Parker Center for Plastic Surgery
122 East Ridgewood Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 967-1212
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (medical spa only)
Arm Lift
Procedure Snapshot
Also called “brachioplasty,” an arm lift removes excess, hanging skin from the upper arms to restore a firmer, more youthful contour.
Cost & Recovery
- $6,000 to $10,020*
- Most patients can return to a desk job within several days after surgery
Quick Facts
- Scars from an arm lift are placed on the underside of the arm so they’re easier to conceal
- Patients with good skin elasticity may achieve good results with liposuction alone
- After an arm lift, patients often feel more confident wearing sleeveless tops**
- 19,596 patients had upper arm lift surgery in 2019***
*Refer to our Pricing page for details
**Results may vary
***Statistical information listed here is drawn from 2019 The Aesthetic Society data
Upper Arm Rejuvenation
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Many of us want firm, shapely upper arms, yet the arms can be one of the toughest areas to improve through exercise and a healthy diet. Aging and weight fluctuation can cause excess fat and sagging skin to accumulate on the upper arms.
An arm contouring procedure, personalized to your needs, can improve your upper arm shape, helping you feel more confident wearing clothing that shows your arms and comfortable exercising without excess skin or fat on your arms getting in the way.
Personalized Attention for the Results You Want
Our goal is to help you achieve the improvements that best meet your expectations with the least involved surgery possible. Which arm contouring procedure is best for you will depend on the amount of excess skin & fat you have to address, the quality of your skin elasticity, and your individual goals. At your consultation, Dr. Parker will discuss your options for liposuction alone, BodyTite, a modified (transaxillary) or short scar arm lift, or a traditional arm lift. If related, excess fat and/or skin on your back is also a concern, Dr. Parker will also go over your options for back contouring.
Page Contents
Paul M. Parker, M.D., FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Known for his surgical talent and caring personality, Dr. Parker has been serving the community for over 25 years. He has dedicated his practice to the education, safety, and comfort of his patients—making each one feel as important as family.
Arm Liposuction Alone
Patients who have excess upper arm fat, but good skin elasticity, are often good candidates for arm liposuction alone. This is the least involved arm contouring procedure, but can achieve great results for the right patients. Through one tiny incision hidden in the armpit area and another by the elbow, Dr. Parker removes the excess fat and sculpts a more natural, aesthetically pleasing arm contour.
Dr. Parker uses SAFELipo®. He has found this technique to provide more efficient, less traumatic fat removal, allow him greater control in sculpting the area, and enhance the patient’s quicker recovery. Arm liposuction is typically performed under local anesthesia with an oral cocktail or with intravenous sedation. Most patients have little to no discomfort and return to normal activity within several days of their procedures.
Before & After Arm Liposuction*
This 41 year old patient was bothered by the size and fullness of her arms, which was unresponsive to weight loss efforts. Dr. Parker performed SAFE liposuction only, dramatically improving the contour of the patient’s arms. She enjoyed a quick, painless recovery and is thrilled with her results.
Modified (Short Scar) Arm Lift
Patients with excess fat and a moderate amount of excess skin often have a modified, short scar, or mini arm lift, with or without liposuction. This allows Dr. Parker to achieve a firmer, slimmer upper arm contour while leaving a much smaller scar that is easily hidden in the crease of the armpit.
During this procedure Dr. Parker will remove excess skin through a 2-3 inch incision made in the armpit. A modified arm lift can be performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia with an oral cocktail or with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Most patients are back to daily activities within several days after surgery.
Before & After Modified Arm Lift*
This 45 year old patient was unhappy with sagging skin and fat on her arms that remained after she lost weight. Because she had some loss of skin elasticity, Dr. Parker recommended a modified arm lift with liposuction, which would address the fat and sagging skin to achieve smooth, natural results. The patient chose to have the procedure and is happy with the improved appearance of her arms.
Feel Confident
About Your Procedure
Our free cosmetic consultations include plenty of time with Dr. Parker, our patient care coordinator, and our imaging specialist. Once your procedure is booked, our nurse educator will meet with you for a special 1-hour pre-op education session.
Request a Free Consultation Your Education SessionTraditional Arm Lift
Patients with severely drooping skin, such as those who have lost a significant amount of weight, will need to have that skin excised through a traditional or classic arm lift, or otherwise known as a traditional brachioplasty. During this procedure, Dr. Parker makes an incision in the inner aspect of the upper arm from elbow to armpit, removes excess the skin, and tightens the remaining tissue. A traditional arm lift can be performed with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Most patients are back to work within several days after their surgeries.
While a traditional brachioplasty results in the most visible scarring, it can also achieve the most dramatic results, both in one’s appearance and enhanced comfort. With proper care, the scars typically fade significantly during the first year.
Before & After Upper Arm Lift Surgery*
This 32 year old had lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, and requested Dr. Parker to improve the appearance of the hanging skin on her arms. Dr. Parker performed a traditional brachioplasty to remove the patient’s hanging arm skin. She loves the much improved appearance of her arms and is very satisfied with the appearance of her scars.
Our Signature Rapid Recovery Program
Most of our patients lead active lives and are anxious to return to their daily routine as soon as possible after surgery. We have developed our unique Rapid Recovery program to enhance the recovery process while ensuring your safety every step of the way. This involves surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain medications as well as post-operative massages and skincare that are specially tailored to enhance your recovery. At your initial consultation and your pre-op visit with our nurse educator, Angela, we will go over the details of your individual Rapid Recovery protocol.
Our arm rejuvenation patients go home about an hour after surgery and are up and moving around that same day. All sutures dissolve, and most patients experience minimal pain and discomfort. Patients may return to sedentary work within several days and exercise in approximately two weeks.
Our Signature
Rapid Recovery Program
Our surgical procedures, anesthesia, medications, and aftercare are tailored to minimize post-operative discomfort and accelerate recuperation.
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