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Arm Lift Contents

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Want to feel confident without wearing long sleeves?

As people lose weight and age, the skin stretches over time, resulting in hanging skin under the arm. This causes difficulty in wearing clothes and extra folds in the skin. The skin folds on the arm can be uncomfortable, causing rashes and problems with hygiene in that area.

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What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a body-contouring surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by removing excess sagging skin and stubborn fat.

Significant weight loss, natural aging, and genetics often cause skin on the arms to lose elasticity, resulting in hanging skin—commonly referred to as "bat wings", that resists diet and exercise. This extra tissue can restrict wardrobe choices, cause painful friction, and interfere with daily comfort.

During a San Antonio arm lift at Hill Country Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons trim excess tissue and tighten the underlying supportive structures to create a firmer, sleeker arm profile. For enhanced definition, the procedure is frequently combined with liposuction to contour lingering fat pockets and achieve smooth, beautifully proportioned results.

What is the cost of an arm lift? 

Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, starts at $5,600, but individual factors determine the ultimate cost. Your precise price will be established during your consultation.

Is there more than one type of arm lift?

There are multiple techniques for arm lifts. At Hill Country, we will determine the type of arm lift in San Antonio you need with a customized plan. The amount and location of the excess skin and the incisions used for the procedure depend on the areas in which you would like to be addressed. A way to determine the amount of extra skin on your arm is to stand with your arms up like a goalpost. The skin that hangs down is the skin that is usually removed. Your arm lift may vary in the following ways: 

  • A standard brachioplasty (arm lift) removes the skin from the elbow to the armpit. The scar may be visible in sleeveless clothing, but it is placed in an area where it should not be visible if the arms are at the side of the body.
  • In an extended brachioplasty (arm lift), additional skin extending from the armpit to the side of the chest is removed. This is done when patients have had massive weight loss. These surgeries can be combined with a breast and back lift in the appropriate patient. 
  • For patients with limited extra skin, it may be possible to isolate the incision to the armpit area so there is no scar on the arm. This technique is limited and not all patients are candidates for this. Sometimes liposuction can be combined with the procedure. However, the best results are achieved when patients are at an optimal and stable weight.
  • If the patient would benefit from liposuction of the arm, we may also stage the procedure so liposuction is done. First, the skin is allowed to shrink as much as possible, and then a brachioplasty is performed.
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What to Expect During Your Arm Lift Consultation

At Hill Country Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, your arm lift consultation begins with a conversation about your goals, followed by a review of your medical history, lifestyle, and past surgeries. Sharing accurate details about medications, allergies, and weight stability helps us plan safely and effectively.

We will examine and measure your arms, take pre-operative photos, and explain which surgical techniques may best achieve your desired outcome.

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Complimentary Procedures to
Arm Lift San Antonio

In some cases, your arm lift in San Antonio can be paired with complementary procedures such as liposuction, a breast lift or breast reduction, or even a tummy tuck to create balanced, natural-looking results.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons will work closely with you to develop a personalized surgical plan that addresses your needs and sets realistic expectations for recovery and results.

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Before & After

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How to prepare for your surgery

Prior to surgery, you should not take aspirin for one week before surgery, and you should stop any nicotine products, which include cigarettes, vaping, gum, and patches, for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.

If you have a history of medical problems, we may have you undergo clearance by your primary care physician or any pertinent specialists. You should plan to take 1-2 weeks off after surgery depending on the activity level of your job. Your follow-up and post-operative instructions will be discussed with you at your pre-operative appointment.

What happens at my pre-operative appointment?

On the day of your pre-operative appointment, we will review your procedure in detail and go over the surgical plan with you. We will also address any questions and concerns you may have. Please read over the procedure consent prior to this appointment and have your questions ready so we can discuss them. During your pre-operative visit, we will provide you with all after-care instructions as well as the necessary prescriptions. You will also be provided with a post-operative appointment for follow up after your surgery.

What to expect on the day of your
arm lift procedure?

  • Your plastic surgeon will meet you in the preoperative area to address any last-minute questions or concerns you may have. 
  • Your plastic surgeon will make preoperative markings and perform extensive checks, paying careful attention to detail, to ensure you receive the highest quality care. 
  • You will meet the anesthesiologist and their team, as well as the members of our plastic surgery operative team.
  • On the day of surgery, do not take the following blood pressure medications with generic names that end in “-pril,” “-sartan” before your surgery. If you are on metformin, you will be asked not to take it on the day of surgery.
  • During the plastic surgery procedure, our plastic surgeons pay meticulous attention to detail and work as a highly experienced team to ensure superior results. 
  • Your family will be updated on your status periodically and will be able to talk with the plastic surgeon in person after the procedure is completed. 
  • The incisions will be dressed or placed in a compression bandage. Instructions for caring for these will be included in your preoperative paperwork.
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What should I expect after an arm lift procedure?

  • You will be placed in an elastic bandage or compression garment for several weeks. 
  • You will have drains in place to remove extra fluid. 
  • You will have to limit activity for up to  6 weeks after surgery. Initially, you will have swelling around the legs that will decrease over time. It may take several months to see the end results of your arm lift.

Benefits of an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift in San Antonio at Hill Country Plastic Surgery can dramatically enhance both appearance and confidence. This procedure, also known as brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, more toned contour. Patients often choose an arm lift to:

  • Eliminate sagging or “bat wings” caused by aging or weight loss
  • Improve arm shape and definition, making it easier to wear sleeveless clothing
  • Restore proportion between the arms and the rest of the body
  • An arm lift can reduce skin irritation and chafing from excess folds
  • Achieve long-lasting results when combined with a healthy lifestyle
  • With an arm lift, patients enjoy a firmer, more youthful look that complements their overall physique.
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Dr. Shah and Dr. Farber

Why Choose Hill Country Plastic Surgery for Your Arm Lift?

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal journey, and choosing the right team makes all the difference. At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, our double board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Amita Shah and Dr. Scott Farber, bring over seven years of side-by-side surgical partnership, advanced technical precision, and compassionate care to every patient in San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding areas.

  • Personalized Surgical Plans: We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you require a traditional brachioplasty, an extended arm lift after massive weight loss, or a combined approach with liposuction, we tailor the incision and technique to your unique body.
  • Thorough, Transparent Consultations: We take the time to answer every question, from pre-op expectations and scar placement to post-op healing—ensuring you feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident in your decisions.
  • Comprehensive Post-Weight-Loss Expertise: Having extensive experience with post-GLP-1 (Ozempic/Mounjaro) and major weight-loss body revisions, our team understands how to properly address skin elasticity changes to achieve firm, natural-looking contours.

We are honored to be part of your transformation and are committed to delivering an exceptional, supportive experience from your initial consultation to your final results.

When can I resume normal activity and exercise?

On average, patients can return to full activities, including working out at the gym, 6 weeks after surgery.

How long is the recovery?

You will be able to return to light duty at 2 weeks and to full activities at 6 weeks. We recommend that you always wear your compression garments for the first 6 weeks except when showering.

How long before I see my results?

For the first three days after surgery, you will be swollen and after that, the swelling starts to resolve. You won’t see a significant amount of the swelling go down until around 3 weeks. It may take up to 3 months to see the results of the surgery and up to a year to see the full outcome.

How much does an arm lift cost?

The price of an arm lift is dependent on how much skin and fat need to be removed. Sometimes, liposuction is recommended to remove excess fat from the arm.

Will insurance cover an arm lift?

Insurance does not cover a cosmetic arm lift. We recommend you call your insurance carrier for more information.

Will there be a scar after my arm lift?

The scar from a standard or extended brachioplasty is a long visible scar on the arm. In patients with darker skin, you may have a dark scar which may not lighten.

Ready for slimmer, more sculpted arms? Meet with us.

Are you interested in learning more about this procedure? To schedule a consultation, please contact us. Hill Country Plastic Surgery is the premier plastic surgery center in the San Antonio and Austin area, and our friendly team members are here to help you and will reach out promptly.

View Our Pre & Post-Op Instructions

How do I begin my cosmetic journey?

  • Step 1: Consult your surgeon. Attend an informative, personal consultation with your surgeon and visit with the Patient Care Coordinator to set into place all plans for your procedure and care. 
  • Step 2: Undergo the procedure. Your operation takes place at a boutique surgical center with pre-op and post-op care from your surgeon. 
  • Step 3: Exude confidence, wearing sleeveless tops or swimsuits without concerns about hanging skin and tissue.

We look forward to meeting you. 

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