Does the skin around your arms sag because of excess skin? Dr. Basile can help you get tighter, more toned arms with an upper arm lift.
What is Brachioplasty?
A Brachioplasty is a procedure that removes loose skin and fat underneath your arm between your upper armpit and elbow. With a Brachioplasty, you can feel comfortable raising your arms without lax, hanging skin.
Types of Brachioplasty
There are several types of brachioplasty techniques used to address excess skin, excess fat, and sagging skin along the upper arm. The best approach depends on the amount of loose skin, the presence of fatty tissue, and the patient’s overall body contouring goals.
- Mini: A mini arm lift is often recommended for patients with mild skin laxity and small amounts of hanging skin in the lower portion of the upper arm, near the armpit. The incision is smaller and discreetly placed in the armpit area, removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin.
- Standard: A standard brachioplasty procedure is used for moderate to severe excess sagging skin that extends from the armpit toward the elbow. This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat along the inner arm, reshaping the underlying supportive tissue to improve arm contour.
- Extended: For patients who have experienced massive weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery, an extended upper arm lift may be recommended. This form of body contouring surgery addresses significant redundant tissue, skin, and fat that may extend beyond the upper arm.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you have laxity underneath your bicep, you may be a candidate for an upper arm lift. This laxity can be caused by significant weight loss or aging. Smokers and those with certain medical conditions may have increased risk of complications and therefore cannot be considered for this type of procedure.
Before Your Arm Lift Procedure
Preparation for an arm lift surgery begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Basile and his experienced surgical team. During this appointment, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether you are among the ideal candidates for a brachioplasty procedure.
Patients considering cosmetic surgery should be in good health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the results. Before surgery, patients may be asked to follow specific guidelines to reduce the risk of surgical complications. These instructions often include maintaining a healthy diet, following a healthy lifestyle, and discontinuing certain medications, including some herbal supplements that can affect blood pressure or wound healing. Patients who smoke will typically be advised to quit smoking well before their cosmetic procedure, as smoking can interfere with proper wound healing.
Your Brachioplasty Procedure
Dr. Basile will first evaluate your arms and decide if additional fat must be removed in addition to removal and tightening of the skin. If so, your Brachioplasty may also be coupled with liposuction. A standard procedure begins with general anesthesia followed by incisions within the armpits or along the inside of your upper arm in the least inconspicuous areas depending on your case. The excess skin and fat will then be removed and Dr. Basile will then smooth and tighten your arm to complete the procedure.
After Your Arm Lift Procedure
To help reduce swelling and support healing, patients are usually instructed to wear compression garments or a specialized compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. These garments help stabilize the remaining skin, support the underlying supportive tissue, and minimize swelling during recovery.
One to two weeks are standard for recovery before returning to work, and six weeks for normal activities and exercising, although heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks to allow proper healing. Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully can also help reduce the risk of blood clots and other surgical complications.
Prepare for 2025 with Aesthetic Procedures at Basile Plastic Surgery & Wellness
As we start 2025, it’s the perfect time to consider enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence through aesthetic procedures. At Basile Plastic Surgery & Wellness, we offer a wide array of services designed to meet your individual needs and aspirations. Led by the highly skilled Dr. Patrick Basile, MD, our clinic is committed to
What to Expect After Arm Lift Surgery
Scarring from a Brachioplasty will vary, but the standard is typically from the armpit to your elbow. A conversation with Dr. Basile can help you better understand what you can expect from your procedure and results as not are procedures are alike. Over time, as swelling subsides and the skin adjusts to its new contour, patients typically notice a smoother arm contour and improved body image.
Why Choose Basile Plastic Surgery for Brachioplasty Surgery?
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is essential when considering brachioplasty or any body contouring procedure. At Basile Plastic Surgery & Wellness, Dr. Basile brings extensive experience in plastic and body contouring surgery, helping patients achieve balanced, natural-looking results. He carefully evaluates each patient’s skin laxity, excess fat, and body contouring goals to design a personalized surgical plan.
Learn More About Brachioplasty at Basile Plastic Surgery & Wellness
Dr. Basile ensures that your procedure is tailored to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Schedule your consultation with him today in Jacksonville, Florida to see if an upper arm lift is right for you!
Dr. Patrick L. Basile is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Jacksonville Beach, FL. He has worked with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, which became the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he became the Assistant Chief of Plastic Surgery and the Director of Microsurgery. He joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pittsburgh. He participates in annual humanitarian cleft lip and palate efforts as well. Dr. Basile has been acknowledged in numerous magazines, newspapers, books, and on television. He has won multiple awards over the years, and has a rating of 4.7 out of almost 300 reviews.






