What is an Arm lift?
Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland, with over 25 years of experience performing Arm Lifts for patients seeking to restore tone and definition after weight loss. His approach to Brachioplasty emphasizes natural contours, safety, and minimal scarring, especially for those with significant skin laxity after bariatric surgery or aging.
An Arm Lift, also called Brachioplasty, removes extra skin and fat between the underarm and elbow. This reshapes your arm, making the skin smoother and firmer. The type of Arm Lift you need depends on how much skin you have and where it is.
We usually perform this procedure under IV sedation, which is safer and has fewer risks than General anesthesia. Most patients need to take 1-2 weeks off from work to recover.
What problems does an Arm lift address?
After losing weight, the extra skin on my upper arms looks like bat wings.
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An Arm Lift is ideal for people who have:
- Extra skin and fat on the upper arms, often after weight loss
- Loose or sagging skin on upper arms
- Weak arm tissues
An Arm Lift tightens the skin on your arms and makes them look firmer. It’s common for people who have lost a lot of weight or whose skin has become loose due to aging.
How is the Arm lift procedure performed?
Only a board-certified plastic surgeon should perform your arm lift in a certified surgical center or a hospital.
At my Baltimore surgery center, which is accredited by QuadA and Medicare, I have done Arm Lifts for over 17 years. A board-certified anesthesiologist gives the anesthesia.
What type of anesthesia is used?
We use IV sedation instead of General anesthesia. With IV sedation, you wake up right after the procedure, and most patients feel fine without nausea. Learn about types of anesthesia used in cosmetic surgery.
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Arm Lift Surgical Options
There are three types of Arm Lifts. The best one for you depends on how much loose skin you have and where it is.
- Minimal Scar Arm Lift: Removes skin at the crease of your armpit, leaving a short scar. Often combined with liposuction to remove fat from the upper arm.
- Traditional Arm Lift: Removes skin and fat from the armpit to above the elbow. The scar is inside the arm.
- Extended Arm Lift (Thoracic Lift): Removes skin and fat from the upper arm, armpit, and side of the chest. The scar runs down the arm and along the chest.
When is Liposuction a Better Option?
If you only have small fat pockets and good skin tone, liposuction might be a good choice. But, if you have a lot of loose skin, liposuction alone won’t help and could make your skin sag more. In that case, an Arm Lift is needed.
What are the preoperative requirements?
Before your Arm Lift, follow these steps:
- BMI under 35: Your Body Mass Index must be below 35 to reduce the risk of complications.
- Quit smoking: Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- Stop medications: Avoid aspirin and herbals 2 weeks before surgery.
- Health check: Get a physical exam and blood test within 30 days of surgery.
- Pre-op consultation: Meet with your surgeon to review the plan.
- Fasting: Don’t eat or drink after midnight before your surgery.
What is Arm lift Post-Op recovery like?
Recovery from an Arm Lift usually takes 2 weeks. Keep your arms elevated and avoid moving them during the first week. Here’s a basic recovery timeline:
- First 48 hours: Stay in bed with your arms raised. Don't move them.
- Days 3-14: Keep resting with your arms raised and wear compression garments.
- 2-3 weeks: Your stitches will be removed, but your arm movement will still be limited.
- 4-6 weeks: You can go back to your normal activities.
We'll give you detailed post-op instructions, and I’ll keep track of your recovery to make sure you are healing properly.
What are the risks and possible complications?
As with any surgery, there are some risks with an Arm Lift including:
- Hematoma (blood pooling)
- Seroma (fluid buildup)
- Infection
- Scarring
- The need for a revision surgery
How much does an Arm lift cost?
The cost of an Arm Lift depends on how complicated the surgery is and how long it takes. Here are the expected costs for 2025:
| Type of Arm Lift | 2025 Arm Lift Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimal scar Arm Lift | $6,400 |
| Traditional Arm Lift | $9,200 |
| Thoracic or extended Arm Lift | $14,500 |
These prices include the surgeon's fee, operating room, anesthesia, and compression garments.
Fantastic doctor and office! Quality work and the entire staff goes above and beyond to make sure you are happy and healthy.
Maureen S.
Can I finance my Arm lift?
Yes, financing options are available to help manage the cost of your arm lift. Call us at 410-404-8100 or see our financing page for more information.
Dr. Rodriguez: Trusted Arm Lift Surgeon in Baltimore
Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez is known for his precision in skin-tightening surgeries, including Arm Lifts that help patients regain confidence and comfort in their bodies. All procedures are performed under IV sedation by a board-certified anesthesiologist in our fully accredited Quad A surgery center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Rodriguez offers direct post-op access via his personal cell phone, ensuring continuity of care and peace of mind throughout your recovery.
He combines surgical artistry with a patient-first approach, taking the time to explain every detail and tailor each plan to your body and goals. Whether you’ve experienced major weight loss or are looking to address age-related changes, Dr. Rodriguez is here to help you achieve smoother, firmer arms—and renewed confidence.
Ready to explore what's possible?
Dr. Rodriguez speaks English, Spanish, and French to ensure every patient feels understood and supported. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best,
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Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member
NOTICE
Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.