Arm Lift

An Arm Lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to restore a smooth, sculpted contour from the underarm to the elbow. This procedure restores shape and tone if your skin has changed due to weight loss, aging, or genetics. Arm Lifts are fully customizable and tighten supportive tissue while enhancing your natural silhouette.

Dr. Humberto Palladino

MD, FACS

Board-Certified Surgeon

Written by:

Stephanie Stevens

Updated on May 5th, 2025

20K performed per year

90% are female clients

$9,500 average cost

64% pick cosmetic clinics

75% choose surgical lifts

What Arm Lift types are out there?

You can have an Arm Lift done your way, according to your style and surgical preferences. But quite a few methods are possible, so sculpting your upper limbs will come with certain considerations and specific benefits that you’ll want to talk about with your Bliss Care Advisor.

01.

Traditional Arm Lift:


The Traditional Arm Lift is the perfect option for those with excessive sagging or loose skin. It delivers the most noticeable, dramatic results seen by the naked eye. With this procedure, your surgeon makes a longer incision along the inner or back side of your upper arm, usually extending just above the elbow. From there, they’ll tighten the underlying tissues and remove any excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more toned look.

02.

Minimal Incision Arm Lift:


If you’re looking for a less invasive procedure with minimal scarring, a Minimal Incision Arm Lift might be the right fit. It’s ideal for those with mild to moderate skin looseness and focuses on limited skin removal. The incision is smaller, usually tucked in the armpit or along the inner arm, so it’s less visible post-procedure. While the results are more subtle compared to a Traditional Arm lift, you’ll still see a noticeable improvement with the added benefit of a quicker, easier recovery.

03.

Combination with another procedure:


For those looking to take their results to the next level, combining an Arm Lift with Liposuction can be a highly effective surgical option. This method removes excess, sagging skin while targeting stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise, giving your arms a slimmer, more sculpted appearance overall. Your surgeon may recommend this combination if you’re dealing with both loose skin and unwanted fat in the upper arms.

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What to expect before and after your Arm Lift.

Before the procedure

01

Start with a consultation to confirm eligibility, discuss goals, and create a procedure plan.

02

Undergo medical exams, including blood tests, a chest x-ray, and an electrocardiogram.

03

Adjust health habits like stopping medications that increase bleeding and quitting smoking.

04

Prepare for recovery by arranging transportation, a support person, and a cozy space.

05

Fast from food or drink for 12 hours before your procedure.

The procedure day

01

Receive local or general anesthesia for complete comfort during your procedure.

02

Fat and skin are measured to see exactly how much can be safely removed.

03

An incision is made according to the Arm Lift method chosen.

04

Skin and fat are removed by your surgeon.

05

Incisions are closed, a tube is placed under your skin to drain extra blood or fluid, and the area is bandaged.

After the procedure

01

Wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support healing.

02

Apply ointments and take medications as prescribed by your surgeon.

03

Wait to shower until day 7 after your bandages are removed.

04

Don’t drive or lift anything heavy for 1-2 weeks.

05

Follow care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Bliss turns the typical procedure process into a transformative experience. From your first consultation to your final reveal, every step — before, during, and after — is personalized around you. Your Care Advisor will guide you through surgeon-matching, procedure prep, and post-op healing, making sure you’re fully supported, perfectly prepared, and cared for at every moment.

Let’s talk about results.

An Arm Lift can really improve the shape and contour of your arms, but remember that natural changes like weight fluctuations and aging can affect your results over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you enjoy your new silhouette for years to come.

Immediate post-op

Expect swelling and bruising around the incision sites.

Weeks 2-4

Swelling and bruising will subside, and you can gradually go back to your regular activities.

Months 1-3

Your arms will start to settle into their new shape, and you’ll see your final results appear as healing continues.

Before

Arm Lift

After

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Arm Lift

After

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Arm Lift

After

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Arm Lift

After

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Arm Lift

After

Our dedicated support doesn’t end just because your procedure does. Your Care Advisor stays by your side with tips, tricks, and recovery guidelines to make healing feel easy, smooth, and stress-free. Because you deserve to love your results for life.

The benefits, basics, and big picture.

Every procedure begins with a wish, but it’s not magic. It’s a choice. The perks? Powerful. The trade-offs? Just as real. When you know what’s ahead, you walk in confident in your decision, not just hopeful.

Greater Comfort in Motion

Confidence You Can Feel

Lasting, Visible Results

Complications Can Arise

Rest and Recovery Time

Doesn’t Replace Weight Loss

Removing excess skin can ease irritation and friction during everyday activities, making it more comfortable to move, exercise, and enjoy life without restriction.

Many people experience a powerful boost in self-esteem after an Arm Lift, feeling more at ease in their bodies and excited to wear sleeveless clothing with confidence.

You'll notice a difference right away, with your final shape becoming more defined as swelling goes down. Results that can last for years with a healthy lifestyle and safe, proven weight management techniques.

Like any procedure, an Arm Lift comes with some risks, including infection, scarring, or reactions to anesthesia. The good news is that closely following your surgeon’s post-op care instructions can go a long way in minimizing these risks and supporting a smooth, healthy recovery.

Full recovery from an Arm lift can take a few months, and it looks a little different for everyone. It’s a gradual, day-by-day process. During this time, you’ll need to take it easy, avoiding things like heavy lifting, intense exercise, and even driving until your surgeon gives you the green light.

An Arm Lift enhances the shape and tone of your upper arms, but it’s not a weight loss solution. It’s best for clients who are already at or close to their ideal weight. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed down the line to address skin changes or maintain your results, depending on how your body continues to grow or evolve.

Cost considerations

Your Arm Lift price breakdown.

Expertise and facility costs

This covers your surgeon’s specialized experience in your procedure, along with the costs of the surgical center, including the operating room, recovery room, and all essential equipment.

Scope of the procedure

Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may require special techniques, equipment, or medical recommendations for a unique situation.

Travel expenses

If the right surgeon for you is a plane ride away, then travel costs such as transportation and hotel accommodations will be separate fees you pay in addition to the procedure.

Anesthesia fees

The anesthesia cost includes the anesthesiologist’s time, the type of anesthesia used, and all the monitoring equipment.

Post-procedure care

This means follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and any medical supplies or garments needed to support your recovery process.

Estimated price range

$6,000
-
$13,000

Accommodations will be included in your final estimate.

Financing is how most Bliss clients bring their dreams to life. Yet, 76% of people exploring procedures still don’t know this option is available. No wonder 85% of those who don’t book say affordability is holding them back, and two-thirds would be more likely to move forward if they knew financing was an option.

We work with trusted lenders like CareCredit to offer you a range of financing options, so you can get started on your procedure now and pay over time. Flexible, secure, and with 0% interest for up to 24 months, it’s care that fits your budget, not the other way around. With multiple providers, we’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.

Find the right Arm Lift surgeon.

One of the most important parts of your aesthetic journey is finding the right surgeon for your procedure. One who will honor and respect your comfort level, aesthetic goals, and give you the results you’ve been wanting. But how do you know when you’ve found “the one?”

Board certification

Surgeons who are certified in aesthetic or ophthalmic surgery have undergone rigorous training and must pass comprehensive written and oral exams. Certification ensures that the surgeon has met high standards of education, training, and ethical practice.

Experience and specialization

Look for a surgeon who specializes in Arm Lifts and performs them regularly. Don’t be shy. Question them about their specific experience with your chosen type extensively. A surgeon who frequently performs Arm Lifts is likely to have refined their technique, leading to better results.

Bedside manner and communication

It should be your practitioner’s top priority to make you feel comfortable, safe, and heard. They should listen to your goals and concerns and provide clear, honest answers to your questions. A good practitioner will not pressure you into additional procedures and will suggest options that are best for your health and beauty goals.

Before and after photos

Reviewing “before” and “after” photos is fun, but that doesn’t make it any less serious a step when choosing a surgeon. Photos of previous clients who have undergone Arm Lift procedures give you a sense of their work and the results you can expect. All photos should be available to you during your consultation, even if they are not posted online due to privacy concerns.

Facility accreditation

A Blepharoplasty should only be performed in an accredited facility. Accredited surgical centers meet strict safety and quality standards, providing a safe environment for your procedure. Look for accreditation from organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Bliss List approved

The most beautiful part of this journey is that Bliss is here to guide you the whole way through. We’ll be matching you with the best practitioner who made our coveted Bliss List, complete with pre-vetted and board-certified experts in their fields. We have high standards, because you deserve the best.

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