Brachioplasty also known as an Arm Lift is designed to tighten the loose upper arm skin and underlying tissue brought on by advancing age or as a consequence of excessive weight loss.
Brachioplasty will tighten the skin to improve harmony with the lower arm, and it is often done with liposuction in Tampa to improve contour.
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What is Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that helps tighten and reshape the upper arms.
It’s especially helpful for people who’ve lost a significant amount of weight or feel frustrated by loose, sagging skin due to aging. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed to create a smoother, more toned shape from shoulder to elbow. At Landon Plastic Surgery, we take an artistic, precise approach that keeps things natural-looking and balanced with the rest of your body.
Benefits of a Brachioplasty
Getting a brachioplasty isn’t just about tightening skin—it’s about feeling more confident in your own body. Whether you want to wear sleeveless clothes without second thoughts or just feel like your arms match the way you see yourself, this surgery can make a noticeable difference in how you look and feel every day.
Here are some of the main benefits of a brachioplasty:
- Smoother, More Defined Upper Arms: Loose skin and excess fat are removed to reveal a toned, natural-looking contour.
- Better Fit in Clothing: Sleeves and tops often fit more comfortably and look more flattering after surgery.
- Boost in Body Confidence: When your arms feel in proportion with the rest of your body, it can lift your overall self-image.
- Long-Lasting Results: As long as your weight stays steady, your new shape is here to stay.
- Personalized, Natural Results: Dr. Landon’s technique focuses on subtle reshaping that complements your body—not overdone or dramatic changes.
What Concerns Can a Brachioplasty Address?
If you're dealing with skin that hangs or wiggles when you lift your arms, or you've noticed your upper arms don't match the rest of your shape, a brachioplasty can help. Here are a few things it addresses:
- Loose or Hanging Skin: Often caused by weight loss or aging, this extra skin can make the arms look deflated or less toned.
- Stubborn Fat Pockets: Some areas hold onto fat no matter how much you diet or exercise, and the upper arms are one of them.
- Loss of Skin Elasticity: When skin loses its firmness, it can droop or appear stretched out—surgery helps tighten and smooth it.
- Uneven Arm Shape: If your upper arms feel out of balance with the rest of your body, reshaping can restore proportion and definition.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Brachioplasty?
Most people considering a brachioplasty are bothered by loose skin or extra fullness in their upper arms and are looking for a more defined shape. You’re likely a good candidate if you:
- Have Loose Upper Arm Skin: This is the main issue that a brachioplasty can help fix.
- Are at or Near a Stable Weight: Surgery works best when your weight won't fluctuate significantly afterward.
- Don't Smoke or Are Willing to Quit Temporarily: Smoking affects healing, so quitting before and after surgery is essential.
- Are Generally Healthy: You'll need to be cleared for surgery and not have conditions that slow down recovery.
- Have Realistic Expectations: Dr. Landon will help you understand what the procedure can—and can't—do for your arms.
How to Prepare for brachioplasty Surgery
Your consultation is where it all starts. Dr. Landon will take the time to understand what’s bothering you, talk through your goals, and explain what’s possible. If you decide to move forward, here’s what to expect after a Brachioplasty surgery:
- You’ll have a health check and possibly some lab work to clear you for surgery.
- We’ll go over your medications and let you know which ones to stop or adjust.
- If you smoke, you’ll need to quit a few weeks beforehand—this is key for proper healing.
- You’ll also want to prep your space at home so you can rest and recover without stress.
Brachioplasty Procedure
At our practice in Tampa Brachioplasty requires approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per side to complete, depending upon the need for additional liposuction or extension into the armpit area. General anesthesia is used for patient comfort, and the procedure is performed as an outpatient.
The arm is marked preoperatively in the upright position to assess the quantity of skin to be removed and to determine incision placement. Incision placement is designed to provide the greatest degree of scar concealment, with the arms at ones side. At times, the skin excess may require extension below the elbow crease; however, it is often avoided to minimize scar appearance. The excessive fat and skin are removed in sections, and liposuction is used to smooth out irregularities after removal. Absorbable stitch material is used to provide closure, eliminating the need for stitch removal, and waterproof dressings are applied.
Brachioplasty Recovery
Some temporary numbness of the arms is common, which may be associated with some modest swelling of the hand and lower arm in the early period after arm fat removal. The use of compressive bandages to the arms, as well as arm elevation, is encouraged. Some Brachioplasty patients may require lymphatic massage to improve swelling. Showering is permissible with the waterproof dressings the next day. After an Arm Lift, you may return to work in approximately 1 week, and return to graduated exercise from 2 to 6 weeks. Final scar maturity is on the order of 6 to 8 months. Brachioplasty has a scar revision rate on the order of a 20% to 30% incidence.
Brachioplasty Results
You’ll notice a difference right away, but it takes time for swelling to fully settle. Most people see their final results within 3 to 6 months. Scars will fade gradually and are placed in discreet areas whenever possible. As long as your weight stays steady, your results should last for many years.
How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost in Tampa?
The cost of a brachioplasty varies because each surgery is custom. Some patients need more skin removed, others benefit from adding liposuction, and sometimes it’s combined with other procedures for a more complete result.
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll give you a clear, all-inclusive quote. That will cover Dr. Landon’s surgical fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and any post-op garments or follow-up visits. No surprises—just everything you need to plan ahead.
Can Brachioplasty Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes—many patients choose to combine a brachioplasty with other body contouring treatments to achieve a more balanced result:
- Liposuction: This can be added to remove excess fat and fine-tune the overall shape.
- Tummy Tuck: Often part of a full-body rejuvenation plan, especially after weight loss or pregnancy.
- Breast Surgery: Combining a brachioplasty with a breast augmentation or lift is common for mommy makeovers.
Doing multiple procedures at once can make recovery more efficient and help you get the results you’re looking for with fewer surgeries overall.
Why Choose Landon Plastic Surgery?
When you're considering surgery, experience matters—and Dr. Bruce Landon brings over 35 years of it to every procedure he performs. He’s a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who trained at top institutions, earning his medical degree from UCLA and completing eight years of surgical training at UC San Diego, including two years focused solely on plastic surgery. He’s a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he's been part of the Tampa medical community for decades.
What patients appreciate most is how Dr. Landon listens. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, you’ll get honest guidance, realistic expectations, and results that reflect your unique goals—never a one-size-fits-all approach. Choosing Landon Plastic Surgery means choosing expert hands, individualized care, and results that help you feel like the best version of yourself.
Brachioplasty FAQs
Yes, but they’re placed where they’re less noticeable and tend to fade with time and care.
Results are long-lasting, especially if you keep a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Yes—if you only have a small amount of sagging skin, a mini version may be an option.
It can help if fat is the main issue, but it won’t tighten skin. Dr. Landon will let you know what’s best for your arms.
Most people feel back to themselves in about 1 to 2 weeks, with full healing over a few months.
Love Your Looks With Landon Plastic Surgery
Schedule a consultation with Landon Plastic Surgery today at one of our two convenient Tampa area locations to learn how Dr. Landon can help you achieve your body goals.