Loose, sagging skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially when diet and exercise don’t help. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat to create a more toned and youthful arm contour.
At Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, VA, our board-certified surgeons specialize in helping patients achieve smoother, firmer arms through expert plastic surgery.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the upper arms by:
- Removing excess, sagging skin
- Tightening and smoothing underlying tissues
- Reducing localized fat deposits
This procedure is ideal for patients who have lost significant weight or experienced skin laxity due to aging.

Am I a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:
- Have loose or sagging skin on your upper arms
- Experience discomfort due to excess arm skin
- Maintain a stable weight and are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery
A consultation with Dr. Munasifi or Dr. Economides, our board-certified plastic surgeons, will determine if this procedure is right for you.
Why Choose Advanced Plastic Surgery Center?
For an arm lift in Arlington, VA, trust the expertise of Dr. Talal Munasifi and Dr. James Economides at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center.
With decades of experience in body contouring, they use advanced techniques to remove excess skin and sculpt firmer, more toned arms. Their personalized approach ensures natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
An arm lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves the following steps:
- Incisions – Made along the inner or back of the arms, depending on the level of correction needed.
- Fat Removal and Skin Tightening – Excess fat is removed, and the underlying tissues are reshaped.
- Suturing – The skin is tightened, and incisions are closed with sutures.
The procedure usually takes 1-3 hours and is performed as an outpatient surgery.


What Can I Expect from the Results of an Arm Lift?
Following an arm lift, patients can expect:
- Smoother, firmer upper arms
- Improved arm contour and definition
- Increased confidence when wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing
- Long-lasting results with proper weight maintenance
While some swelling and bruising occur initially, the final results become more visible as healing progresses.
What is the Recovery Time?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect:
- First week: Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, managed with pain medication.
- 1-2 weeks: Stitches are removed, and patients can resume light activities.
- 4-6 weeks: Most swelling subsides, and patients can gradually return to work and exercise.
Following post-operative instructions is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results.