Achieve Toned Arms with an Arm Lift by Dr. Korman

Sometimes, this issue can be corrected with non-invasive techniques or with liposuction alone; however, most often, cosmetic surgery is the only solution for comprehensively sculpting the upper body profile. An unfortunate side effect of excessive weight loss can be loose, sagging skin that awkwardly jiggles with each arm movement. Upper arm contour irregularities can also result from genetics and aging. With brachioplasty, Dr. Korman can sculpt the upper arms and create a more toned appearance that revitalizes the physique. To learn more about arm lifts, contact Dr. Korman and schedule an appointment.

Why choose Korman Plastic Surgery for your Arm Lift?

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Joshua Korman provides outstanding aesthetic results and a seamless patient experience for those in and beyond Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. He has received countless accolades for his work over the years, including being named a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly for seven years running. Dr. Korman is also a frequent contributor to mainstream media outlets, including ABC’s “20/20”, CNN, The New York Times, and Ebony Magazine. For years, he has served as Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and is the recipient of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s “Teacher of the Year” award.  Dr. Korman draws on a prestigious educational background, including earning both his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the world-renowned Cornell University and graduating at the top of his class (Alpha Omega Alpha). After honing his skills through in-depth plastic surgery training at Stanford, Dr. Korman pursued elite Fellowship training at Canniesburn Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, and at Miami, Florida, where he was selected for a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship. 

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What is an Arm Lift?

A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure that reduces excess tissue and fat in the lower area of the upper arm to give a tapered, smooth effect. With brachioplasty, Dr. Korman makes an incision on the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit. This minimizes visible scarring. If necessary, excess fat will also be removed via advanced liposuction techniques. Dr. Korman will then close the incision. Dr. Korman has been performing cosmetic surgery for many years, and his professional opinion will help you make the right decision for your body. This procedure is largely performed on older patients or those who have recently experienced weight loss. As we grow older, our skin becomes less elastic due to genetics, gravity, and many other factors.

Elastin and collagen, two crucial proteins to our skin’s health, are produced less and less with age. The skin's structure will gradually break down, resulting in loose, irregular skin. This drooping skin may make people feel old and out of shape or cause them to become self-conscious. When people gain a large amount of weight, fat cells grow and press against the skin. This causes the skin to stretch and adapt to the increased weight. Although fat cells shrink after weight loss, the skin will tighten only minimally, if at all. People who have undergone weight loss are often left with sagging skin folds. Along with other procedures, a brachioplasty is common after weight loss. You have worked hard to lose weight and deserve to show off your results and feel your best!

Arm Lift Before & After

Arm Lift Before & After

What Are The Benefits of an Arm Lift?

There are many physical and mental benefits to an arm lift. The primary benefits are that upper arm surgery will reduce jiggly upper arm skin and create a slimmer, more toned appearance. This will make it easier for you to fit into shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Many patients also feel more comfortable going sleeveless. The proportions of your body will improve overall. You will likely experience a boost in confidence! 

Is An Arm Lift Right For Me?

An arm lift is a great choice for many patients. Candidates who do not have a health condition that would interfere with their healing process should consider receiving the benefits of an arm lift. If you have “bye-bye” arms and would like to see an improvement in their shape and tone, you may want to research an arm lift. To truly know if an arm lift is right for you, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Korman in Mountain View, Los Altos, San Jose, or Carmel to get his experienced perspective on your particular case.

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Consult With Dr. Korman NorCal's Top Arm Lift Expert

During your private meeting with Dr. Korman, he will ask about your desired aesthetic and outcomes for your arm lift. He will assess your health by asking about past procedures, current medications, allergies, and general health. After an examination of your arms that includes photographs and measurements, he will determine whether an arm lift is a healthy option for you or not. Dr. Korman may suggest alternative options or additional solutions to improve your arms.

He will then walk you through the arm lift procedure, going over potential risks and the recovery requirements. We have listed some questions that should help you navigate through this section of the consultation:

  • How long is the recovery period?
  • What can I do to ensure a healthy experience and outcome?
  • How long will the surgery be?
  • Is there a particular surgical technique that will work best on my arms?
  • What will my arms look like over time?
  • Are there any before-and-after photos I can see?
  • Do any of these photos relate to my particular situation?

These questions are meant to guide you and help stimulate some of your own questions. It is not uncommon for patients to write down their questions and concerns and bring them into the meeting.

Preparing for Your Arm Lift

Prior to your appointment, you will need to stop smoking and taking antihistamines. You will also want to pick up necessary medications and arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up on the day of your arm lift. You should also ask for someone to stay with you the first night of your recovery so they can help you adjust and be comfortable.

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Your Arm Lift Procedure

When you arrive at your procedure, you will be greeted by your surgical team. Dr. Korman will prepare your arms and mark them for surgery. General anesthesia will be administered to provide a healthy and safe environment for you and the surgical team. Once you are resting, Dr. Korman will apply the predetermined incisions. He will remove excess tissue and fat from the arms. The supportive tissue will be reshaped and tightened to provide your best results. Your incisions will be closed, drains may be placed in incisions, and bandages will be applied. This surgery commonly takes one to three hours depending on the amount of improvement desired. There are three types of incisions commonly used to perform arm lift surgery:

  • Inner arm incision – This incision is made along the inside of the arm, from the elbow to the armpit, and is often used to reduce large amounts of tissue.
  • Back of arm incision – This incision is also performed on patients who wish to remove large amounts of fat and skin from the upper arm. The incision is applied along the back of the arm from the elbow to the armpit.
  • Minimal incision – This incision is made only along the armpit and is used for people with the minimum amount of tissue to remove.

Incision lengths and patterns may vary based on your anatomy and desired outcome. Dr. Korman will instruct you on how to prepare for the surgery and recovery period. Together, you and Dr. Korman will create a treatment plan that takes your health and lifestyle into consideration.

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Recovery After Brachioplasty

After the surgery, your arms will be bandaged and swollen. Any discomfort can be controlled with pain medications. Drains, or small hollow tubes, may be placed temporarily in incisions to help remove excess fluids. These drains will be removed a few days after your procedure in a follow-up appointment. Elastic bandages will help reduce swelling and assist your arms in adjusting to their new shape.

In the first few days of your recovery, you will want to avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders for about four weeks. Physical activity that entails lifting and moving your arms vigorously will need to be avoided for about eight weeks. The goal of limiting arm movement is to not strain the incisions so you have a healthy recovery. Following your arm lift, Dr. Korman may recommend that a light compression garment should be worn to reduce swelling and bruising. 

What Can I Expect From my Results?

You will immediately notice an improvement in the shape of your arms. As swelling decreases, you will notice attractive contours developing. A few months after your surgery, you will notice your final results setting in. With the help of a healthy exercise routine and diet, you will maintain your toned, slim results for years to come.

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What is The Cost of an Arm Lift in the Greater Bay Area?

Arm lifts vary in price with the amount of surgery needed and if other surgeries, such as liposuction, are done to maximize results. Our personalized technique makes us stand out as a plastic surgery clinic. We strive to give you care and attention so you can achieve your best life! Dr. Korman will develop a unique treatment plan to provide you with slimming results. Once you have completed your private consultation with Dr. Korman, you will receive a cost breakdown that reflects the details of your personalized plan. Contact us to schedule a consultation, get a price quote, and discuss patient financing.

Arm Lift FAQs

Am I a candidate for an arm lift, liposuction, or non-invasive treatment?

Where will my arm lift scars be located?

How long is recovery after an arm lift?

How much does an arm lift cost in the Bay Area?

Am I a candidate for an arm lift, liposuction, or non-invasive treatment?

Liposuction or non-invasive options work best for patients with good skin elasticity who only need minor fat reduction. If you have significant loose or sagging skin from aging or major weight loss, a surgical arm lift (brachioplasty) is required to remove excess tissue and create a firm, toned shape.

Where will my arm lift scars be located?

Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visibility—typically along the inner arm, back of the arm, or hidden within the armpit fold (for minimal-incision lifts). Over time, scars fade significantly, leaving a smoother, slimmer contour you can feel confident showing off.

How long is recovery after an arm lift?

Most patients can resume light daily activities within a few days using supportive compression garments. You will need to avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level for 4 weeks and refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous arm exercises for 8 weeks to protect your incisions.

How much does an arm lift cost in the Bay Area?

Arm lift pricing varies based on the amount of tissue removed and whether liposuction is added. Because Dr. Korman customizes every surgical plan, you will receive an exact, itemized price quote and financing options following your private consultation.

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