You’ve put in the work. Maybe you’ve lost a lot of weight, or maybe the years have simply changed how your upper arms look. Either way, the loose skin that’s left can make you think twice about a sleeveless top on a warm Newport Beach afternoon. If that sounds familiar, an arm lift may be worth learning about.
At Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics, we offer arm lift in Newport Beach at our Westcliff Drive office. This guide covers what an arm lift is, who tends to ask about it, the three versions we offer, and what recovery looks like, so you can walk into your consultation with better questions.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, known medically as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, and often some fat, from the upper arms. Loose skin often remains after weight loss or shows up with age, and exercise alone doesn’t tighten skin that has been stretched. That’s the gap an arm lift is designed to address.
When it’s recommended, liposuction, including VASER, can be added to the same procedure to refine the contour. At Beyond Restore, arm lifts are performed by Dr. Andrew Jarminski, a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon also known as “Dr. J.”
Who Asks About an Arm Lift?
The people who ask us about an arm lift usually share a few things in common:
- Loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
- A stable weight, including after major weight loss or GLP-1 weight loss
- Being a non-smoker, or being willing to stop before and after surgery
- Good general health and realistic expectations
If you’re still losing weight, for example through a medical weight loss program, it usually makes sense to reach a stable weight first. Dr. Jarminski confirms whether an arm lift is a good fit at your consultation.
Mini, Full or Extended: The Three Versions
Not every arm needs the same approach. We offer three versions, and the right one depends on where the loose skin is:
- Mini arm lift: for mild looseness near the underarm. The incision is short and sits in the underarm area.
- Full arm lift: for loose skin running from the underarm toward the elbow. The incision runs along the inner upper arm.
- Extended arm lift: for looseness that reaches onto the side of the chest. The incision runs along the inner arm toward the side chest.
Dr. Jarminski will look at your arms, talk through your goals, and recommend the version that fits.
Let’s Talk About Scars
Every arm lift leaves a scar, and it’s better to know that going in. The scar usually sits along the inner upper arm, where it’s less visible when your arms are at your sides. Where yours falls depends on which version you have. The gallery is a good place to get a sense of what’s possible, and Dr. Jarminski can talk you through placement in person.
What Surgery Day Looks Like
Here’s something many people don’t expect: an arm lift at Beyond Restore is done while you’re awake. Instead of general anesthesia, we use tumescent local anesthesia along with Pro-Nox for comfort. The procedure takes about 4 hours, and you go home the same day, with no overnight stay.
Recovery: The First Weeks and Beyond
After surgery, you’ll wear a compression garment, follow a light-activity plan, and come back for follow-up visits. There are no drains. As a general timeline:
- About 14 days: many people head back to work
- About 6 weeks: exercise, once you’re cleared
Swelling eases and the contour settles over the following months. Your own recovery may differ, and your aftercare instructions come first. It’s also worth knowing that results can change with weight changes and aging.
Like any surgery, an arm lift carries risks, including bleeding, infection, swelling, a visible scar, changes in sensation, asymmetry, fluid collection, and the possibility of a revision. Dr. Jarminski reviews these with you at your consultation.
Pairing an Arm Lift With Other Procedures
Many people who are bothered by their arms are also thinking about other areas, especially after weight loss. An arm lift can be combined with HD liposuction or VASER, Renuvion, a tummy tuck, or a breast lift. Dr. Jarminski can tell you whether combining makes sense for you.
What about skipping surgery? Treatments like Renuvion, HD Lipo and Morpheus8 Body come up a lot, but they don’t give the same results as surgery. For true excess skin, an arm lift is the procedure designed to remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my weight is stable enough?
Stable weight is one of the things Dr. Jarminski looks for. If you’re still actively losing weight, including on a GLP-1 program, bring that up at your consultation so the timing can be planned around it.
How do I know which version I need?
It depends on how far the loose skin extends: near the underarm, toward the elbow, or onto the side chest. Dr. Jarminski examines your arms at the consultation and recommends mini, full or extended.
Will I have drains after surgery?
No. An arm lift at Beyond Restore doesn’t use drains. You will wear a compression garment during recovery.
Where is the surgery done?
Dr. Jarminski performs procedures in our onsite surgical suite or at an accredited surgical center. You can ask which applies to your procedure at your consultation.
Paying for Your Arm Lift
Pricing depends on your plan and is provided at your consultation. Beyond Restore does not bill insurance. To help with planning, we offer financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry.
Book Your Free Consultation
The next step is a conversation. Consultations at Beyond Restore are free, and you’ll meet with Dr. Jarminski to go over your health history, goals, and which version fits you. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling ahead.
This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified physician about whether an arm lift is right for you.
Book a consultation or call us at 949-503-9621.
Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics
1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-503-9621
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM