Medically reviewed by Dr. Laura Roider & Dr. Nick Slenkovich
An upper arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is designed to create leaner, more contoured upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure is especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, aging, or genetics that have led to sagging skin or excess tissue on the upper arms.
An arm lift addresses redundant, loose skin and subcutaneous tissue (fat) on the upper arms, providing a more toned and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dr. Slenkovich, a double-board certified plastic surgeon and ENT specialist, is renowned for his meticulous surgical techniques and dedication to patient care. Whether you're looking to restore firmness or refine your arm contours, Dr. Slenkovich will tailor the procedure just for you so you can feel more self-assured and comfortable in your appearance. A common desire for many of our arm lift surgery patients is to find clothes that fit more proportionally and to be able to wear short sleeves and tank tops with confidence.
When performed as a stand-alone procedure, an arm lift is typically done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Our facility houses a private, state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center where the surgery will be performed.
Dr. Slenkovich’s comprehensive approach to arm lifting often begins with liposuction to remove excess fat from the upper arms. This step ensures the arm is sculpted before addressing the skin, allowing for more refined results. Once the excess fat is removed, Dr. Slenkovich makes incisions to remove the loose skin. The incisions can vary in placement depending on your anatomy and goals, but they are generally placed in the armpit or along the inner or back side of the upper arm to minimize visibility.
To further enhance the results, many patients choose to add Renuvion J-Plasma skin tightening, a cutting-edge technology that uses heat to tighten the collagen fibers of the skin, improving skin quality and further minimizing looseness. This can be particularly beneficial for maximizing the contour and firmness of the upper arms. For more information on this advanced technology, you can visit our page on Renuvion J-Plasma Skin Tightening.
The recovery process after an arm lift varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients can expect about 1-2 weeks of initial downtime. During this time, you will need to rest and limit physical activity to allow for proper healing. At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, our arm lift surgeries include post-operative lymphatic massage therapy to optimize healing and surgical outcomes, and these are performed conveniently in the office during your follow-up appointments. After about six weeks, you can typically resume more strenuous activities, including weightlifting and high-intensity workouts.
Swelling is common after surgery, but the majority of it subsides within the first few weeks. However, the final results of your arm lift will become more apparent over the course of 6-12 months as the residual swelling fully dissipates and the incisions heal and settle. Most patients are delighted with their results after about three months, but the full transformation will continue to improve over time.
At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, we’ve embraced a vision inspired by the active Colorado lifestyle—hiking, biking, and conquering the outdoors. Just like preparing for a challenging hike or bike ride, plastic surgery is a journey that requires preparation, determination, and perseverance.
Dr. Nick Slenkovich, an avid cyclist himself, understands the physical and emotional demands of this process. Our goal is to partner with patients on their self-improvement journey, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. We believe in providing personalized care, guiding each patient from start to finish, and ensuring that their transformation is both rewarding and life-changing.
Choosing Dr. Slenkovich for your arm lift means partnering with a highly skilled surgeon who is dedicated to achieving natural, aesthetically pleasing results. With his double-board certification in plastic surgery and ENT, Dr. Slenkovich has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the body’s anatomy and how to deliver results that enhance both form and function. His holistic approach to body contouring ensures that you receive not only a beautiful outcome but also a treatment plan tailored to your overall health and wellness.
Please explore our site for more information about the specific procedure you’re interested in, and view our before-and-after photos featuring results from Dr. Nick Slenkovich and Dr. Laura Anne Roider. We also invite you to read our patient testimonial pages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn whether an arm lift is the right procedure for you.
All content on this page was reviewed by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nick Slenkovich and Board-Eligible Plastic Surgeon Dr. Laura Roider
