Arm Lift

Achieve beautifully contoured arms with advanced brachioplasty techniques.

Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Saiqa Khan, MD, FACS, transforms loose, sagging arm skin into smooth, toned contours using precision surgical methods that help you feel confident wearing sleeveless clothing and embracing an active lifestyle.

Book an appointment

About Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms while tightening underlying supportive tissue to create smoother, more defined arm contours. Dr. Khan specializes in advanced techniques that minimize scarring while delivering dramatic improvements for patients experiencing significant skin laxity after weight loss or aging.

Surgical Techniques:
  • Traditional Brachioplasty – Addresses severe sagging with an incision from the elbow to the armpit for maximum skin removal
  • Short Scar Arm Lift – Limited incision in the armpit area for mild to moderate skin excess
  • Extended Brachioplasty – Includes chest wall and side areas for comprehensive upper body contouring
  • Mini Arm Lift – Minimal incision approach for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated concerns
Enhancement Options:
  • Liposuction Integration – Removes stubborn fat deposits while sculpting arm definition
  • Posterior Arm Contouring – Addresses back of arms and "bra roll" area
  • Tissue Tightening – Reinforces deeper structures for longer-lasting results
  • Skin Tightening – Minimally invasive to contract and firm loose skin
Key Benefits:
  • Elimination of "bat wing" appearance and hanging skin
  • Improved arm proportion and definition
  • Enhanced confidence in sleeveless clothing
  • Better fit in clothing and elimination of chafing
  • Smoother, more youthful arm contours

Dr. Khan carefully assesses your degree of skin laxity, fat distribution, and aesthetic goals to select the surgical approach that provides optimal results with the most favorable scarring pattern.

Surgical Techniques:
  • Traditional Brachioplasty – Addresses severe sagging with an incision from the elbow to the armpit for maximum skin removal
  • Short Scar Arm Lift – Limited incision in the armpit area for mild to moderate skin excess
  • Extended Brachioplasty – Includes chest wall and side areas for comprehensive upper body contouring
  • Mini Arm Lift – Minimal incision approach for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated concerns
Enhancement Options:
  • Liposuction Integration – Removes stubborn fat deposits while sculpting arm definition
  • Posterior Arm Contouring – Addresses back of arms and "bra roll" area
  • Tissue Tightening – Reinforces deeper structures for longer-lasting results
Key Benefits:
  • Elimination of "bat wing" appearance and hanging skin
  • Improved arm proportion and definition
  • Enhanced confidence in sleeveless clothing
  • Better fit in clothing and elimination of chafing
  • Smoother, more youthful arm contours

Dr. Khan carefully assesses your degree of skin laxity, fat distribution, and aesthetic goals to select the surgical approach that provides optimal results with the most favorable scarring pattern.

Why Women Choose Arm Lift

Patients seek brachioplasty to address stubborn arm concerns that cannot be improved through exercise alone:

  • Eliminating excess skin after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery
  • Correcting age-related skin sagging and loss of elasticity
  • Removing stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise
  • Addressing genetic predisposition to arm skin laxity
  • Improving arm proportions relative to overall body contour
  • Regaining comfort and confidence in tank tops, dresses, and swimwear
Book an appointment

"I lost 80 pounds but was still hiding my arms in long sleeves. Dr. Khan gave me the confidence to wear sleeveless tops again. The scars have faded beautifully, and I love how toned my arms look now."— Michelle D.

The Empowered Approach

Personalized Consultation

Dr. Khan meticulously maps your arm anatomy to design incision patterns that maximize skin removal while optimizing scar placement for discretion.

Scar Minimization Expertise

Benefit from Dr. Khan's advanced closure techniques and post-operative scar management protocols, which promote optimal healing and minimal visibility.

Comprehensive Contouring

Receive integrated treatment that may combine liposuction and tissue tightening for complete arm transformation and natural-looking results.

Active Lifestyle Integration

Experience surgical planning that considers your activity level and goals, ensuring results that support your desired lifestyle and clothing choices.

Your Consultation Experience

Your arm transformation begins with a detailed evaluation with Dr. Khan. During this appointment, you'll discuss:

  • Specific concerns about arm appearance and how they affect your daily life
  • Assessment of skin quality, elasticity, and degree of excess tissue
  • Surgical technique options and realistic expectations for your anatomy
  • Scar placement and healing protocols for optimal aesthetic outcomes
  • Recovery timeline and activity restrictions during healing
  • Integration with other body contouring procedures if considering multiple areas
What to bring:
  • List of current medications and supplements
  • Medical history, including any previous arm or breast surgeries
  • Sleeveless top to wear after examination for comfort assessment
  • Photos of desired arm contours (optional)
  • Questions about surgery techniques and recovery expectations
Book an appointment

Arm Lift FAQ

Arm lift scars are permanent but designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. The main incision typically runs along the inner arm from the elbow toward the armpit, placed in the natural arm crease to minimize visibility. Initially, scars appear red and raised but fade significantly over 12-18 months, becoming thin, flat, and much lighter in color. Dr. Khan uses precise closure techniques, including layered suturing, and may recommend scar treatments such as silicone sheets, massage, or laser therapy to optimize healing. Most patients find that the dramatic improvement in arm contour far outweighs concerns about scarring, and the scars are easily concealed when arms are at your sides. The key is following post-operative scar care instructions for optimal healing.
Arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat while tightening underlying tissue, whereas liposuction only removes fat deposits without addressing skin laxity. Liposuction is effective for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated fat deposits, but it cannot correct sagging or loose skin. An arm lift is necessary when there's significant skin excess, particularly common after major weight loss or with aging-related skin laxity. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures - liposuction removes fat deposits throughout the arm, while the surgical lift addresses skin removal and tightening. Dr. Khan will evaluate your skin quality, fat distribution, and elasticity during consultation to determine whether you need liposuction alone, arm lift alone, or a combination approach for optimal results.
Arm lift recovery requires careful activity restriction to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Weeks 1-2: Arms must be kept elevated, and limited movement is allowed. No lifting over 5 pounds is permitted, and assistance is needed for daily activities. Week 3-4: Gradual increase in arm movement, light activities like typing, and driving short distances. Week 6-8: Progressive return to normal activities, light exercises like walking, and gentle stretching. Week 10-12: Full activity clearance, including weightlifting, swimming, and unrestricted arm use. Compression garments are worn for 4-6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing. Most patients return to desk work within 1-2 weeks but need help with household tasks initially. Dr. Khan provides detailed activity guidelines and closely monitors your progress to ensure safe and optimal healing.
Yes, arm lift is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures as part of comprehensive transformation, particularly after significant weight loss. Common combinations include tummy tuck, breast lift or reduction, thigh lift, or lower body lift. Combining procedures offers several advantages, including reduced overall costs compared to separate surgeries, a single anesthesia and recovery period, and comprehensive body contouring results. However, surgery time and complexity must be carefully managed for patient safety. Dr. Khan limits combined procedures to ensure surgery stays under safe time limits while achieving maximum results. Popular combinations include "upper body makeover" (arm lift, breast surgery, and back liposuction) or post-weight loss "total body lift," which includes multiple areas. The decision depends on your individual goals, health status, and the complexity of your surgery.
Arm lift surgery in the Sugar Land and greater Houston area typically ranges from $8,000 to $14,000, depending on the surgical technique required, the extent of skin removal, facility fees, and whether additional procedures like liposuction are included. Short scar arm lifts generally cost less than full brachioplasty due to reduced surgical time and complexity. Factors affecting price include the degree of skin excess, the need for tissue tightening, and whether the procedure extends to chest or back areas. At Empowered Plastic Surgery, our comprehensive fee includes pre-surgical consultations, surgical facility fees, anesthesia services, all surgical supplies, post-operative compression garments, and follow-up care. We offer financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit with 0% interest options and extended payment terms of up to 60 months to make your arm transformation affordable.
Good arm lift candidates are individuals with significant skin laxity in the upper arms that cannot be improved through exercise or non-surgical treatments. Ideal candidates include patients who have lost substantial weight (50+ pounds) and have excess hanging skin, individuals experiencing age-related skin sagging with poor elasticity, and those with a genetic predisposition to arm skin laxity. Candidates should be at a stable weight for at least 6-12 months, in good overall health, non-smokers or willing to quit smoking, and have realistic expectations about scarring and results. The procedure is not recommended for patients with only fat deposits and good skin elasticity (liposuction would be a better option), those planning significant additional weight loss, or individuals with unrealistic expectations about scarring. Dr. Khan evaluates your skin quality, health status, and goals during consultation to determine if you're a good candidate for brachioplasty.

Your Investment

Arm lift surgery is an investment in your confidence and comfort in your own skin. At Empowered Plastic Surgery, our comprehensive fee includes:

  • Pre-surgical consultations and medical evaluation
  • Surgical facility fees
  • Anesthesia services
  • Post-operative garments
  • All follow-up appointments

Combination Procedure Benefits – When combining arm lift with other body contouring procedures, you may benefit from:

  • Reduced overall surgical costs compared to individual procedures
  • Single anesthesia and facility fee
  • Unified recovery period and comprehensive transformation
  • Enhanced overall body proportion and contour harmony
Financing Options

We partner with CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, and PatientFi to offer flexible payment plans with:

  • 0% interest options for qualified applicants
  • Extended payment terms up to 60 months
  • Quick online application process

Learn more about our financing options.

Schedule your free consultation now

Book an appointment