An arm lift may be worth considering when loose upper-arm skin remains after weight loss or develops with age. Exercise can strengthen your muscles, but it can’t remove stretched skin that hangs beneath the arms. A brachioplasty removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arm for a firmer contour.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Mahony performs arm lift surgery at her boutique Westport plastic surgery practice. Her training includes general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and hand and microsurgery at the University of Pennsylvania. She also began her career as a physical therapist, giving her an additional perspective on body mechanics, form, and function.
1. Your Skin Hasn’t Tightened After Weight Loss
Once the skin has lost significant elasticity, workouts can’t remove the excess tissue, and further weight loss may leave additional laxity behind.
Brachioplasty removes loose tissue and tightens the remaining skin. This can be especially helpful when hanging folds cause rubbing, irritation, or difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably.
2. You’re Tired of Planning Clothes Around Your Arms
Loose skin may influence which sleeves you choose, even when the rest of an outfit fits well. An arm lift can create a smoother shape from the underarm toward the elbow, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed.
The incision length and placement vary. During your consultation, Dr. Mahony examines the amount of laxity and discusses where the scar is likely to sit.
3. Liposuction Alone Won’t Correct the Problem
Liposuction removes localized fat, but it doesn’t correct substantial loose skin. It may work for someone with good elasticity and excess fatty tissue. When laxity is the main concern, removing fat alone could leave the area looking looser.
Some arm lift procedures include liposuction when both fullness and excess skin contribute to the upper-arm shape.
4. Your Weight Is Stable
Reaching your goal weight and keeping it stable can support longer-lasting contouring results. Dr. Mahony advises maintaining your goal weight for at least one year before a body lift because additional weight loss or tissue changes could alter your results.
You’ll also need to be healthy enough for surgery and prepared to follow restrictions while your incisions heal.
5. You’re Prepared to Trade Loose Skin for a Scar
An arm lift creates a permanent scar, and the extent depends on how much skin is removed. For many people, the improvement in contour is worth that tradeoff.
A candid conversation about scar placement, healing, and realistic results can help you make an informed choice.
September Specials
Fall into the season with savings on glowing skin, sleeker arms, and scar care:
- Fall Into Glowing Skin: Save 20% on chemical and VI Peels to reveal radiance and refresh your glow.
- The Arm Lift That Lifts Your Confidence: Save $500 on brachioplasty for sleeker, more sculpted arms.
- Product of the Month: Save 15% on Silagen 100% Pure Silicone Gel to soften, flatten, and reduce the redness of scars.
Can’t be combined with any other discount. Reserve your future procedure by September 30, 2026.
Explore Arm Lift Surgery in Westport, CT
A personal examination is the best way to determine whether you need skin removal, liposuction, or a combination of the two. Call Ellen Mahony, MD, at 203-221-0102 or schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellen Mahony in Westport, CT.
