If loose upper arm skin is causing discomfort or keeping you from wearing the clothes you love, an upper arm lift can offer a powerful change. Many people notice that, no matter how dedicated they are to fitness or weight loss, the upper arms don’t tighten as much as they’d hoped. An upper arm lift, brachioplasty, is a body-contouring surgery that can restore a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted arm.
Dr. Robert Kearney delivers precise, personalized upper-arm lift procedures using advanced surgical techniques for natural-looking results. With extensive expertise and a commitment to exceptional patient care, Dr. Kearney helps patients achieve results they can be proud of.
You may be a candidate for an upper arm lift if:
- You have unsightly excess skin on your upper arms due to massive weight loss.
- You have loose, excess or sagging skin on your upper arms which is resistant to diet and exercise;
The Procedure
The goal of an upper arm lift is to eliminate the excess skin and fat from the upper arms creating a smaller upper arm and more youthful appearance. An incision is made from the armpit to the elbow in order to remove excess skin and fat and although it fades with time, a scar will remain on the inside of your arm but will only be visible when you lift your arms. Highly experienced San Diego surgeon, Dr. Kearney, performs this cosmetic surgery procedure under general anesthesia and most patients can return home following surgery. Patients usually go home with a wrap or compression garment around their upper arms in order to help reduce swelling.
Recovery
Most patients return to work within 1 week after the procedure and can resume normal activity with 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over a 3-4 week period and scars usually fade within 6-18 months, depending on your skin.
Video: Dr. Kearney Discusses Arm Lift Surgery
San Diego body contouring surgeon, Dr. Kearney, discusses his arm lift procedure at his La Jolla plastic surgery practice.
Why Choose Dr. Robert Kearney for an Upper Arm Lift
Dr. Robert Kearney is a highly respected, double board-certified plastic surgeon known for his advanced skill, commitment to patient safety, and natural, refined results. With vast experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, he brings a depth of knowledge and artistry that allows him to tailor each upper arm lift to the individual needs of his patients.
Dr. Kearney is recognized for staying current with the most effective techniques in aesthetic surgery and for providing a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to every consultation. His longstanding involvement in leading professional organizations and his philosophy of proactive, whole-body wellness further reinforce the high standard of care he delivers. Patients trust Dr. Kearney for his expertise, integrity, and the personalized attention he brings to every transformation.
Upper Arm Lift FAQs:
As with any form of surgical procedure, the recovery period following an upper arm lift in San Diego, CA, can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Though generally, patients of Dr. Kearney can expect to return to work within a week after the procedure is completed. However, it will likely take between three to four weeks before you can resume your full, normal activity level.
Post upper arm lift, you can also expect any swelling and bruising to fade gradually over the course of three to four weeks. Just remember—the closer you stick to Dr. Kearney’s post-op instructions, the faster your recovery time will likely be.
Yes, because the healing process itself is just as crucial to the success of your upper arm lift as the surgery itself. Following your upper arm lift in San Diego, CA, Dr. Kearney will lay out a thorough post-op recovery plan to ensure that you have the best chance at healing quickly and achieving optimal results. This will include avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time and wearing compression garments during your recovery in order to reduce swelling and provide support.
Thanks to the use of local anesthetics during the procedure, you should not experience any pain during your upper arm lift surgery. However, you may feel some discomfort following the procedure as your body recovers from the surgery itself. To help reduce any post-op pain, Dr. Kearney may prescribe certain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers that can help keep any pain you experience to a minimum.
Once the upper arm lift procedure is completed and any incisions have healed, there may still be some residual scarring. However, Dr. Kearney will take great care to make sure the incision sites are well hidden and that all scarring is as minimal and discreet as possible. In general, you can expect any scars to fade within six to eighteen months, depending on how your skin naturally heals. You may want to consider using certain scar creams and lotions to help with the healing process.
Compression garments are an important part of the post-op recovery process. Wearing compression sleeves following your upper arm lift in San Diego, CA, can help to ensure that swelling and bruising are reduced as much as possible and can also provide some extra support to the arms during the healing process. And depending on your individual situation, Dr. Kearney may recommend that you wear the compression sleeves for an extended period of time after the procedure.
Any surgical procedure comes with its share of potential risks. While an upper arm lift is considered to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure, there are still some risks involved when opting for this kind of surgery. These risks may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Excessive bleeding
- A poor reaction to the anesthetic
However, under the expert care of Dr. Kearney, these risks can be minimized through careful planning and the implementation of proper post-op care instructions.
Though not absolutely necessary, you may find that specific massage techniques can help to reduce swelling, bruising, and scarring. If Dr. Kearney approves of this type of post-op treatment for your unique situation, then massages can be an effective way to hasten the healing process following an upper arm lift in San Diego, CA. This is because gentle massages can help your body to eliminate fluids that have built up in the treatment area, as well as reduce tension and promote a smoother healing process overall.
For the first few nights after your upper arm lift, it’s best to sleep with your arms elevated above the level of your heart—which can be done easily by placing pillows under your arms. This will help to reduce any swelling and aches in the treatment area. After that, you’ll want to avoid sleeping on your sides until any discomfort from doing so has completely subsided, which may take up to a week or two.
Liposuction is for patients with good skin elasticity, excess fat, and minimal sagging. A full arm lift is recommended when loose or hanging skin is present, especially after weight loss or aging. Dr. Kearney will evaluate skin quality and fat distribution to determine the right option.
Sagging upper arm skin is typically caused by aging, decreased collagen and elasticity, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Significant weight loss can also leave the skin stretched and unable to retract on its own.
Yes. An upper arm lift is one of the most effective procedures for removing the loose, deflated skin that remains after major weight loss. It restores a smoother, more toned contour that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve.
Come prepared to discuss your medical history, weight stability, and aesthetic goals. Bring your list of questions, be ready to talk about any medications or supplements you take, and consider saving reference photos of your desired results. Dr. Kearney will examine your arms and outline personalized treatment options.
Yes, natural aging will continue, and some skin laxity may gradually return. However, the improvements from an arm lift are long-lasting, especially when your weight remains stable, and you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in contour, but it can take three to six months for swelling to settle fully and scars to mature. Final results become more refined as healing progresses.
Temporary weakness or stiffness is normal during early recovery, but long-term arm strength is not affected. Once healed, most patients return to their usual activities without limitations.
Maintain a stable weight, follow a consistent fitness routine, protect your skin from the sun, and stay hydrated. Healthy lifestyle habits help preserve your results and keep your arms looking firm and toned for years.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you are in the San Diego and La Jolla area and want to find out if you would benefit from an upper arm lift, schedule a consultation.