Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) in New Jersey & Philadelphia
Loose, sagging skin along the upper arms can make even the most confident person feel self-conscious. Whether caused by aging, genetics, or significant weight loss, excess skin and fat can create a “bat wing” appearance that doesn’t respond to exercise.
At our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David W. Allison offers brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery to restore smoother, firmer, and more toned arm contours. Dr. Allison provides personalized, compassionate care that focuses on natural results and renewed confidence—helping patients feel comfortable in sleeveless clothing again.
Whether your goal is to improve proportion, restore firmness, or enhance your confidence after weight loss, Dr. Allison tailors each procedure to your anatomy and goals, emphasizing safety, precision, and aesthetics.
What Is Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a body-contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a tighter, more defined appearance. Over time, loss of skin elasticity, gravity, and changes in weight can cause the upper arm skin to droop. Even with healthy eating and regular workouts, stretched skin rarely tightens on its own.
During an arm lift, Dr. Allison removes loose tissue, sculpts underlying fat, and redrapes the skin for a smoother contour extending from the underarm to the elbow. When appropriate, liposuction may also be used to refine shape and ensure natural transitions between treated and surrounding areas.
Unlike liposuction alone, which only addresses fat deposits, brachioplasty also tightens the supportive tissues of the upper arm to produce longer-lasting improvements in firmness and tone.
Benefits of an Arm Lift
Arm lift surgery offers both functional and aesthetic improvements that can significantly enhance daily comfort and self-image. Benefits may include:
- Reduction of sagging, loose, or excess upper-arm skin
- A smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour
- Improved fit in short-sleeved and sleeveless clothing
- Enhanced confidence in appearance
- Long-lasting shape refinement when weight remains stable
For many patients — especially after major weight loss — an arm lift can complete their transformation, eliminating the discomfort and self-consciousness of hanging skin and restoring natural proportion to the upper body.
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you:
- Have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise
- Maintain a stable, healthy weight
- Are in good overall health and free of conditions that affect healing
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations and personal goals for the procedure
An arm lift is not a weight-loss substitute. For best results, patients should be near their goal weight before surgery. Dr. Allison evaluates each patient carefully to determine candidacy and to create a personalized plan that aligns with your anatomy and goals.
How the Procedure Works
Incision and Technique
Dr. Allison begins by marking the treatment area with precision to ensure balanced, symmetrical results. Incisions are usually placed along the inner arm or the back of the arm, extending from the underarm (axilla) toward the elbow. The exact length and location depend on the amount of excess skin being removed.
Through these incisions, Dr. Allison removes excess skin and localized fat deposits while tightening underlying supportive tissue. When appropriate, liposuction may be used to smooth contour transitions and enhance overall definition.
The skin is then redraped and sutured with fine, layered stitches to support optimal healing and minimal scarring. In some cases, a drain may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid buildup.
After Surgery
Patients are fitted with a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support the new contour. Most go home the same day, accompanied by a friend or family member.
Recovery and Results
Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are common during the first week after surgery. Discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed medication and rest.
Most patients feel ready to resume light, non-strenuous activities after one to two weeks, while heavier lifting or exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Dr. Allison provides personalized after-care instructions to guide every stage of recovery.
Wearing the compression garment as directed helps reduce swelling and support the arms as they heal. Keeping the arms elevated and avoiding direct pressure can further promote comfort and proper healing.
Results become noticeable as swelling subsides — typically within several weeks — and continue to refine over the following months as tissues settle and scars mature. Incision lines fade gradually and are placed where they are least visible when the arms are at rest.
Once fully healed, patients enjoy firmer, smoother, and more proportionate arms that look natural and youthful. Results are long-lasting when supported by stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
“Our family had seen Dr Allison many years ago and we loved him. After having another (local) surgeon perform a couple of procedures on my husband and son we realized that Dr Allison is far and above his peers!”
Real Patient
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, brachioplasty carries certain risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Scarring or poor wound healing
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Numbness or skin sensation changes
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Allison helps minimize these risks. His meticulous technique, careful patient screening, and emphasis on safety ensure the best possible surgical experience and recovery.
Maintaining Your Results
To preserve your results, Dr. Allison recommends maintaining a consistent weight, healthy diet, and regular exercise routine. Significant weight fluctuations can affect long-term outcomes. Protecting the incisions from sun exposure and following scar-care guidelines also promote optimal fading and smooth healing.
For patients who have lost substantial weight, combining an arm lift with other body-contouring procedures (such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift) may be considered for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Your consultation is an opportunity to meet with Dr. Allison and discuss your personal goals and concerns. He performs a detailed evaluation of your arms, reviews your medical history, and explains the available surgical techniques.
During your visit, you’ll learn about incision placement, expected recovery, and what results you can realistically achieve. Together, you’ll develop a treatment plan designed for your comfort, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Appointments are available at our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia for your convenience.
Why Choose Dr. David W. Allison?
Dr. David W. Allison, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his skill, artistry, and personalized approach to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. With practices in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, he provides advanced surgical care for patients across central and southern New Jersey and the surrounding region.
Dr. Allison blends technical precision with an eye for balance and proportion, creating results that complement the body’s natural lines. His patients value his calm demeanor, clear communication, and commitment to ensuring that every stage—from consultation through recovery—feels safe, supported, and empowering.
Take the Next Step Toward Toned, Confident Arms
If sagging skin or lack of definition keeps you from feeling your best, an arm lift may be the solution. Dr. David W. Allison and his team proudly serve patients in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, providing expert, compassionate care to help you achieve smoother, firmer, and more proportionate arms.
Schedule your private consultation today to learn how brachioplasty can help you feel more confident in your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arm Lift Surgery
What is the difference between brachioplasty and liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat deposits but does not address excess skin. Brachioplasty removes both fat and skin, tightening underlying tissues to restore smoother contours and firmer tone.
How long do results last?
Results from an arm lift are long-lasting when your weight remains stable. Natural aging and gravity may cause minor changes over time, but the improved contour generally endures for many years.
Will I have visible scars?
Some scarring is unavoidable, but Dr. Allison places incisions strategically along the inner or back portion of the upper arm to reduce visibility. Scars typically fade and soften over 12 to 18 months with proper care.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of treatment and patient preference.
How long is recovery?
Most patients resume light activities within one to two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a month. Dr. Allison provides personalized guidance based on your healing progress.
Can I combine arm lift surgery with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine an arm lift with body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck or breast lift, especially after major weight loss.
Is arm lift surgery safe?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility, arm lift surgery is considered safe and predictable. Dr. Allison prioritizes safety, sterile technique, and detailed after-care for the best outcomes.
When will I see the final results?
Initial improvement is visible within a few weeks, but final results take shape over several months as swelling subsides and scars mature.