Arm Lift Surgery: How Much Does It Cost and What to Expect

Sometimes called bat wings, the sagging skin behind the upper arms becomes especially common as people age or after rapid or excessive weight loss.¹ As we age, in particular, we tend to lose muscle and skin elasticity because growth hormones start to decline, which affects how our bodies build muscle and metabolize fat. In short, we don't build muscle as easily but do gain weight more easily, resulting in saggy arms (and thighs and stomachs).

While firming and tightening creams haven't been proven to work, a cosmetic surgery procedure called a brachioplasty (arm lift) can help make your arms look more toned and defined.²

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces extra skin and tightens and smooths supportive tissue for more tone and definition in your upper arms.²

Whether from aging, genetics or extra skin from losing weight, there are many reasons why someone might have sagging skin and consider an arm lift to minimize its appearance.²

Potentially good candidates for an arm lift include those who:³

• Have sagging skin on their upper arms
• Accept that there will likely be a scar¹
• Don't plan to lose or gain a significant amount of weight in the near future
• Don't have any medical conditions that could complicate surgery
• Don't smoke

What Happens During an Arm Lift?

There are two types of arm lift surgery:¹

• Full arm lift
• Mini arm lift

The mini arm lift (limited-incision brachioplasty) is less invasive for those with minimal fat and extra skin to be removed.⁴

Preparation

Before surgery, your doctor will allow you to ask any questions you might have about the procedure and will evaluate your current health and medical history, which may include:⁵

• Lab testing
• Physical evaluation
• Prescriptions for preoperative medication
• Adjusting your current medications and supplements

You will also need to stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, before surgery. Smoking cigarettes can delay healing, which increases your risk of infection, so your doctor will likely recommend that you stop smoking in the weeks before your procedure.⁵

Procedure

On the day of the surgery, your surgeon will answer any last-minute questions you might have and mark where the incision will be made. Depending on what you and your doctor have decided, you will either be given local anesthesia that numbs the surgical area, or general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep.⁶

Once the anesthesia sets in, the surgeon will make the incision and remove the excess skin and tissue. Sometimes, a doctor will pair this procedure with liposuction to remove extra fat.⁶

Your surgeon will use stitches to tighten supportive tissue inside your arm, and then close the external incision with stitches that will have to be removed in one to two weeks.⁶

The entire surgery typically lasts a few hours, and you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.⁵

What Is the Recovery Process for an Arm Lift?

After your plastic surgery, you will have bandages to protect the wound and a snug-fitting compression sleeve over your arm to reduce swelling.⁷ You may also have a small tube inserted under your skin to help drain excess fluid.⁷ Some discomfort is normal within the first week, but it should subside.¹

Your activities — lifting your arms overhead or picking up heavy things, for example — will be most limited within the first two weeks, with a full return to regular activities in about six weeks.¹

What Are the Potential Side Effects of an Arm Lift?

While your doctor will check for any factors that could lead to complications during preoperative testing, there are possible side effects associated with the procedure and anesthesia, including:⁸

• Excessive bleeding
• Permanent scarring
• Fluid buildup
• Nerve, muscle or blood vessel damage
• Numbness
• Infection

How Soon Will I See Results From an Arm Lift?

Most people see results right away, but results will continue to improve as any swelling and bruising decrease. As you age, some sagging and looseness may return.⁹

While some of the factors related to how well your scar will or will not heal are out of your control — such as age, size of incision and how quickly your skin typically heals — there are several ways to minimize your arm lift scar:¹⁰

• Follow your doctor's instructions on wound care.
• Don't smoke, and minimize or avoid alcohol consumption.
• Reduce stressors in your life.
• Exercise as permitted by your doctor (the movement can promote healing).
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and moisturizing your incision (after it is healed).
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins.
• Avoid putting stress on your incision.
• Avoid sunlight on your incision, and use sunscreen once healed.
• Massage your scar tissue after your incision has completely healed.
• Consider non-invasive laser therapy or cryotherapy post-surgery to reduce the appearance of your scar.

Silicone has been shown to help reduce scarring, so ask your doctor about silicone dressings before you have your procedure.¹⁰

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost?

The average cost* of an arm lift is $6,732 for both arms. The cost ranges from $5,230 to $12,978, depending on the actual procedure and your geographic location. The table below lists the costs per state/district.¹¹

Additional costs or fees that may impact the price of an arm lift include:¹¹

• Surgeon fees based on experience
• Complexity of the surgery
• Geography
• Pre-op medical tests
• Post-op care or emergency care
• Operating room costs
• Type of anesthesia, if used
• Medication costs, if needed
• Any additional procedures completed at the same time

Is an Arm Lift Covered by Insurance?

An arm lift is not usually covered by insurance because it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure — like a facelift or facial fillers, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, neck lift or breast augmentation. Some doctors will offer in-house financing.¹²

You may be able to use the CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance your arm lift and other cosmetic procedures.**

Financing Arm Lift Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for an arm lift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.