Arm Lift in Beverly Hills | Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Loose, sagging skin along the upper arm often responds poorly to weight loss or strength training. An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes the excess tissue for a firmer and more contoured upper arm area. Dr. Glenn Vallecillos is a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures. Every arm lift is carefully tailored to complement your features and proportions for lasting results you can be proud of.

Woman in a sports bra pinching the skin of her raised upper arm

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, medically known as a brachioplasty, is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm and tightens the remaining tissues. The procedure can address “bat wings” that develop after weight loss or pregnancy and general laxity from the natural aging process. Brachioplasty is used when fat reduction is not enough to fully contour the area.

There are different types of brachioplasty, including:

Standard Brachioplasty

Standard brachioplasty uses an incision along the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit and is appropriate for patients with moderate to significant laxity.

Mini Brachioplasty

Mini brachioplasty uses a smaller incision near the armpit for patients with mild laxity confined to the upper arm.

Extended Brachioplasty

Extended brachioplasty involves an incision that extends onto the lateral chest wall and is most often performed for patients who have undergone substantial weight loss.

Am I a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

When choosing the right candidates for arm lift surgery, Dr. Vallecillos evaluates a number of physical markers, including the degree of laxity in the arm and fat distribution. He also considers your overall health and suitability for surgical procedures.

Several factors may affect your candidacy, including:

Skin elasticity, which determines whether a full or mini brachioplasty is appropriate.
Weight stability. Candidates should be at or near their target weight.
Smoking cessation for at least 14 days before and after surgery.
Acceptance of scarring, as brachioplasty trades loose skin for a permanent inner arm scar.

Timing Your Arm Lift Surgery

Taking the time to reach your goal weight first helps Dr. Vallecillos create a result that looks balanced from day one and holds up for years to come. If you have lost a substantial amount of weight, Dr. Vallecillos generally recommends waiting until your weight has been stable for at least six months before scheduling the surgery. This waiting period allows your arms to settle into their final shape and helps prevent results from being compromised by future fluctuations. You will go over the right timing for you during your consultation, during which Dr. Vallecillos will discuss everything from your weight loss goals to your current health.

How Is an Arm Lift Customized for Each Patient?

Your brachioplasty will be tailored to the shape and condition of your arm and your goals. Incision length and placement range from a small cut for minimal laxity to a full inner-arm incision extending to the elbow. Scar positioning will also be customized for each patient to help keep them as discreet as possible.

Arms often have both excess fat and loose skin. Because of this, brachioplasty is often combined with liposuction during a single appointment. Post-bariatric patients may have loose skin in multiple areas, so an arm lift may be staged alongside other surgeries in the abdomen or lower body.

Preparing for Your Arm Lift

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will need to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E, which can increase bleeding risk. Nicotine in any form must be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery because it restricts blood flow and interferes with healing.

You can make recovery easier by stocking your recovery space with loose button-down or zip-front tops, extra pillows for arm elevation, easy-to-prepare meals and any prescriptions filled in advance. You will need to arrange a ride to and from surgery, and have someone help you for the first day or two. Make sure to hydrate well, eat nutrient-dense meals and avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before your scheduled procedure date.

Procedure Walkthrough

Most patients can go home the same day as their arm lift procedure. The specifics of your surgery will depend on the extent of corrections and the type of arm lift. In general, here is what to expect from each stage of the surgery.

Pre-operative Preparation

On the day of surgery, you will check in at the facility where Dr. Vallecillos and his team will review your medical history and confirm your surgical plan. You’ll be able to ask any last-minute questions. Dr. Vallecillos will make pre-operative markings on your arms to map the incision placement before the anesthesiologist prepares you for the procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is typically used for a full arm lift and is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

The Procedure

Dr. Vallecillos makes the incision along the inner arm in the location predetermined during pre-operative markings. Excess skin and fat are removed, liposuction is incorporated when appropriate and the deep tissues are reinforced with internal sutures to reduce tension on the skin.

Closure

The incision is closed in layers with fine sutures to minimize scar width. Dr. Vallecillos applies a compression garment before you wake up.

Aftercare and Results Timeline

With brachioplasty, most patients return to desk work within 10 to 14 days and resume full activity within four to six weeks. In the meantime, you will need to keep the surgical area clean and dry and follow any specific instructions from Dr. Vallecillos on bathing or wound care. When you sleep, keep your arms elevated at heart level or slightly above with pillows to discourage fluid buildup around the incisions. Reintroduce protein-rich foods and whole fruits and vegetables as your appetite returns to keep your body strong and to help it heal.

Dr. Vallecillos provides every patient with a personalized aftercare protocol that includes incision care, scar therapy, sun protection guidance and a follow-up schedule.

What to expect during recovery:

Week 1

During this time, you will experience the most discomfort, from swelling and bruising to soreness at the incision sites. Keep your arms elevated when possible, and wear your compression garment around the clock.

Weeks 2 to 4

Swelling will gradually decrease over the first month. Dissolvable sutures will disappear on their own, while other sutures may need to be removed after one or two weeks. You can resume some light activities, but avoid heavy lifting.

Months 2 to 6

The new arm contour becomes clearly visible around three months. The scar begins to flatten and lighten, with full maturation taking 12 to 18 months.

Complementary Procedures

Smiling woman in a black tank top pointing to marked incision lines on her upper arm

Second Level Heading

Will the scar be visible?

Brachioplasty leaves a permanent scar along the inner arm. Dr. Vallecillos places the incision where it is least visible from the front and uses meticulous closure to minimize scar width. Most scars fade considerably over 12 to 18 months with proper aftercare, but will still be visible.

How long do arm lift results last?

Once excess skin is removed, it will be permanently gone. Major weight fluctuations and natural aging can still affect skin quality with time, but most patients enjoy a dramatically improved arm contour for many years following surgery.

When can I drive again after my arm lift?

You should not operate a vehicle while taking prescription pain medication. Most patients are cleared to resume driving around two weeks after their procedure, once they can comfortably grip the steering wheel and react quickly without hurting their incisions. Dr. Vallecillos will confirm when you are ready during your follow-up visit.

Can I travel by plane after surgery, and how soon?

Air travel is generally discouraged for the first one to two weeks because prolonged sitting and cabin pressure can raise the risk of blood clots and increase swelling. If travel is unavoidable, wear compression garments, walk the aisle periodically and stay well hydrated throughout the flight.

Is arm lift surgery ever covered by insurance?

Brachioplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. In rare cases involving significant skin issues such as recurrent rashes or infections after massive weight loss, partial coverage may be available. Check directly with your insurance provider to confirm your specific benefits.

How much does an arm lift cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost depends on the technique, anesthesia and facility fees and any complementary procedures performed. Schedule a consultation and personalized quote from Dr. Vallecillos.

Arm Lift