Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic procedure to tone, tighten, and reshape the upper arms by removing sagging skin and excess fat. The undersides of the arms can lose elasticity over time due to factors like aging and weight loss. An arm lift is an excellent option for men and women who are unhappy with the saggy appearance of their upper arms.
At the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, we focus on each patient’s individual goals and work closely with you to determine the most effective treatment option to contour your arms—whether surgical or non-surgical.
Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown
Dr. Mandell Brown is a nationally recognized, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial, breast, and body procedures. Known for his Natural Look™ cosmetic surgery results, Dr. Mandell-Brown has the credentials and aesthetic eye to precisely tailor your procedure and safely achieve the results you desire.
Arm Contouring Options
Top Cincinnati plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown offers a variety of solutions to address excess upper arm fat and loose skin. During your consultation, he will review the following options to help you achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance:
1. Non-Surgical: truSculpt® 3D
For patients seeking a non-invasive treatment, truSculpt® 3D uses targeted radiofrequency energy to heat the upper arm skin to 40–45°C. This gentle heat can melt fat and tighten the skin with no downtime. The treatment takes approximately one hour and is ideal for those looking for subtle improvements. Most candidates see a 10–15% tightening effect, though results will vary for each individual.
2. Liposuction
Upper arm liposuction removes localized fat through tiny 2mm incisions. Using small cannulas, Dr. Mandell-Brown sculpts the arms for a slimmer, more defined look. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, with a typical downtime of 3–4 days.
3. Liposuction with Renuvion®
Combining fat removal with skin tightening, Renuvion® uses helium plasma energy to produce laser-like heat beneath the skin. The Renuvion wand is inserted through the same 2mm incisions used for liposuction, then uses heat to shrink and tighten the overlying skin. Patients may experience a 20–40% improvement in skin laxity, depending on individual factors, but without the long upper arm incision that comes with a traditional brachioplasty.
4. Traditional Brachioplasty (Full Arm Lift)
For patients with significant skin laxity, often due to major weight loss, traditional brachioplasty involves an incision from the armpit (axilla) to the elbow. This allows for the removal of large amounts of excess skin from the upper arms, sometimes referred to as “angel wings.” The surgery is performed under local or twilight anesthesia (IV sedation), and recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Who is an ideal brachioplasty candidate?
If you have loose, hanging skin or excess fat on your upper arms that won’t respond to diet and exercise, you may be a candidate for brachioplasty or a less invasive option. This procedure is especially beneficial for those who have undergone major weight loss or experience age-related skin laxity. Dr. Mandell-Brown will help determine which treatment is right for you based on your anatomy and goals.
Brachioplasty is often performed to complement weight loss surgery. It is often performed in conjunction with the weight loss surgery or separately later.
Preparing for Your Arm Lift Procedure
The first step is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Mandell-Brown will conduct a thorough examination, discuss your desired results, and review treatment options, from non-surgical contouring to full arm lift surgery. If you’re a good candidate, the appropriate procedure will be scheduled and pre-operative guidelines provided.
“Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and his staff are always pleasant. From the first call to schedule a consultation I was made to feel special, comfortable, and in control. I’m very happy with the results of my cosmetic surgery. The surgical process went flawlessly, and aftercare was handled well. I have nothing but praise for Dr. Mandell-Brown and his staff.”
Brachioplasty Surgery Overview
Patients undergoing full brachioplasty receive anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions, usually from the axilla to the elbow, and removes excess fat and tissue. The remaining skin is redraped and sutured for a smoother, firmer contour. In some cases, liposuction or Renuvion® may be used for additional contouring.
After arm lift surgery, a compression band and a drainage tube may be placed on the dressing to facilitate a quick recovery.
Brachioplasty Recovery
Our team will provide post-operative instructions to help make the recovery process as easy as possible. A follow-up visit may be scheduled in 1-2 days after the surgery for a checkup and dressing change.
Compression bands or sleeves are helpful in keeping the swelling under check.
Patients are advised to restrict their arm movements after the surgery. In the later stages of recovery, the patients can move their arms fore freely but should avoid straining themselves. Any rigorous physical activity is prohibited for 4-8 weeks after the surgery. The results of brachioplasty are apparent once the patient has fully recovered and are long-lasting with healthy lifestyle habits.
Before & After Gallery
Dr. Mandell-Brown uses advanced techniques to provide natural-looking outcomes. See the results for yourself in our patient gallery.
Brachioplasty Cost
During your consultation, Dr. Mandell-Brown will go over the expected cost of your brachioplasty in Cincinnati. We do offer financing options through CareCredit that can make the payment process more manageable.
Schedule a ConsultationContact Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation for your brachioplasty procedure. Dr. Mandell-Brown is a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in minimal incision body cosmetic surgery. He can provide you with excellent results from our brachioplasty in Cincinnati.
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Areas Served
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown — Updated on Aug 15, 2025