Arm Lift in Irvine, CA
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and stubborn fat from the upper arms that diet and exercise alone often cannot fix. Whether your concerns stem from weight loss, aging, or genetics, this procedure helps create smoother, tighter contours so you can feel confident wearing sleeveless clothing again. Many patients choose an arm lift as part of a larger body contouring journey to fully reveal their hard-earned results.
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Serving Orange County Since 2012
Procedure Quick Facts:
- Duration of Procedure:2–3 hours
- Anesthesia:General anesthesia
- Recovery:General anesthesia
- Results Duration:Long-lasting with stable weight and healthy lifestyle
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arm between the elbow and the armpit. During the operation, an incision is typically placed along the inner arm, allowing the surgeon to tighten underlying tissues, remove unwanted fat, and trim away stretched skin. The result is a slimmer, more contoured arm profile that better fits your overall physique.
Many people seek an arm lift after significant weight loss or as part of their natural aging journey, when skin loses elasticity and begins to sag. Even with consistent exercise, the upper arms can remain resistant to change because stretched skin simply cannot contract on its own. By tailoring the incision length and technique to each patient’s needs, our surgeons can address mild to substantial laxity while striving to keep scars as discreet as possible.
If you're considering an arm lift, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
- Remove Excess, Sagging SkinAn arm lift eliminates hanging skin that can cause chafing, irritation, and self-consciousness, especially in fitted or sleeveless clothing.
- Improve Arm Contours and ProportionsBy tightening tissues and reducing bulk, brachioplasty creates a smoother, slimmer silhouette that complements your shoulders, torso, and overall figure.
- Enhance Confidence in Clothing ChoicesPatients often feel freer to wear tank tops, swimsuits, and form-fitting sleeves without worrying about excess skin movement.
- Highlight Weight-Loss AchievementsAfter major weight loss, an arm lift can reveal toned muscle definition and complete your transformation journey.
- Reduce Skin Irritation and Hygiene IssuesRemoving redundant folds helps decrease trapped moisture and friction, making daily activities and exercise more comfortable.
- Long-Lasting Results with Healthy LifestyleWith stable weight and good skin care, the improvements from an arm lift can last for many years, giving you lasting satisfaction.
Watch our videos to see real patient results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
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Removes loose upper-arm skin that diet and exercise cannot tighten.
Shapes a smoother arm contour that balances your overall body silhouette.
Dramatically improves comfort and confidence in sleeveless and fitted clothing.
Highlights underlying muscle tone for a youthful, athletic-looking upper arm.
Traditional Brachioplasty
The standard approach places an incision along the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit. It allows for maximal skin removal and is ideal for patients with significant laxity after major weight loss or aging. The resulting scar rests on the underside of the arm and generally fades over time.
Short-Scar (Mini) Brachioplasty
Also called a limited-incision arm lift, this technique confines the incision to the armpit area. It works well for individuals with mild to moderate excess skin concentrated near the upper arm, providing improvement with less visible scarring.
Liposuction-Assisted Arm Contouring
For patients whose main concern is excess fat with good skin elasticity, targeted liposuction can sculpt the arm without long incisions. When combined with skin tightening procedures, it further refines results for a sleek contour.
See real results from our patients
Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in body contouring procedures, including brachioplasty. They combine advanced surgical skills with an artistic eye to create balanced, natural-looking arm contours while prioritizing your safety and comfort.
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Beauty Inside-Out
We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.
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Unmatched Predictability
Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.
Expert Healing
Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.
Protected Investment
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
A Customized Approach to Breast Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch
Your consultation is a private, personalized experience designed around your goals.
Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as skin elasticity, fat distribution, and overall arm proportion, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.
- Your aesthetic goals and expectations
- Medical history and current health
- Available arm lift techniques and incision options
- Recovery timeline and activity restrictions
- Potential risks and how they are minimized
- Cost, financing, and combination procedure options
See Your Future Self
Ideal arm lift candidates have loose skin or persistent fat along the upper arms and are looking for a surgical solution to achieve a smoother contour. A consultation with our surgeons will help determine if the procedure aligns with your health and aesthetic goals.
Ideal arm lift candidates have loose skin or persistent fat along the upper arms and are looking for a surgical solution to achieve a smoother contour. A consultation with our surgeons will help determine if the procedure aligns with your health and aesthetic goals.
Good overall physical and mental health
Stable body weight without major fluctuations
Non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
Realistic expectations about scars and results
Excess upper-arm skin or fat resistant to exercise
No uncontrolled medical conditions that impair healing
Ability to follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-ups
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
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Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether arm lift surgery is the right solution for your concerns.
During your consultation, your surgeon will:
• Discuss your goals and desired arm shape
• Examine skin quality, fat distribution, and muscle tone
• Explain surgical techniques and incision placements
• Review your medical history and medications
• Outline recovery expectations and answer all questions
Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.
The Arm Lift Procedure
You will arrive at our accredited surgical suite, where a board-certified anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia for your comfort.
During the procedure:
• Precise markings guide incision placement on the inner arm
• Excess fat may be removed with liposuction for smooth contouring
• Loose skin is excised and underlying tissues are tightened
• Incisions are closed with layered sutures to support optimal healing
A sterile dressing and compression garment are applied before you awaken in the recovery area.
Arm Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.
Immediately after surgery
You’ll rest in our recovery area until you’re fully awake, then head home the same day with a trusted adult.
First few days
• Keep arms elevated and wear compression garment continuously
• Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as directed
• Expect mild swelling, bruising, and numbness along incision line
Weeks 1-2
• Return to office for follow-up visit and suture check
• Resume desk work and light daily activities
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous arm movements
Weeks 3-4
•Swelling continues to subside; incision color lightens
• Gradually reintroduce light gym activities with surgeon approval
You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Your Arm Lift Results
Arm lift results are visible right away, though your arms will continue to refine as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Early results
Arms look slimmer immediately, but may appear swollen or feel tight.
Following weeks
Contour improves, scars mature, and confidence grows as you return to normal activities.
Final results
Around 3–6 months, swelling subsides and scars fade, revealing smooth, toned arms.
With proper care and a stable weight, arm lift results can last for many years, helping you enjoy clothing freedom and a renewed sense of self-confidence.
- Days 3 - 5
- Week 1 - 2
- Week 2 - 3
- Week 4 - 6
- Month 2 - 3
- Month 4 - 6
- Long time
Arm Lift Results and Safety Considerations
Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect arm lift results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Our surgeons carefully evaluate the amount of skin redundancy and fat volume to determine the ideal balance of removal and tightening. By placing incisions along the inner arm, they conceal scars when the arms rest at the sides, helping your results look seamless in daily life.
Precision liposuction smooths contour transitions, preventing a sharp step-off between treated and untreated areas. Layered closure techniques support proper healing and minimize scar width. Your dedication to scar care, hydration, and maintaining a steady weight will further enhance the final appearance.
Where Are the Incisions?
Incisions are typically placed on the inner arm where they are less visible.
Inner arm from elbow to armpit (traditional)
Incisions are carefully planned to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support proper healing and minimize long-term visibility.
Is Scarring a Concern?
Any surgical incision will leave a scar, but most patients find the trade-off worthwhile for the improvement in contour. Scars typically fade with time and diligent care.
Scar Healing Timeline
As your body heals, scars will change gradually over time:
Weeks 1-2
Scars may appear red and slightly raised
Months 1-3
Scars typically soften and begin to flatten
Around 6 months
Noticeable fading often occurs
1-2 years
Scars may continue to lighten and become less noticeable
Following post-operative instructions and recommended scar care plays an important role in how scars mature.
Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Risks and Safety
Arm lift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of.
Potential risks may include:
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Poor wound healing or widened scars
• Changes in skin sensation
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Anesthesia-related complications
Your surgeon will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, surgical technique, and follow-up care.
Reducing Your Risk
Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe arm lift experience include:
• Thorough pre-operative evaluation
• Precise surgical planning tailored to your anatomy
• Surgery performed in a fully accredited facility
• Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care
By choosing an experienced surgical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are satisfied with their arm lift results.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.
Financing options available through:
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
N. Snoozzz
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
About the procedure
How is an arm lift performed?
A carefully placed incision allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, tighten tissues, and close the incision with layered sutures for a smooth contour.
Will I need liposuction with my arm lift?
If you have significant arm fat as well as loose skin, liposuction can be combined with brachioplasty to enhance contour and definition.
Where will my surgery take place?
Your arm lift is performed in our fully accredited surgical facility in Irvine, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
How long will swelling last after arm lift?
Most swelling resolves within six weeks, with residual refinement continuing for several months as tissues settle.
Recovery & Results
When can I return to work?
Many patients feel ready to resume desk work after about one week, though manual labor may require additional time off.
Are the results permanent?
Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, though natural aging will continue.
What risks are associated with arm lift surgery?
Risks include bleeding, infection, scar widening, changes in sensation, and anesthesia-related complications, which your surgeon will discuss in detail.
How do you minimize complications?
We conduct thorough health screenings, use precise surgical techniques, operate in an accredited facility, and provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Safety & Risks
Is arm lift covered by insurance?
Arm lift is generally considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance, though we offer financing options to help manage costs.
What factors influence the total price?
Surgeon’s fee, facility and anesthesia costs, garment needs, and whether additional procedures like liposuction are included all affect pricing.
When can I exercise after an arm lift?
Light cardio can resume around three weeks, while weight training involving the arms is usually cleared after six weeks, depending on healing.
How do I care for my scars?
Keep incisions clean, apply recommended scar creams once healed, protect scars from sun, and follow compression garment instructions to promote optimal fading.
Cost & Insurance
Is arm lift covered by insurance?
Arm lift is generally considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance, though we offer financing options to help manage costs.
What factors influence the total price?
Surgeon’s fee, facility and anesthesia costs, garment needs, and whether additional procedures like liposuction are included all affect pricing.
Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
Still have questions?
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