Are you not able to get rid of excess skin on your upper arms even with consistent workouts and a healthy lifestyle? It’s not uncommon. Significant weight loss is an incredible achievement, but it can sometimes leave behind loose skin. The upper arms are one of the most common areas where this happens. At Northwest Face & Body, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Allegra and Dr. Patel, offer arm lift to reshape the upper arms and better reflect the effort you’ve put into your body.
We have built a strong reputation for delivering natural-looking body contouring results, which is reflected in our 4.8/5 Google rating from patients throughout Bellevue and Kirkland. With more than 50 years of combined experience, Dr. Allegra and Dr. Patel have helped thousands of patients with advanced surgical techniques. Their expertise in body contouring allows them to deliver the best arm lift Bellevue and Kirkland offer.
Brachioplasty, most commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, more toned appearance. It offers a solution for patients who have loose or sagging skin due to significant weight loss, aging, or genetics, especially when exercise alone is no longer effective.
The procedure helps create a slimmer, more defined arm contour and can also improve related concerns such as skin laxity, stretch marks in the treated area, and overall firmness. Many patients also notice improved tone and a smoother transition between the upper arm and shoulder.
At Northwest Face & Body, the cost of an arm lift starts at $8,995. The final pricing depends on the extent of skin removal, surgical complexity, and whether the procedure is combined with other body contouring treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Patel will evaluate your goals and anatomy to provide a personalized and transparent cost estimate. Recognizing the importance of budgeting in the decision-making process, we partner with financing companies to offer multiple options and make arm lift surgery more accessible.
On the surface, it may seem like patients have similar reasons for seeking out arm lift surgery. The appearance it corrects is fairly specific. However, there are many conditions that may cause extra skin and fat in the arms, as well as motivations for a patient to seek surgical correction. Some of the common causes and reasons for arm lift surgery in Bellevue include:
Arm lifts aim to create a thinner, more graceful looking arm by removing extra skin and small, stubborn fat deposits. Along with this, it can correct various other cosmetic concerns that a patient may have, such as:
The exact reasons for seeking surgery and the results a patient wants will vary from patient to patient. Ultimately, your Bellevue plastic surgeon will take both factors into account when considering whether or not you are a good candidate for an arm lift in Bellevue.
In addition to visible improvements in the arm, an armlift procedure offers meaningful functional benefits. Dr. Allegera or Dr. Patel will discuss what you can expect based on your individual needs during your consultation. Potential benefits of arm lift surgery include:
During an arm lift surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia so you remain completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Allegra or Dr. Patel will then make an incision along the upper arm, typically starting near the armpit and extending only as far as needed to address excess skin. The length and placement of the incision are carefully planned in advance and discussed with you before surgery, so there are no surprises.
After making the incision, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Patel will remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin to create a smoother, more refined contour. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove small pockets of fat that contribute to a sagging or “bat wing” appearance. After achieving a desired shape, the incision is closed and you are placed under supervision as you gradually wake up.
It’s natural to think about scarring when it comes to arm lift surgery. All surgical procedures leave some degree of scars, so having realistic expectations is an important part of the decision-making process. Understanding where scars are placed, how they are managed, and how they typically fade over time can help you set your expectations and stay well-informed.
For some patients, the priority is improvement in arm shape and comfort, so it outweighs concerns about scarring. Others often worry that scars could still make them feel self-conscious in sleeveless clothing, and that concern is completely understandable. At Northwest Face & Body, our surgeons take scarring seriously and address it at every stage.
For many patients, scars fade significantly with time, while the confidence gained from slimmer, more contoured arms lasts much longer.
Your recovery after arm lift surgery is planned to fit your health, lifestyle, and the details of your procedure. In general, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting for several weeks to allow the arms to heal properly. Exercise is usually limited at first, with light movement gradually reintroduced based on your surgeon’s guidance.
Patients may return to desk work within about a week, depending on comfort level and job demands, though clearance from your surgeon is always required. We will give you a compression garment to wear during recovery, which helps manage swelling and provides support as your arms heal. Dr. Allegra or Dr. Patel will recommend pain medication and give detailed aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable.
Not everyone who has concerns in their upper arm requires a full arm lift. For some patients, excess fat is the primary issue, not the loose skin. In these cases, arm liposuction alone may be enough to achieve the desired contour improvement, especially when the skin is still tight and elastic.
Liposuction generally involves smaller incisions, less scarring, and a quicker recovery. However, when there is loose or sagging skin, brachioplasty is often the best option to achieve smooth, lasting results. In many cases, liposuction is combined with an arm lift to enhance contour. During your consultation, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Patel will help determine whether liposuction, brachioplasty, or a combination approach will best meet your goals.
Patients of many ages choose arm lift surgery. Aging can naturally reduce skin elasticity, while significant weight loss can leave behind excess skin that does not tighten on its own. Because of this, patients of various age groups seek arm lift surgery to restore their desired body contour.
If you have lost a substantial amount of weight, we recommend reaching a stable weight and maintaining it for several months before surgery. Ongoing weight fluctuations can affect healing and long-term results. Being physically healthy, emotionally prepared, and informed about the procedure supports optimal outcome. Whenever you are considering an arm lift, your surgeon can help guide you through timing, expectations, and whether the procedure is right for you.
Northwest Face & Body is a fully-equipped plastic surgery center with Medicare accredited operating rooms, a comfortable clinic environment, and a beautiful lobby area. Located on the first floor, Northwest Face & Body is accessible and a safe space for patients of all identities. Having served the Eastside for over thirty years, our practice is one of the top destinations for plastic surgery in Washington State. Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Tarak Patel at Northwest Face & Body offer the best arm lift Bellevue and Kirkland provide.
Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Patel are accomplished and celebrated cosmetic surgeons with decades in the field. To learn more and to schedule a consultation, call us at 425-546-0854. You can also reach out via chat, contact us, and Price Simulator®.
Most patients describe arm lift discomfort as manageable. Soreness and tightness is normal. It typically improves with prescribed pain management and proper care.
Brachioplasty is considered a significant surgical procedure because it involves skin removal and reshaping, but it is commonly performed safely on an outpatient basis.
There is no ideal age for an arm lift, as candidacy depends more on skin laxity, health, and stable weight than age alone.
An arm lift typically takes about 2 hours, depending on the extent of skin removal and whether additional procedures are performed.
Weight loss from an arm lift is usually minimal, as the procedure is designed to improve contour rather than significantly reduce body weight.