Body
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Most commonly performed after significant weight loss.
Overview
Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm. It is most commonly performed after significant weight loss but is also appropriate for patients with substantial age-related laxity. The procedure leaves a scar along the inner arm, the length and position of which depends on how much skin needs to be removed. For patients with mostly fat and less skin excess, liposuction alone may be sufficient. The decision between liposuction alone, a limited arm lift, and a full brachioplasty is made at consultation based on skin quality and the amount of excess tissue.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with excess upper-arm skin and tissue laxity — most commonly after significant weight loss but also seen with aging. Candidates with mostly fat and less skin excess may be better suited to liposuction alone.
Technique
How it's done.
Excess skin and fat is removed through an incision along the inner arm. Length and position of the incision depends on how much tissue needs to be removed. Smaller cases use a shorter mini brachioplasty; larger cases use a full-length incision.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under general anesthesia. Compression sleeves for several weeks. Most patients return to desk work at one to two weeks, exercise at four to six weeks. Final contour over three to six months.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Brachioplasty for post-bariatric skin issues with documented symptoms (chronic rash, hygiene difficulty) can sometimes qualify for coverage. Cosmetic cases are not covered. Our Patient Advocacy team reviews your situation and documents medical necessity where applicable.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will the scar be visible?
Yes. The inner-arm scar is visible when the arms are raised. The trade-off is what comes off — patients who have significant skin laxity choose the visible scar over the prior tissue. Scar quality improves over twelve to eighteen months.
Can I have liposuction only?
For patients with mostly fat and good skin quality, yes. For patients with significant skin laxity, liposuction alone leaves loose skin and does not solve the problem.
How limiting is the recovery?
Arm motion is limited for the first one to two weeks. Most desk work is possible at one week with restrictions. Lifting and exercise wait four to six weeks.
Is liposuction enough on its own?
For patients with mostly fat and elastic skin, yes. For most patients seeking an arm lift — especially after weight loss — the issue is loose skin, which liposuction alone cannot address.
How visible is the scar?
The scar runs along the inner arm and is visible when the arm is raised. Many patients consider this a fair trade for the improvement in contour. Scar matures over twelve to eighteen months.
When can I lift weights again?
Light upper-body activity at four weeks. Resistance training at six to eight weeks. Avoid anything that pulls on the inner-arm incision in the first month.
Ready to discuss arm lift (brachioplasty)?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation