Arm Lift Introduction
For many individuals, the upper arms can be a source of insecurity—particularly when the skin becomes loose, hangs down, or takes on a flabby appearance. This can occur as a result of weight fluctuations, the natural aging process, or genetics. Unfortunately, even consistent exercise and a healthy lifestyle may not restore firmness to the area. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, board-certified surgeons Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler offer advanced arm lift procedures to remove excess skin and restore a slimmer, more toned upper arm contour. This body-sculpting surgery helps patients feel more confident in fitted clothing and sleeveless styles.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. The goal is to create a more contoured, youthful arm appearance with smoother skin and better overall proportions.
This procedure is ideal for individuals who have developed sagging or loose skin due to aging or significant weight loss. While liposuction alone may be effective for some, patients with moderate to severe skin laxity often require skin removal to achieve their desired result. The incisions are typically placed along the inner or back part of the upper arm and are designed to be as discreet as possible.
Various types of arm lifts depend on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your dedicated surgeon will help you choose the best option for you.
This is the most common form of brachioplasty and is ideal for patients with significant skin redundancy. It involves an incision that extends from the armpit to the elbow, allowing for extensive skin removal and fat contouring. This technique offers dramatic reshaping and is often used after major weight loss.
For patients with minimal to moderate excess skin located near the upper part of the arm, a mini arm lift may be sufficient. This procedure involves a shorter incision confined to the underarm area and results in less scarring and faster recovery.
In some cases, excess fat contributes to the fullness of the arms. Liposuction can be used in conjunction with either a traditional or mini arm lift to further enhance contour and improve the definition of the arms.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler bring decades of experience and artistry to every cosmetic surgery they perform. Known for their precision and natural-looking results, both surgeons take a personalized approach—starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and areas of concern. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging jowls, smooth deep lines, or restore youthful contours, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are committed to helping you look like the best version of yourself. Their reputation for excellence and their dedication to patient satisfaction means you’ll be in the best hands—every step of the way.
An arm lift is a transformative procedure that restores confidence and allows patients to wear the clothing styles they once avoided. It addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns related to skin laxity and bulk.
Benefits of an arm lift include:
Smoother, firmer upper arms with improved contours
Removal of excess, hanging skin and tissue
Enhanced definition from shoulder to elbow
Greater comfort and confidence in sleeveless or form-fitting clothing
Long-lasting results with maintained weight
Improved skin tone and appearance following weight loss or aging
The ideal candidate for an arm lift is someone who is in good health and is bothered by sagging skin or poor upper arm definition. It is important that candidates have a stable weight and realistic expectations for their outcome.
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:
Have loose, hanging skin on the upper arms
Experience difficulty wearing short sleeves or sleeveless tops comfortably
Have maintained a stable weight for several months
Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery
Are in generally good health without conditions that impair healing
Are committed to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle
Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will perform a detailed consultation to determine the most appropriate surgical plan based on your needs and aesthetic goals.
LET’S GET YOU STARTED
On the day of your surgery at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite by Dr. Summers, Dr. Spittler, and our experienced clinical team. Before your procedure begins, we’ll review your surgical plan with you once more — giving you a final opportunity to ask questions or share any last-minute thoughts. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer the appropriate anesthesia, which will have been carefully selected and discussed during your consultation to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.
Once your ideal results have been achieved, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using advanced suturing techniques designed to support healing and minimize visible scarring. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and support a smoother recovery process.
Your arm lift surgery will be performed in our private, accredited surgical suite in Millersville, MD. The procedure usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of skin removal and whether additional procedures, like liposuction, are included.
Once you arrive, your surgical plan will be reviewed and markings will be made to guide incision placement. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. During surgery, excess skin and fat are removed through a carefully placed incision along the inner or posterior arm. The remaining skin is then tightened and sutured into place to create a smoother, more contoured shape.
You will be monitored in recovery before being released to continue your healing at home with specific aftercare instructions.
Recovery from an arm lift varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the arms for the first few days.
Patients can expect to:
Wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing
Keep arms elevated when possible to reduce fluid retention
Avoid strenuous activity and lifting for at least two to four weeks
Follow up with their surgeon to monitor progress and suture healing
Resume most daily activities within seven to ten days
Scars will gradually fade over time and are generally placed in areas that are not easily visible when arms are at rest. Final results become more evident as swelling subsides over several weeks.
FAIR & TRANSPARENT PRICING
The cost of an arm lift at Maryland Plastic Surgery typically ranges from $7,000 to $9,500 depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether liposuction is performed, and whether one or both arms require extensive contouring.
During your private consultation, Dr. Summers will perform a detailed evaluation, listen carefully to your goals, and design a customized treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Once your surgical plan is finalized, our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a personalized cost breakdown and discuss available financing options.
For your convenience, we proudly partner with trusted financing providers such as PatientFi, Alphaeon Credit, and CareCredit, making it easier to move forward with your procedure on terms that fit your budget. Whether you choose to pay upfront or through a flexible monthly plan, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For general pricing estimates on our full range of services, we invite you to visit our Pricing Page.
Sagging skin on the upper arms can result from natural aging, significant weight loss, genetics, or a combination of factors. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and the underlying tissues may begin to droop. For those who have lost a substantial amount of weight, the skin may not shrink back to match the new contours, leading to hanging skin that cannot be improved with exercise alone.
Yes, scarring is a necessary part of any surgical procedure that removes skin. For a traditional arm lift, the incision typically runs along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow. While the scar is visible, it is placed strategically to be less noticeable when the arms are at rest. With proper scar care, it will fade over time. Patients who are good candidates for a mini arm lift will have a smaller, more discreet scar located in the underarm area.
Results from an arm lift are considered long-lasting, particularly if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging will continue and skin may gradually lose elasticity over time, the improvement in contour and firmness typically remains visible for many years.
Yes, arm lift surgery is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, or thigh lifts—especially in patients who have undergone massive weight loss. Combining procedures allows for a more comprehensive transformation and may reduce overall downtime and recovery.
Most patients return to work and light daily activities within seven to ten days, depending on the nature of their job. If your work involves lifting or physical labor, you may need additional time before resuming those duties. Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations during your follow-up appointments.
Discomfort after an arm lift is usually moderate and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients describe a tight, sore feeling in the arms that gradually improves over several days. Compression garments also help ease swelling and provide support throughout the healing process.
An arm lift removes excess skin and often includes liposuction to refine the contour. Liposuction alone is best for patients who have excess fat but good skin tone. If you have sagging skin that doesn’t bounce back after fat removal, a lift is necessary to achieve smoother, tighter arms. Your surgeon will evaluate which option is best based on your anatomy and goals.
You will be advised to avoid upper body workouts and heavy lifting for at least four weeks to allow proper healing. Light cardio and walking are encouraged after the first few days, but strength training should be postponed until cleared by your surgeon. Following guidelines closely helps reduce the risk of complications and supports optimal results.
For most patients, the improvement in contour, comfort, and confidence far outweighs the presence of scars. Many find that they are finally able to wear sleeveless clothing and feel proud of their arms for the first time in years. Scars fade significantly over time and can be treated with topical therapies, silicone sheets, or laser treatments to further minimize their appearance.
In most cases, an arm lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if excess skin is causing hygiene issues, rashes, or other documented medical problems, you may qualify for partial coverage. We encourage you to speak with your insurance provider for specific details. Our office is also happy to assist with financing options to make treatment more accessible.
Financing is available to ensure your dream results fit comfortably within your budget.
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