Arm Lift

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Newport Beach, Upland and Ontario, CA

An arm lift is a body contouring procedure that restores a smoother, more sculpted appearance to the upper arms by removing excess skin and tissue. (1)

Throughout one’s life, factors such as weight fluctuations or the natural effects of aging can create sagging skin or excess fat around the upper arms. While some patients can slim this area by modifying lifestyle habits, such as dieting or exercising, many struggle to see meaningful changes. This prompts patients to seek a more effective solution—the arm lift.

Dr. Azra Ashraf is a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Panache Plastic Surgery with more than 16 years of experience.

Dr. Ashraf has established a strong reputation for her sense of artistry and commitment to patient care. If you are ready to meet with Dr. Ashraf and discuss your arm lift options, please schedule a consultation online or call one of our convenient Southern California offices:

Before and After Photos

About Arm Lifts

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes loose or hanging skin from around the upper arms.

When your skin stretches for long periods, it can become inelastic. This often happens when patients start losing weight—instead of retracting to the natural contours of the body, the skin takes on a sagging, “bat wing-like” appearance.

If you’re experiencing this, it might not only affect your appearance but also your personal comfort, the fit of your clothing, and your overall sense of self-confidence. With an arm lift, Dr. Ashraf can address these concerns and restore the elegance of your arms.

Arm Lift Benefits

Arm lifts bring several transformative benefits, including:

  • Refined Contours: The primary benefit of an arm lift is its ability to restore a more desirable and natural-looking arm shape.
  • Smoother Skin: This procedure can remove excess, redundant skin from around the upper arms to smooth and tighten the look and feel of your upper arms.
  • Lasting Results: With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of your procedure can last for several years.
  • Individualized Solutions: Dr. Ashraf tailors each treatment plan around her patient’s individual anatomy.
  • Alleviated Discomfort: Dr. Ashraf can perform an arm lift to address any chafing or rubbing skin that may be contributing to irritation or rashes.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for an arm lift if you have excess skin around your upper arms due to weight loss, genetics, or other factors.

To undergo this procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Ashraf will finalize your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is unique, which is why we ask that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your arm lift. During this consultation, Dr. Ashraf will meet with you individually to discuss what an arm lift entails, learn more about your medical history, listen to your personal concerns, and discuss your aesthetic goals. She will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your natural anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Ashraf will use this information to create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan. She will determine the best surgical approach and techniques for your concerns, and she may recommend additional procedures to enhance your desired results.

Please submit our online contact form or call one of our two Southern California offices to schedule your consultation and start working toward your renewed arms:

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Ashraf will have you prepare for treatment. She will give you a set of detailed instructions to help, which may direct you to:

  • Adjust Medication Regimen: Discontinue certain medications or supplements that can thin your blood.
  • Prepare a Ride: Ask a trusted friend or relative to drive you home after your procedure, as you will not be able to transport yourself.
  • Arrange Time to Rest: Request time away from your commitments and responsibilities to focus on your recovery.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Before your procedure, pick up any medications you may need as you heal.
  • Cease Any Substance Use: Refrain from any alcohol or nicotine consumption in the weeks leading up to, and after, your procedure.

Procedure

Upon your arrival, a member of our team will lead you to a private treatment room where you will meet with Dr. Ashraf. Here, she will reconfirm each of your desired corrections before cleansing your skin. You will also receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

If there is a significant amount of fat in the area, Dr. Ashraf can first perform liposuction to remove it. After creating an incision, Dr. Ashraf will then inject the area with a tumescent fluid containing lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline to further numb the area, minimize bleeding, and make the fat easier to remove. (2) She will insert a cannula through the incision and move it back and forth to break down existing fat and suction it out, leaving the area smoother.

Dr. Ashraf will then excise redundant skin and restore a tighter, more sculpted appearance. The arm lift incision can be on the inside or back of your upper arms. The exact location, size, and shape of the incision may vary—it can be linear or shaped like a “W,” an “S,” or an “L.” (1)

Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to take some time away from your career and other responsibilities to allow yourself time to heal. You may return to most of your daily activities after approximately one to two weeks of rest, but you must refrain from swimming or any other physically demanding activities for another four to five weeks, or until Dr. Ashraf clears you.

Throughout your recovery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated areas. These effects will subside on their own, but you may also manage them with a cold compress, prescribed medications, and plenty of rest. She will ask you to attend follow-up appointments as you recover, which will help her monitor your progress and ensure your results develop as expected.

Dr. Ashraf will give you a full set of aftercare instructions during your personal consultation. By following each instruction she gives to you, you will be able to return to your routine more quickly while also optimizing your results.

Results

You will notice initial improvements immediately after your procedure, but the full results of your arm lift will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. Your arms will look more toned and slender, your skin will feel smoother and tighter, and your figure will appear more proportionate, each of which can improve your sense of self-confidence. You may also feel empowered to expand your wardrobe and try new styles and garments you may not have felt comfortable wearing previously.

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting and provide effects that you can enjoy for several years to come, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Any scarring will also flatten and fade over time, with some patients experiencing continuous improvements for up to two years after the procedure.

Cost of an Arm Lift in Newport Beach, Ontario, CA

Dr. Ashraf tailors each treatment plan to each patient’s unique anatomy and concerns. Once she has met with you to establish your treatment plan, she will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. Financing is also available.

To learn more about our pricing, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

What concerns can an arm lift address?

An arm lift can address loose or sagging skin found around the upper arms after significant weight loss, or other events such as pregnancy and aging.

How long will it take to recover from an arm lift?

Most patients can return to most of their daily activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to wait several more weeks before returning to strenuous activities.

How long will the results of my arm lift last?

The results of your procedure will last for several years, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

After my arm lift, will I need to stay at the hospital overnight?

No, Dr. Ashraf performs each arm lift on an outpatient basis. This means that you will be released on the same day she performs each of your corrections.

Will my arm lift leave any significant scarring?

Any surgical procedure will result in some degree of scarring, but Dr. Ashraf takes great care when placing each incision to keep them as hidden as possible. The scar will be visible if you aren’t wearing sleeves and you raise your arms.

References

  1. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/