Dallas Arm Lift

An arm lift or brachioplasty is a procedure designed to remove both loose skin and fat from the upper arm. Toned arms are a hallmark of a fit body and in Texas, we show our arms almost year-round. Nothing is better than wearing a swimsuit or tank top and knowing that your fit arms look great. Options for arm contouring are surgery, liposuction, and skin tightening.

What's Making My Arms Flabby?

The main issues are excess fat and droopy skin. These two components are interrelated and treating one usually means treating the other as well. Many people gain weight in their upper body; breast, upper back, axilla/armpit, and arms. With weight gain comes excess skin; and, conversely, with weight loss, excess skin again becomes an issue. Flabby arms are usually a result of the combination of excess fat and skin.

What Can I Do To Correct My Saggy Arms?

Assessing the arms in an initial consultation is the first step. If the arms are heavy or fat then liposuction can be a mainstay of treatment. For younger patients with mild to moderate fat and good skin tone, liposuction also, or in combination with skin tightening is a great option for removing fat deposits. For arm liposuction, VASER® liposuction is most commonly used. VASER® uses ultrasound energy to melt the fat allowing smoother and more even extraction. VASER® is also associated with less pain and swelling thus giving a fast recovery. VASER® also applies heat to the tissue yielding some contraction as well. If additional skin tightening is needed then radiofrequency is a popular option: BodyTite.

BodyTite is Radiofrequency Associated Lipolysis (RFAL) and uses radiofrequency current passed between the skin surfaces. This heats the skin and results in skin contraction.

What is An Arm Lift?

If skin is the primary issue, an arm lift is necessary. Tightening excess skin with non-invasive treatment modalities like BodyTite is limited to mild skin laxity and good skin quality. If skin excess is more severe and skin quality is more lax, removing the excess skin via an arm lift procedure is necessary.

The medical term for an arm lift is called a brachioplasty. It typically involves an incision from the armpit to the elbow hidden in the inner part of the arm. Excess skin is removed in an elliptical pattern tapered at the edges to lie flush with the skin. Often this skin removal is combined with liposuction to maximally debulk the arm, allowing for the most skin removal.

Arm Lift in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns, MD- Top Plastic Surgeon in Dallas

What Are The Benefits of An Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery is known to enhance the dimensions and shapes of the upper arms by eliminating sagging skin and fatty accumulations. Following the procedure, a majority of individuals observe a sleeker, tighter, and better-defined appearance in their arms.

Liposuction will remove fat to make the arms thin, revealing the underlying muscles. The skin removal or brachioplasty part of the procedure tightens the skin around the muscles giving an athletic and trim appearance.

Arm Lift Techniques

Arm liposuction is typically done in different orientations to ensure a 360-degree reduction in the circumference of the arms. Most patients will need liposuction of their arms and surrounding areas: axilla/armpit and upper back/bra roll. Skin removal is routinely performed as an incision located in the inner arm extending from the armpit to the elbow to remove all excess skin on the upper arm.

Minimal Incision Arm Lift ( Mini Arm Lift)

Some patients have fat at the underarms that do not extend to the elbow. For these patients, a mini arm lift with a limited incision can be effective. The incision is hidden in the armpit and excess skin is advanced and removed through the more hidden armpit incision. This avoids the incision on the arm itself. This technique is somewhat limited as to how much skin can be removed and offers less contour than the incision along the inner arm.

Arm Lift in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns, MD- Top Plastic Surgeon in Dallas

Am I A Candidate For An Arm Lift?

Any patient who is bothered with their arms should consider arm contouring surgery. Good candidates will have either excess skin, fat, or both on their upper arms. Patients should be in good health with minimal medical problems that might interfere with surgery or their healing process. They should be non-smokers and off all aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or other medications that might interfere with anesthesia. Ideal patients will be of normal and stable body weight with a BMI < 30. Dr. Burns will accept higher BMI patients if their weight is stable and has plateaued.

Is Arm Lift Surgery Painful?

Arm lift surgery is described as not being extremely painful. In your arm lift consultation, Dr. Burns will review his technique for using long-lasting numbing medication administered during surgery to numb the arms. In addition, you will have pain medication to control post-operative discomfort.

How Long Is The Procedure?

The procedure takes about 1 – 2 hours depending on what type of skin excision is used.

Can I Do An Arm Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes. An arm lift is very common to combine with other procedures such as breast surgery, liposuction, and body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift. For massive weight loss patients, an arm lift is one of the most common procedures.

Arm Lift Recovery

Recovery depends on how much skin is removed from the upper arms. In the first week, patients will have mild pain, swelling, and possible bruising. There can be pain around incision and pain medication is prescribed. Patients will wear compression on their arms to help with swelling and to smooth the skin. Most patients will have no trouble with activities of daily living but will be somewhat limited in lifting and exercise. In the second week, patients can drive and resume normal activity. Light exercise is possible. The scar will initially be red and rise and become a fine white line over the next several months. Dr. Burns has a scar protocol which includes scar gel, silicone sheeting, and laser therapy which is done through Dr. Burns’ Skin Care and Laser Center: EpiCentre.

What Will My Scars Look Like After An Arm Lift?

Scars are initially red and raised for at least the first month. They first soften, flatten, and then fade over time. The timeline for healing is well established and takes a full 6 to 12 months. The scar should be a fine white line after the healing process is complete. Dr. Burns has a protocol that includes scar gel, silicone sheeting, and laser therapy. Scar care packages are available through EpiCentre Skin Care and Laser Center.

Arm Lift in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns, MD- Top Plastic Surgeon in Dallas

Frequently Asked Questions- Arm Lift in Dallas, Texas

Dr. Burns advises taking one month off from exercise. At one month, light exercise can be resumed with no weight lifting or high impact bouncing. Examples of this type of exercise is walking on a treadmill at an incline, stair climbing, elliptical trainer, or spin/stationary bike. Patients should continue to avoid strenuous activities until cleared.

How soon after weight loss can I have an arm lift?

It is best to maintain a stable healthy weight. Weight loss patients typically reach a plateau. Maintaining a stable weight is important to achieving an optimal result.

What weight should I be before having an arm lift?

Ideally, patients will reach a BMI of <30 although he accepts patients up to 35. Many patients will reach a plateau with their weight loss. Patients should have a stable weight. Getting an arm lift is not considered weight loss surgery and should not be used as a weight loss method.

Will I have to have drains after arm lift surgery?

In most cases, drain tubes are not necessary. Occasionally, Dr. Burns will use drainage tubes for larger cases with a lot of liposuction.

When can I begin exercising after an arm lift?

For liposuction, exercise can be resumed once tolerated. For patients requiring skin excision, vigorous exercise is generally not recommended for the first month. Patients can resume lift cardio exercises as tolerated.

How can I maintain my arm lift results?

Maintaining a stable weight is the most important factor. Taking care of your incision helps with healing. Getting back to upper body and arm exercises helps tone the underlying muscles and enhances the results.

Does insurance cover arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

Can I finance an arm lift?

Yes, Dr. Burns has many financing options. You can apply online here.

Arm Lift in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns, MD- Top Plastic Surgeon in Dallas

Are You Ready For A Life-changing Transformation?

Dr. John L. Burns Jr. MD is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, one of the largest plastic surgery group practices in the United States. Dr. Burns is also the Medical Director for the EpiCentre Skin Care and Laser Center, a world renowned medical spa. Dr. Burns dedicates his practice to aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery.

Dr. Burns widely known for his expertise in cosmetic breast surgery, facelift, and fat transfer to the face, breast, and body. Dr. John. L Burns, Jr., MD has been named among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023 for Facelift, Rhinoplasty, and Breast Augmentation by Newsweek Magazine and Statista. He also named among D Magazine's Best Doctors  Realself Top Doctors.


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Dr. Burns offers complimentary consultations for women throughout the world who are seeking amr lift rejuvenation. We invite you to meet our team and experience our difference. Get started here.

Schedule Your Arm Lift Consult with Top Plastic Surgeon,
Dr. John Burns 

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for women considering arm lift surgery in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.