arms
Arm Lift Surgery
Your Arm Lift Consultation.
About Arm Lift Surgery
Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about excess skin and fatty tissue on your upper arms, commonly referred to as “bat wings”? Brachioplasty, also called an arm lift, is a safe and effective procedure that can reduce and eliminate this problem. Dr. Kolder understands the concerns of his patients and is proud to offer advanced arm lift surgery techniques as a solution. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue, resulting in smoother, more toned arms. Contact us today to learn more about how brachioplasty can help you achieve your desired look.
Arm Lift Benefits
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is designed to reshape and contour the upper arms by removing excess skin and improving overall tone. It is especially beneficial for men and women who have experienced weight loss or age-related skin laxity and want a more defined, proportionate appearance.
Some of the top reasons why our patients consider arm lift surgery include:
• Removes loose, sagging skin from the upper arms
• Creates a firmer, more toned arm contour
• Improves overall body proportions and silhouette
• Reduces “bat wing” appearance that doesn’t respond to exercise
• Helps clothing fit more comfortably and confidently
• Can be combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring
• Provides long-lasting results with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle
Ideal Candidates for an Arm Lift
An arm lift is best suited for those who are bothered by excess skin and loss of firmness in the upper arms that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. This is commonly seen after significant weight loss or as part of the natural aging process.
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:
• Have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
• Are near your goal weight and have maintained it
• Struggle with skin laxity that does not improve with exercise
• Are in good overall health and able to undergo surgery
• Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
• Have realistic expectations about scarring and results
A consultation with Dr. Kolder is the best way to determine if an arm lift is right for you, as your anatomy, skin quality and goals will guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Your Arm Lift Consultation
During your consultation at our Camarillo office, Dr. Kolder will evaluate the condition of your arms to determine if an arm lift is the best surgery for you. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss what concerns you most and what kind of results you’re hoping to achieve. Based on your anatomy and preferences, Dr. Kolder may also discuss whether liposuction should be included to enhance your final outcome.
Dr. Kolder will go over the details of an arm lift, including surgery steps, benefits and recovery, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage of the process. He will also review your medical history, answer all of your questions and ensure you feel fully informed and confident moving forward.
You will also be able to view brachioplasty before and after photographs to help you better understand the types of results that can be achieved. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear, personalized plan tailored to your goals and a full understanding of your next steps.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Your arm lift will be performed under general anesthesia at our on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center, ensuring you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. On the day of surgery, Dr. Kolder will review your treatment plan and will carefully mark the areas of concern before you are taken to the operating room.
The procedure typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional contouring, such as liposuction, is included. The surgery consists of a horizontal incision made under your arm from near the elbow to the armpit. Through this incision, underlying tissue is reshaped and tightened, and excess skin is removed to eliminate sagging and create a smoother, more toned contour.
After surgery, you will spend a short time in a monitored recovery area before being discharged home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions. You will need someone to drive you home and assist you for at least the first 24 hours.
Recovering from an Arm Lift
Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but you should expect to take about 2 to 4 weeks off from work after your arm lift, depending on the physical demands of your job. For the first few days, it’s important to rest and limit arm movement to allow your body to begin healing.
You will likely experience some swelling, bruising, tightness and mild to moderate discomfort in the treated area, all of which are normal and temporary. Wearing your compression garment as directed will help to reduce swelling, support your new contours and improve overall comfort. Keeping your arms elevated when possible can also help to minimize swelling.
You should feel well enough to walk around within a day or two, and light movement is encouraged to promote circulation and support healing. However, exercise, heavy lifting and repetitive arm motions should be avoided for several weeks to prevent strain on the incisions.
Most patients can gradually return to normal daily activities within a couple of weeks, with a full return to more strenuous exercise typically around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your progress. Dr. Kolder will give you detailed care instructions following your arm lift procedure and will monitor your healing during follow-up visits to ensure the best possible outcome.
Arm Lift Results
Although there will be a permanent scar, it will fade and flatten over time and should be hardly noticeable on the underside of your arm. Our patients are often so happy to be rid of the excess skin that the faint scar is a welcome trade-off.
You should notice an improvement in the shape and contour of your arms immediately after surgery, though swelling and tightness are expected in the early stages. As healing progresses over the following weeks, your results will become more refined and natural-looking. Most patients see a significant improvement within the first month, with final results continuing to develop over 3 to 6 months as swelling fully resolves.
With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of an arm lift are long-lasting. While the natural aging process will continue, the excess skin removed during surgery does not return, allowing you to enjoy a more youthful arm contour for years to come.
Arm Lift FAQs
The cost of an arm lift can vary based on your individual needs, the extent of correction and whether additional procedures are included. You will receive a personalized quote during your consultation once your treatment plan is determined.
In most cases, an arm lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Rare exceptions may apply if there are documented medical concerns, but coverage is uncommon.
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Tightness, soreness and swelling are common in the first week and are typically well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Yes, an arm lift does leave a scar, usually along the inner or underside of the arm. Over time, scars typically fade and flatten, becoming less noticeable and well-hidden in natural contours.
An arm lift may reduce or remove stretch marks only if they are located on the skin that is removed. Stretch marks outside of that area will remain but may appear smoother as the skin is tightened.
Results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging continues, the excess skin removed during surgery does not return.
As with any surgery, risks can include infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, asymmetry and delayed healing. Serious complications are uncommon, and Dr. Kolder will review all potential risks with you beforehand.
Next Steps
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Board certified plastic surgeon with expert-level artistic precision.
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Dr. Kolder has earned a reputation for excellence by creating results that consistently exceed his patient’s expectations. We are excited to learn about your cosmetic goals and work with you to create a custom treatment plan with your ideal outcome. To get started, reach out to us by phone, or click on the link below to speak with a Pacifica team member and set up your initial consultation today.
Written By: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.
More about Dr. Daniel G. Kolder | Last Reviewed: April 9th, 2026
