significantly increase the overall procedure time or recovery period.

Will I lose sensation in my arms after surgery?

Some temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation near the incision sites are normal. Full sensation typically returns within a few weeks to several months as the nerves heal.

How long will my brachioplasty results last?

Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Natural aging will continue, but the dramatic sagging that prompted the procedure should not return under normal circumstances.

Can I have brachioplasty if I'm still planning to lose more weight?

Dr. Parizh generally recommends reaching and maintaining your goal weight for at least six months before undergoing brachioplasty. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise your results and cause new skin laxity.

Is brachioplasty covered by insurance?

Brachioplasty is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. In rare cases where excess skin causes documented medical issues such as chronic rashes or infections, partial coverage may be possible.

When can I start exercising my arms again after surgery?

Light walking is encouraged within days of surgery to promote circulation. Upper body exercises and weight training are usually cleared around the six-week mark, depending on your individual healing progress.

What is the difference between brachioplasty and arm liposuction?

Liposuction removes excess fat but does not address loose or sagging skin. Brachioplasty removes both excess skin and fat, making it the better option for patients whose primary concern is skin laxity rather than isolated fat deposits.

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