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Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates

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530-345-5900
530-487-5020
  • About
  • Physicians
    • Kevin D. Myers, MD
  • Surgical
    • Overview
    • Body Contouring
      • Overview
      • Arm Lift
      • Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss
      • Buttock Augmentation
      • Liposuction
      • Lower Body Lift
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Tummy Tuck
      • Vaginal Rejuvenation
    • Breast Enhancements
      • Overview
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Implants
      • Breast Lift
      • Breast Reduction
      • Breast Revision
      • Male Breast Reduction
    • Facial Procedures
      • Overview
      • Brow Lift
      • Cheek Augmentation
      • Chin Augmentation
      • Ear Surgery
      • Eyelid Surgery
      • Facelift
      • Facial Implants
      • Fat Injection
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Nose Reshaping
    • Reconstructive Surgery
      • Overview
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Breast Reduction
      • Hand Surgery
      • Scar Revision
      • Skin Cancer Removal
      • Tissue Expansion
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What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)? A Comprehensive Guide to the Procedure

The upper arms can change over time because of factors like aging or weight fluctuations. Even with consistent strength training, excess skin may hide muscle definition and create a sagging or “bat wing” appearance. Since skin laxity cannot be improved with exercise, some patients seek surgical options to address these concerns. Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, removes excess skin and fat to reshape the upper arms. At Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, we perform this surgery to help patients get the smooth and sculpted arms they want.

Why Patients Consider Arm Lift Surgery

Excess Skin

Loose skin on the upper arms can result from aging, weight loss, or genetics. Once the skin loses elasticity, it does not retract on its own, no matter how much muscle is built underneath. Brachioplasty removes this excess tissue and allows for a smoother arm contour that is not hindered by sagging skin.

Excess Fat Deposits

Fat in the upper arms can be particularly resistant to diet and exercise. Even with a lean overall physique, some patients notice that fat accumulates in this area and causes a bulky appearance. An arm reduction removes these fat deposits through excision or liposuction, depending on the amount and location of the excess fat.

Poor Muscle Visibility

Defined arms require both muscle tone and a lack of excess tissue covering the muscle. When sagging skin and fat obscure the shape of the arms, even well-developed biceps and triceps may not appear as sculpted as they actually are. An arm lift allows muscle definition to be more visible.

Choosing the Right Type of Arm Lift

The type of brachioplasty performed depends on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. A mini arm lift is suited for patients with mild sagging limited to the upper arm near the armpit and uses a shorter incision for a less invasive approach. A traditional arm lift removes excess skin along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow and is the most common choice for moderate sagging. An extended arm lift is sometimes used when loose skin extends past the upper arms and into the chest area, often after major weight loss. If there is any excess fat that is not removable through the incisions made in the arm, liposuction may be used to further refine the arm.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty surgery candidates should be at a stable weight since future fluctuations can affect the results. Good overall health is necessary for proper healing, and patients should not have medical conditions that interfere with recovery. While this procedure improves arm contour, it does leave a scar along the inner arm, so patients should be comfortable with this trade-off. Realistic expectations are also important since an arm lift reshapes the arms but does not prevent future changes from aging.

What Happens During an Arm Lift?

The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. General anesthesia may be used to make you completely unaware, or we may use a combination of local anesthesia and sedation depending on the situation. If liposuction is desired, these areas of excess fat will be addressed. We will then make an incision in the chosen area and remove any excess skin. We carefully redrape the remaining skin to create a natural-looking contour. Then we close the incision with sutures and bandage the area to protect it.

Scar Placement and Healing

Whether you have received a small incision near the armpit or a larger incision from the armpit to the elbow, proper healing starts with following post-surgical care instructions. You will need to keep the incision clean, avoid excessive arm movement, and wear any compression garments as directed. Protecting the scar from sun exposure can prevent darkening, and silicone-based scar treatments can support smoother healing once approved by your surgeon. Over time, a brachioplasty scar typically fades and flattens, though the final scar appearance varies based on individual healing factors.

What Is Normal During Brachioplasty Recovery?

Swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort are expected in the first few weeks after surgery. A compression garment helps minimize swelling and supports the healing tissues. Temporary numbness or tightness in the arms is common as the skin and underlying structures adjust. Most patients can resume light activities within a week but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks. Incision sites should never be red and inflamed or have a foul discharge. If you notice any of these signs of infection, give us a call right away. 

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?

Arm lift cost varies based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and whether liposuction is included. Costs typically include surgical fees, anesthesia, operating facility charges, and post-operative care. During a consultation, we provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific surgical plan.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Arm Lift

A board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in brachioplasty can provide the best assessment of what type of arm lift will be most effective. Reviewing before-and-after photos helps set realistic expectations for scar placement and results. Your surgeon will discuss the surgical plan in detail, including incision techniques and recovery expectations. A consultation is the best time to ask questions about the procedure, safety, and post-operative care, so feel free to make inquiries. 

Get Sculpted, Defined Arms With Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a more contoured appearance that exercise alone cannot achieve. The procedure is customized based on the amount of tissue that needs to be addressed, with different techniques available depending on the level of correction desired. To learn more about our brachioplasty surgeries at Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, call (530) 345-5900 or contact us through our online form.

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Clear Rating

Average Rating: 5

9 Reviews

12

carpal tunnel issues

by frank covich

Dec30,2025

I have known Dr Myers for around 4 years as he assessed my carpal tunnel issues and in followup will now soon do his magic on my one wrist and then in the upcoming months the other wrist. He did a thorough workup. I am about to have my first one and will state, I am so comfortable with Dr. Myers. I am not even thinking about the procedure. Thank your lucky stars if you are seeing Dr Myers for any medical assessment and treatments. He is a world class medical professional with an amazing education and history. I know because I was a medical center consultant in New York for 20 years and the people in Chico are so fortunate to have the care of Dr Myers. Frank Covich Chico

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

Implant removal

by Maria Thomas

Mar30,2024

I am very very pleased with the removal of the leaking implants. I feel Dr Myers saved my life. The implants were quite disgusting. The Staff is awesome. Thank you for taking care of me in my time of need

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

Comapssioanate

by Ben Greenleaf

Jun17,2020

The team is brillant, comapassioante and professional! The team are ahead of their time with update techniques of cool sculpting, breast augmentation and breast mastectomy. I have recieved all the postive results I wanted. I would go back for other procedures. I trust the team with my life. They saved mine. I have nothing but love for the team.

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

People Can't Believe I'm 75!

by Joanne Wilburn

Aug23,2019

I'm 75 years old, and recently upon visiting various doctors, I've had three of them either walk past me staring or even walk past the examination room, not recognizing their 75 year old patient. I've even had one nurse tell me the doctor thought he had the wrong person in the examination room because my skin looked so young! People actually come up to me and ask to touch my face. I love it!

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

Professional and caring, skilled healthcare team!

by Stacey Longtin-Horton

Jan18,2019

In late October I had a work-related injury that resulted in a partial amputation of my left thumb. Because my bone was exposed, reconstructive surgery was needed in order to minimize infection and to save what I had left of my thumb. Dr. Kevin Myers determined that a Moberg advancement flap was the best option to maintain full range of motion and the most thumb length possible. My overall experience here was absolutely amazing! The entire staff was very accommodating and kind and worked in a very professional matter. They were always there to answer questions when I had them. My surgery went very well, and recovery was easy. A little over two months later, I now have a fully functioning thumb with full feeling and full range of motion! I am totally impressed with the work that the healthcare staff did! Although I hope to never need any reconstructive surgery again, I would not hesitate coming back here if I needed to for any issue. 100% would recommend to friends or family.

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

Most caring doctor

by Caroline

Jan 8,2019

Dr Myers is the most kindest caring plastic surgeon I have ever had. A heart of gold. The staff is wonder caring and sweetest ever. He does great surgery on burn patients such as I. I would whole heartily recommend this wonderful man.

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

I’m beyond happy

by Brandi

Mar29,2018

The whole staff at NSPS took great care of me throughout my whole experience, I cannot day enough good things!!! They are very personable and knowledgeable, I fell very comfortable with my decision AND I love my results!!

Category: reviews * Individual results may vary.

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Recent Posts

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Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates, Inc
1260 East Avenue Suite #100
Chico, CA - 95926
Tel : 530-345-5900

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Recent Posts

  • When Is the Right Time for a Facelift? Key Factors to Consider
  • Top 5 Benefits of Blepharoplasty: Why Eyelid Surgery Could Be the Perfect Solution
  • Are You a Candidate for a Lower Body Lift?
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