Whether you have questions about arm lift surgery cost and payment options, the surgery itself, recovery, or even how to find a plastic surgeon who specializes in arm lifts — we can help!
In the following FAQ guide, we’ve attempted to assemble the most commonly asked questions we receive concerning arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty. Read through them to find the answers to your own questions.
And remember: If you have additional questions you can’t find the answers to here, get in touch! We would be happy to schedule you for your very own arm lift consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan.
What Should I Expect After Arm Lift?
Right after your plastic surgery, your surgeon will wrap your arms in protective bandages and fit you with a compression sleeve. This snug sleeve helps minimize swelling during the initial healing phase. You might also notice a small drainage tube under your skin, this temporary device removes excess fluid as your body heals.
The first week brings some discomfort, which is completely normal. Most patients find this subsides relatively quickly as their body adapts. Your pain medication and post-operative care instructions will help manage any tenderness during this period.
Activity restrictions are strictest during the first two weeks. Reaching overhead, lifting heavy objects, and strenuous arm movements should be avoided. Think of this time as your body’s chance to establish strong healing. Around the six-week mark, most people can resume their regular activities and routines.
Cost of Arm Lift
How much an arm lift costs depends on numerous factors, including where you get surgery, what experience and training your chosen surgeon has with arm lifts (and what their particular surgeon’s fee is), anesthesia choices (local vs general anesthesia), surgical facility or hospital choice, your goals for surgery, the extent and scope of your arm lift, and more. The cost of operating room facilities, post surgery garments prescriptions, and more will all factor in to the overall price.
Start by Googling “arm lift cost” to see some rough estimates of costs in your area. From there, book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and inquire about an accurate price quote at your appointment.
If you have specific goals for arm lift, be sure to mention these to your surgeon as costs can vary widely. The mini arm lift will be different than the invisible arm lift for your procedure. Be sure to explain exactly what you’re looking for at your appointment.
Understanding Possible Complications
Your surgeon conducts thorough preoperative testing to identify potential risk factors, but like any surgical procedure, arm lifts carry possible side effects:
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Excessive bleeding
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Permanent arm lift scarring
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Fluid accumulation under the skin
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Damage to nerves, muscles, or blood vessels
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Temporary or permanent numbness
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Post-surgical infection
Most patients experience straightforward recoveries, but staying aware of these possibilities helps you recognize when to contact your surgeon.
FAQs: Arm Lift Surgery Cost
Does insurance cover arm lift surgery?
In most cases, no. Most health insurance plans classify brachioplasty as a cosmetic, elective plastic surgery procedure and do not provide coverage. However, there are important exceptions when the surgery is deemed medically necessary, such as when excess skin causes chronic infections or significantly limits your mobility.
Will I have financing options to pay for my arm lift?
Many plastic surgeons offer options for financing the cost of an arm lift. Although it depends on the surgeon, many accept major credit cards, cash payment in full, or patient financing plans through companies such as CareCredit. Certain cosmetic surgery practices may even offer financing for the cost of an arm lift directly through the practice with payment plans.
How does geographic location affect cost of arm lift?
If you opt to undergo your arm lift procedure in a major city, expect to pay a bit more for your surgery and aftercare. The cost of everything is simply higher in cities and urban areas, which brings the cost of even plastic surgery up.
If you choose a board-certified surgeon in a more rural part of the country, you may get a better price, but do remember that surgeons certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are often located in urban centers.
Who is a good candidate for arm lift?
The best arm lift surgery candidates have excess skin on their upper arms that is bothering them physically and/or emotionally. Patients often say they are embarrassed to show their arms and may even struggle to feel comfortable when exercising or doing normal everyday activities. Keep in mind that having excess fat on the upper arm is not the same as having excess skin on the upper arm.
In order to be a good candidate for any type of plastic surgery, including arm lift, patients must also be in good physical health with no serious medical conditions. You should be a non-smoker and have realistic expectations for your procedure.
How painful is arm lift?
You will not feel pain during the arm lift itself, whether you receive local anesthesia or general anesthesia. However, after surgery, you may be a bit sore for a few days. Moderate levels of pain are to be expected following surgery because your body underwent physical trauma and is recovering. Fortunately, you will be prescribed pain medication, which is typically only needed for a short time.
What should I expect during arm lift recovery?
Most patients do very well in recovery from arm lift surgery. You can expect some moderate pain, swelling, and bruising along the incision areas at first.
You will need to relax and take it easy for the duration of your recovery process so that your body can fully heal. This means not lifting your arms over your head, stretching, or straining your upper arm or chest area in any way. You’ll need to refrain from exercise for several weeks.
You’ll also be wearing compression garments and taking medications after surgery. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions closely during this time. Not doing so can put your results in jeopardy and may even compromise your health.
How long do arm lift results last?
The key to enjoying your arm lift results for many years is leading a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your health by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a stable weight. Losing weight or gaining significant amounts of weight after your procedure can affect your results, so consistency is important.
Is arm lift worth it?
Many patients who need this surgery are happy they got it. Those who have a significant amount of loose skin on their upper arms, sometimes called “bat wings”, will especially benefit from arm lift also called batwing surgery. This is common after significant weight loss or for people who simply have a propensity for sagging skin due to poor skin laxity, excessive sun exposure, and the natural aging process. The procedure removes excess fatty tissue and tightens remaining skin for improved contours.
How do I choose the best arm lift surgeon?
Always look for a board-certified plastic surgeon, ideally one certified by the Society of Plastic Surgeons. Naturally, you want someone who specializes in body contouring and arm lifts. Take a look at their arm lift before and after pictures, inquire how often they perform this surgery, and read their patient testimonials if possible. Patients with good skin elasticity typically achieve the best results.
What activities should I avoid during recovery?
Heavy lifting and strenuous arm movements should be avoided for at least the first six weeks following your procedure. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines about when you can safely resume various activities based on your individual healing progress.
What is invisible arm lift?
An invisible arm lift, also called a mini arm lift or short scar brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms with minimal visible scarring. While not truly “invisible”, since all surgical procedures leave some scarring, this technique strategically places incisions in discreet locations, typically within the armpit’s natural skin creases, making arm lift scars much less noticeable than traditional arm lift.
Book Your Consultation Today
Could an arm lift be right for you? Arm lifts can significantly improve the appearance and general feeling of your arms. You deserve to feel more comfortable — both physically and emotionally — with arm lift.
Contact us today to schedule an in-person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan.