Expert Arm Lift Surgery in Miami: Brachioplasty at Spectrum Aesthetics
Brachioplasty & Sagging Skin Removal From $4,399.
The upper arm is often the last place to lose fat and the first place to experience sagging skin. When this skin stretches beyond its elasticity, no amount of exercise or diet will tighten it. An arm lift (brachioplasty) elegantly removes this excess, reshaping and smoothing the arm to restore a toned, proportionate contour.
- Incision lengths tailored perfectly to your level of skin laxity
- Strategic scar placement designed to face your body at rest
- Frequently combined with liposuction to ensure a refined silhouette
- Performed exclusively in a Joint Commission Accredited facility
Board-Certified Expert
Dr. Nidia De Jesus, MD
$4,399
Starting Price
20k+
Happy Patients
14+
Years of Excellence
0
Hidden Fees
What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
An arm lift is an excisional body contouring procedure. It surgically removes surplus skin and stubborn fat from the upper arm, reshaping the area from the armpit down toward the elbow.
Unlike a tummy tuck or a thigh lift, where scars can easily be hidden under clothing, the arms are highly visible in daily life. Because of this, brachioplasty requires meticulous planning. The placement of the incision, the direction of the scar, and the specific closure techniques are what separate an exceptional arm lift from a mediocre one.
The surgery typically takes one to three hours, depending on the technique used. We frequently pair excision with targeted liposuction. By removing the fat first, Dr. De Jesus ensures that only the truly excess skin is removed, tailoring the lift to your arm's newly slimmed volume.
Understanding Arm Laxity
Determining exactly why your skin has lost its shape helps us select the best surgical or non-surgical solution for your body.
Major Weight Loss
The triceps area is often the last place to lose fat and the worst at retracting skin afterward. Patients who lose significant weight, particularly after bariatric surgery, are frequently left with empty skin that hangs where volume used to be.
Aging & Genetics
The inner upper arm carries some of the thinnest, least elastic skin on the body. As collagen declines with age, gravity pulls this loose tissue downward. Genetics determine how much fat is stored here and how well your skin retains its elasticity.
Post-Liposuction Laxity
Liposuction successfully removes fat, but the skin must shrink to fit the smaller volume. Older or heavily stretched skin often cannot retract fully. If previous liposuction left you with loose skin, an arm lift completes the contouring process.
Brachioplasty Techniques
Your arm presentation dictates the surgical approach. Dr. De Jesus matches her technique to where your excess skin is located to minimize scarring.
The Mini Arm Lift
Ideal for laxity confined exclusively to the upper third of the arm near the armpit. A small ellipse of skin is removed through an incision hidden entirely within the axillary crease (the armpit fold), lifting the upper arm with virtually no visible scar.
Full Brachioplasty
The standard procedure for noticeable, hanging skin from the armpit to the elbow. The incision is strategically placed along the inner arm's bicipital groove so the scar faces the body when your arms are resting at your sides.
Extended Brachioplasty
Designed for massive-weight-loss patients whose laxity continues past the armpit and down the side of the chest. The incision extends into the fold where the arm meets the torso, correcting the chest and arm in continuity.
Arm Lift with Liposuction
The most common approach. We perform tumescent liposuction of the upper arm first to reduce circumference. The excision is then precisely measured against this smaller arm, keeping the resulting scar as short as your anatomy allows.
Understanding Arm Lift Scars & Safety
An arm lift makes a very straightforward trade: a permanent scar in exchange for a contoured, tight arm. We utilize advanced techniques to ensure this trade is highly favorable.
- Serpentine Incision Design: A straight scar crossing the elbow tends to contract and pull tight as it heals. We use a wavy, serpentine incision that absorbs tension, preventing contracture and ensuring a smooth contour.
- Fascial Suspension: Beneath the skin, the lifted tissue is securely anchored to the deep arm fascia. This invisible support ensures your correction holds up against gravity and movement over time.
- Nerve Protection: The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve runs along the inner arm. Dr. De Jesus meticulously identifies and protects this nerve throughout the dissection to preserve your inner forearm sensation.
- Accredited Facility: Every surgery takes place in a Joint Commission Accredited operating suite with licensed anesthesia providers.
Meet Dr. Nidia De Jesus, MD
Every arm lift at Spectrum Aesthetics is meticulously planned and performed by Dr. Nidia De Jesus, MD—board-certified plastic surgeon and the practice's Medical Director. You are guaranteed one standard of excellence and accountability.
Her approach to brachioplasty acknowledges that the scar is half the result. She designs the scar first—planning its length, its placement in the bicipital groove, and its serpentine structure—and then builds the correction within it. If a mini lift or energy tightening will serve you better, she will recommend the smaller procedure, because the best scar is the one never made.
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Specialist in Excisional Contouring & Post-Weight-Loss Surgery
- Operates exclusively in Joint Commission Accredited surgical suites
Your Arm Lift Recovery Timeline
Arm lift recovery is often much more manageable than patients expect, primarily because your legs are entirely unaffected and mobility remains high from day one.
Days 1–3: Soreness & Walking
You will experience deep soreness in the inner arms, effectively managed with prescribed medication. You should rest with your arms elevated, but since your legs are unaffected, you are encouraged to walk normally from the first evening to promote circulation.
Weeks 1–2: Motion as Medicine
We will prescribe gentle, daily elbow range-of-motion exercises. Early movement is critical to prevent your scars from tightening into a contracture. Most patients can comfortably return to desk work and typing by day 10 to 14.
Weeks 4–8: Gradual Activity Returns
Lower-body training and cardio usually clear around week four. Light upper-body work can resume at week six, with full training (including overhead loading) cleared around eight weeks upon Dr. De Jesus's sign-off.
Months 6–18: Scar Maturation
Over 12 to 18 months, your scars will fade from pink to a soft, pale line. Sun protection is absolutely non-negotiable for arm scars in Miami. Your final, slimmed contour is now fully visible and permanent.
What Our Patients Say
"I lost 130 pounds and kept it off, but my arms were what the mirror still argued about. Dr. De Jesus drew the wavy line on my arm and told me exactly when it would show and when it wouldn't. Ten months out, the scar is a pale line I honestly forget, and the bat wings are gone. Worth every dollar."
Robert M. Full Brachioplasty
"I expected to be sold the full surgery. Dr. De Jesus examined the skin and said my laxity was concentrated at the top, and that the mini lift with the incision hidden in my armpit was the right match. I wore a sleeveless dress to my grandson's graduation two months ago. There is no scar to speak of."
Judith K. Mini Arm Lift
Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an arm lift cost in Miami?
At Spectrum Aesthetics, arm lift pricing starts at $4,399 for a full brachioplasty. This is an all-inclusive package covering the board-certified surgeon's fee, anesthesia, the accredited facility fee, serpentine scar design, fascial suspension, and all routine follow-up visits. The mini arm lift is quoted below this baseline, while adding liposuction will adjust the final quote.
What is the difference between an arm lift and brachioplasty?
They are two names for the exact same operation. Brachioplasty is the formal medical term, while arm lift is the common description for excising surplus arm skin and reshaping the contour.
Will my arm lift scar be visible?
Yes. The full brachioplasty scar runs along the inner arm, placed so it faces your body at rest. This means most clothing hides it completely, and it is primarily visible when your arm is raised or outstretched. A mini lift's scar hides entirely inside the armpit crease. Scars fade significantly over 12 to 18 months with proper silicone care and strict sun protection.
Can I avoid the long scar with a mini arm lift or skin tightening?
If your laxity is very mild, Renuvion J-Plasma can tighten the skin through pinpoint incisions. If laxity is confined to the upper third of the arm, a mini arm lift hides the scar in the armpit. However, if loose skin tracks down toward the elbow, a full brachioplasty is the only effective solution.
How long is arm lift recovery, and when can I type?
Recovery is often shorter than patients anticipate. Because the legs are uninvolved, walking is normal from the first evening. Desk work and typing typically return around 10 to 14 days as comfort allows. Full upper-body exercise is usually cleared at eight weeks.
I had breast cancer surgery with lymph nodes removed. Can I still have an arm lift?
Prior axillary surgery or lymph node removal changes your risk profile. It can compromise the arm's lymphatic drainage, increasing the risk of prolonged swelling. Dr. De Jesus will carefully evaluate your medical history to determine if surgery is safe for you, or if modified planning is required.
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Brachioplasty in Miami/Arm Lift at Spectrum Aesthetics
It can be difficult to feel attractive when struggling with sagging skin on your upper arms. If you find yourself in this situation, an arm lift or brachioplasty may be the solution. A brachioplasty is a simple contouring procedure in which a plastic surgeon trims away excess hanging skin, removing fatty deposits. After removing the excess fat and skin, the surgeon then pulls the remaining skin taut to match your arm’s natural shape. After this procedure, your arms will appear younger and fitter than ever before, complimenting the positive aspects of your figure rather than taking away from them.
Excess skin and fatty deposits usually occur in patients that have recently lost a significant amount of weight, especially if they had recently undergone a weight loss procedure. There are several options when undergoing a brachioplasty. Your surgeon may give you a standard arm lift, but a mini-arm lift is an option as well. During your initial consultation, you and your doctor will discuss the benefits of each procedure and which best fits your needs. Remember, our ultimate goal is to help you outline your body’s naturally attractive features to create a better you.
While you may decide to get a simple brachioplasty alone. Many of our patients decide to undergo this procedure along with a larger treatment plan. Common surgeries to consider alongside your arm lift are thigh lifts, abdominoplasties, neck lifts, brow lifts, face lifts, and breast augmentation.
Is Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Right For You?
If you are considering undergoing a brachioplasty, there are some factors that need to be taken into consideration beforehand. We have taken the liberty of listing a few below.
The two leading factors to consider are your age and weight.
Many patients that have recently lost a significant amount of weight, either through drastic changes in diet, weight loss surgeries, or pregnancy, may find themselves troubled with excess skin along their upper arms. If you find yourself struggling with these issues, or if you find yourself becoming self-conscious about the appearance of your upper arms, then brachioplasty may be the perfect procedure for you. However, additional weight loss may cause more excess skin, so it is important to be sure that you have reached a comfortable weight prior to undergoing your brachioplasty procedure.
The older we get, the less elasticity our skin tends to have. While there is no strict age restriction to brachioplasties, men and women over the age of sixty five may be required to undergo additional tests before the procedure. This is partly due to a tendency for skin to be less elastic at that age, as well as the risks associated with anesthesia. That being said, brachioplasties present minimal risks.
If you are still unsure if you are qualified to undergo an arm lift surgery, it is best that you make a consultation with one of our qualified practitioners.
Preparing For Your Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Surgery in Miami at Spectrum Aesthetics
Before undergoing your brachioplasty at Spectrum Aesthetics in Miami, there are a few simple instructions that you need to follow:
- Stop Smoking At Least 4 Weeks Before the Surgery
- Stop Taking Blood Thinners 4 Weeks Before the Surgery
- Do No Eat or Drink for 24 Hours Before Your Surgery
- Do Not Wear Makeup, Jewelry, or Contact Lenses On the Day of Your Surgery
The procedure itself will typically take one to two hours. Depending on the nature of the procedure, time can vary and the procedure itself may change slightly. However, mini-arm lifts, arm-lifts, and extended brachioplasties all follow the same basic steps. These steps, as mentioned above, include removing excess skin and fatty deposits, touting the remaining skin, and contouring the shape of your underarms.
Planning Your Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Recovery
You will need to plan for your brachioplasty recovery ahead of time, as it does take several weeks to completely recover from the procedure. For the first two weeks, you should not work or engage in straining activities. If you have small children, we recommend planning ahead and getting assistance in caring for them. We also recommend arranging a ride home from our facility prior to the procedure.
Following the procedure, you should expect soreness and light inflammation. Medication will be prescribed to help ease any and all associated discomfort. To help reduce discomfort, it is recommended that patients elevate their arms when sleeping. Be sure to regularly change your bandages and cleanse your surgical drains. Your doctor will help provide you with detailed instructions. While arm lift surgeries are low risk procedures, there are a number of temporary side-effects to expect after your procedure. They are as follows:
- Tightness of the Skin
- Tingling Sensations in the Operated Areas
- Numbness in the Affected Areas
- Slight Discomfort
- Bruising on the Operated Areas
- Swollen Under Arms
- Bleeding in the Affected Areas
While some of these symptoms may extend into your first few weeks of recovery, the majority of these symptoms will dissipate within the first few days.
Aftercare and Your Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Results
Following your surgery, there will be a series of follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon. The first will typically be one week after the procedure. During this appointment, your surgeon will remove your bandages and sutures, as well as look over the operated areas to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly. The second appointment will typically be four weeks after your procedure. The purpose of this check-up is for your surgeon to observe the results of the procedure. This helps to ensure minimal scarring and an overall healthy recovery process.
Brachioplasties produce amazing results. These results will be immediately visible after surgery, but can be appreciated to a larger extent once recovery is complete and swelling has gone down. In general, arm lifts result in a slimmer, more toned appearance, and these results will last indefinitely when a balanced weight is maintained.
Spectrum Aesthetics operates on locals,but our clients come from around the world and from all walks of life to help achieve a better sense of self and self-confidence.Our before and after photos speak for themselves, but we still want you to leave feeling better than ever before. If you are considering arm lift surgery, feel free to contact us for a simple consultation, and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.