Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Vancouver, BC
Your upper arms are a focal point of the upper body. Following significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural tissue descent associated with aging, the skin along the underside of the arm often loses its elasticity, leaving behind heavy, sagging skin that exercise cannot correct. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, focuses on removing loose skin and tightening the upper arms to restore more toned contours.
At Dr. Jennifer Prince Plastic Surgery in Surrey, BC, we approach an arm lift as a precise architectural restoration. Dr. Prince utilizes advanced excisional techniques to safely eliminate loose skin folds and smooth out irregularities, revealing toned, sleek, beautifully proportioned arms and more athletic body contours.
Outpatient arm-contouring surgery focused on tightening and reshaping the upper arms
Return to light activities in 1-2 weeks; resume more strenuous activities in 4-6 weeks
More refined arm contours and improved clothing fit
Ranges from a limited crescent hidden in the armpit to a vertical inner-arm scar, sometimes extended onto the chest wall after massive weight loss
Brachioplasty is a body-contouring procedure that reshapes your upper arms after weight loss or age-related skin laxity. If you have loose, hanging skin that does not improve with exercise, brachioplasty can remove excess skin and, when needed, reduce fat to create smoother, more defined arms. Smaller amounts of extra skin may be tightened through a crescent removal hidden in the armpit, while patients with more sagging tissue may require a discreet vertical scar along the inner arm; after massive weight loss, the incision may extend slightly onto the chest wall for maximum tightening.
To refine your results in three dimensions, Dr. Prince often combines brachioplasty with circumferential liposuction—gentle fat removal performed all the way around the arm. This approach can reduce bulk, smooth the transition from shoulder to elbow, and create a naturally athletic, toned appearance without over-tightening the skin. Liposuction is used as an adjunct for contouring, not as a substitute for removing loose skin. Dr. Prince tailors every arm lift so your new arm shape looks balanced with the rest of your body and aligns with your personal goals.
Brachioplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Prince will determine the best incision pattern for your unique anatomy and goals. To address a smaller amount of extra skin, Dr. Prince may use a limited crescent-shaped excision hidden within the armpit (axilla), where the scar is tucked into a natural crease. Most patients with moderate laxity benefit from a vertical incision along the inner arm, running from the armpit toward the elbow, where it is less visible in everyday positions and clothing. For patients who have achieved significant weight loss and require additional tissue removal, Dr. Prince may recommend an extended incision that extends onto the side of the chest wall to achieve maximum tightening and contouring. Dr. Prince carefully balances concerns about scar placement with the most effective approach for arm contouring, aiming to hide scars on the inner arm and within natural folds while removing enough skin to create a smoother, more defined upper arm.
Brachioplaty is effective at correcting several common concerns, helping you achieve a more balanced, proportional figure:
Loose, Hanging "Bat Wings": Removes stretched skin, sagging along the upper arms.
Fullness at the Back of the Arm: May combine skin removal with circumferential liposuction to reduce bulk and refine upper arm contour.
Clothing and Sleeve Fit: Slims and tightens the upper arm so sleeves sit more comfortably and attractively.
Skin Folds and Irritation: Eliminates skin folds that rub, trap moisture, or cause chafing along the inner arm and side of the chest.
It's important to understand that an arm lift is not a weight-loss procedure. The best candidates are at or near an ideal, stable weight, as ongoing weight fluctuations can compromise your results. Liposuction alone cannot tighten significant loose skin, especially after major weight loss.
Refining the contour of your upper arms after weight loss or age-related skin laxity is about much more than tightening skin. At Dr. Jennifer Prince Plastic Surgery in Surrey, BC, brachioplasty is designed to help you feel more comfortable in your body and more at ease in how you move through the world. By removing excess skin and improving arm contours, an arm lift can make it easier to wear fitted tops and sleeveless styles without skin bunching or showing through clothing. Many patients also feel more at ease raising their arms, reaching overhead, exercising, and posing for photos without the self-consciousness that loose skin can create. In addition to aesthetic improvements, brachioplasty may reduce irritation, chafing, and moisture buildup that can occur within skin folds.
Dr. Prince takes a compassionate, personalized approach to treatment, often combining arm lift surgery with circumferential liposuction to address excess volume. Understanding the emotional impact of weight loss and aging, she focuses on creating natural, balanced results that help patients feel more at home in their skin.
If you are frustrated by loose, hanging skin on your upper arms after weight loss or aging—and it does not improve with exercise—you may be a good candidate for brachioplasty. This procedure focuses on reshaping and restoring natural contours, and is not a weight-loss surgery. However, liposuction may be performed during the same procedure to target stubborn, localized fat deposits in the upper arms.
Ideal arm lift candidates:
Certain situations may still allow for surgery but require extra planning:
Depending on how much skin you need removed, scars may be limited to a small crescent within the armpit, a vertical line hidden along the inner arm, or—after massive weight loss—extended slightly onto the side of the chest wall for maximal tightening. Dr. Prince will review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors to ensure your safety and help you balance contour improvements with concerns about scarring.
Your consultation is a two-way conversation. You are encouraged to ask about scar length and placement, whether an arm lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or breast surgery, and how much time you may need off work for recovery. Together, you and Dr. Prince will determine the right timing and approach to support your ideal long-term results.
Planning ahead for your brachioplasty recovery helps you feel prepared and supported every step of the way. After your outpatient surgery in Surrey, BC, you will go home the same day with a trusted friend or family member. Your arms will be wrapped and placed in compression garments to control swelling and support their new contours. Mild to moderate discomfort, bruising, and a feeling of tightness or temporary numbness along the inner arms are common and usually improve over the first few weeks. To protect your incisions and scars, you will be asked to keep your arms elevated when resting and avoid heavy lifting or reaching overhead. Dr. Jennifer Prince will provide personalized pain control and clear written instructions so you know exactly what to expect.
Compression garments: Worn most of the day for several weeks, as directed.
Swelling and bruising: Improve over 2 to 4 weeks, with subtle refinement over several months.
Desk work and gentle daily activities: Many patients feel ready within 7 to 10 days, as long as lifting is limited.
Driving: May resume once you are off prescription pain medication and can safely control the vehicle.
Light household tasks: Introduced gradually after the first week, avoiding anything that strains the arms.
Exercise and lifting: Arm workouts and heavier lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
Dr. Prince will see you for scheduled follow-up visits, monitor your incisions, and adjust your recovery plan as needed. You will have access to her experienced team for questions at any point in your recovery process. Most patients find that discomfort is very manageable with prescribed medication. Dr. Prince's goal is to help you return safely to daily life while protecting your long-term arm lift results.
After brachioplasty, you can expect a noticeably tighter, smoother arm contour. While no surgery can stop the natural aging process, arm lift results are typically long-lasting when you are at or near your ideal weight and maintain a stable, healthy lifestyle. Patients often ask if results are permanent. Contour improvements are enduring, but your tissues will continue to age. Sun exposure can darken scars, so Dr. Prince recommends diligent sun protection. An arm lift helps reveal your most naturally refined arm shape, helping you feel more confident wearing different clothing styles and enjoying the activities you love.
When loose, hanging arm skin will not improve with exercise; you deserve a surgeon who understands both the physical and emotional weight of that concern. Dr. Jennifer Prince combines advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery with a nuanced understanding of how aging and weight loss change your body and self-image. She carefully evaluates whether an arm lift can refine your contour while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Dr. Prince's work in public health and international missions reflects a core belief: surgery should enhance your quality of life, not just your appearance. If you are near your ideal weight and wondering whether brachioplasty is right for you, you are invited to schedule a consultation with Dr. Prince at our Surrey practice to discuss your options.
All brachioplasty procedures involve permanent scars, but Dr. Prince carefully plans their placement to keep them as discreet as possible. If you have a small amount of excess skin, she may be able to remove a 'crescent' of tissue with the scar hidden in the armpit (axilla). Most patients, however, need a longer vertical scar along the inner arm, and after massive weight loss this may extend onto the side of the chest wall to achieve maximal tightening.
Yes. Brachioplasty is often combined with circumferential liposuction of the upper arm to reduce bulk and enhance definition. Liposuction helps remove excess fat, while the arm lift tightens and reshapes loose skin. Dr. Prince will customize your surgical plan to balance contour improvement with scar length and your individual anatomy.
Generally, you should be at or very close to a stable, healthy weight before having brachioplasty. Ongoing weight loss after surgery can lead to new skin laxity and compromise your results. If you are in the middle of a weight-loss journey, Dr. Prince will typically recommend waiting until your weight has plateaued for several months before proceeding.
Most patients describe arm lift recovery as uncomfortable rather than severely painful, with a feeling of tightness and soreness along the incision lines. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medications, elevation, and compression garments. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but you will need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous upper body workouts, and high-impact exercise for several weeks while your incisions and internal tissues heal.
Most patients who work a remote or stationary desk job can comfortably return to their professional duties within 7 to 10 days following surgery. If your job involves frequent upper-body movement, continuous reaching, or lifting items heavier than 10 pounds, you will need to plan for light duties or arrange for approximately 3 to 4 weeks of rest to allow the internal structures to completely heal.
