How Much Does Arm Lift Cost? All You Need to Know

An arm lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is a surgical body-contouring procedure that is designed to help reshape the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, most often from the area between the underarm and the elbow. A brachioplasty can be combined with liposuction when needed, especially in cases of extra fatty tissue in the upper arm.

The goal is to achieve firmer, more proportionate arms that complement the rest of the body.

What Cosmetic Concerns Does an Arm Lift Treat?

An arm lift is typically used to address:

• Loose or lax skin along the upper arms that becomes more noticeable when lifting the arms.
• Excess fatty deposits in the upper arms (especially when liposuction is part of the plan).
• Poor skin elasticity in the upper arms, meaning the skin does not retract adequately after weight loss or aging.
• Arms that appear out of proportion with the rest of the figure due to areas of loosened skin or excess tissue.

In short, if diet and exercise haven’t resolved loose upper‐arm skin or substantial fatty tissue in that region, an arm lift may be the appropriate solution.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an Arm Lift Procedure?

You may be a good candidate for a brachioplasty if you:

• Are in good overall health, without conditions that can significantly increase surgical risk.
• Have a stable weight (no expectation of future significant weight gain or weight loss) because weight fluctuations may affect your outcome.
• Struggle with loose and excess skin in the upper arm area that has not been responding to non-surgical methods.
• Understand that this is a cosmetic procedure and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved, including the presence of a surgical scar.
• Are a non‐smoker or are willing to quit well in advance of surgery (often at least four to six weeks) because smoking delays healing and increases risk.

If you are still losing a significant amount of weight or plan dramatic weight changes then it might be wise to wait until you’ve reached a more stable weight.

What to Expect During an Arm Lift Procedure

Length of Procedure

Typical procedure time for a standard arm lift ranges from about 3 to 3.5 hours in many practices

Procedure Overview

• Pre‐operative preparation: Your surgeon will evaluate your health status, skin quality, fat distribution, and arm shape to decide on the best technique.
• Anesthesia: The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia or deep sedation, depending on the complexity and surgeon’s preference.
• Incision & contouring: Incisions are commonly made along the inner arm from the underarm toward the elbow, or under the arm depending on the chosen technique. Excess skin and fat are removed and, if needed, liposuction may assist.
• Closing & finishing: The tissue is contoured, sutured, and dressings/compression garments are applied. Swelling and altered skin sensation (temporary or sometimes permanent) may occur.

Postoperative Recovery

• You’ll wake in a recovery room; most patients go home the same day or stay overnight depending on how the procedure went.
• Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the arms are expected in the first days/weeks. Most swelling subsides significantly by 2–3 weeks, though full maturation may take months.
• Compression garments are typically worn for several weeks to assist skin retraction and contouring.
• Light activities are encouraged early; lifting heavy objects or vigorous arm movement is typically restricted for several weeks.
• Incision scars will be noticeable initially but gradually fade and flatten over up to a year.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost?

When considering how much an arm lift costs, it’s helpful to know that the advertised price often only reflects the surgeon’s fee. The total cost typically includes additional expenses such as anesthesia, operating room fees, and post-surgical care.

According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of an arm lift (brachioplasty) is around $6,192, not including those extra costs.

The financing resource CareCredit reports a slightly broader estimate, with an average cost of $6,732 and a range between $5,230 and $12,978, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure.

Additional Cost Components

Here are other cost items to expect beyond the surgeon’s fee:

• Anesthesia fees.
• Operating room or surgical facility fees.
• Pre-surgical medical tests.
• Compression garments post‐surgery.
• Post‐operative medications.
• Follow‐ups appointments.

Why Costs Vary

Some factors that affect cost include:

• Extent of the sagging and skin laxity.
• Whether liposuction is incorporated into the procedure.
• Geographic region and cost of living.
• Facility vs hospital based surgery.
• Whether the procedure is bilateral (both arms) vs unilateral.

Potential Side Effects & Risks

As with any surgery, brachioplasty comes with risks. Some key potential side effects include:

• Temporary or even permanent changes in skin sensation in the upper arms.
• Scarring: while efforts are made to minimize visibility, scars are inevitable and will fade over time.
• Swelling, bruising, and tightness during recovery.
• Infection or bleeding.
• Poor wound healing or tissue breakdown.
• The possibility that skin laxity returns with age or weight fluctuation.

Is an Arm Lift Worth the Cost?

It’s important to weigh the value of an arm lift and not just price. For many patients, the benefits go beyond appearance:

• Improved proportions and a more toned upper arm contour.
• Increased confidence and willingness to wear sleeveless or short‐sleeved garments.
• Reduction in arm skin chafing or irritation from excess skin.
• Long‐term results when weight is stable and skin quality is good.

However, the value is best realized if:

• You are at or near your ideal weight.
• You maintain your results with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.
• You follow through with the recovery and understand the scar outcome.

If you anticipate further large weight loss or are not ready for scar trade‐off, it might be wise to postpone.