• Anesthesia:
    General
  • Duration:
    1.5 to 3 hours
  • Pain level:
    4 /10
  • Recovery time:
    10 to 15 days
  • Resuming physical activities:
    4 to 6 weeks

Aging, weight loss and heredity can all contribute to developing loose, sagging skin on the upper arms. Redundant skin and excess fat in this area are often unresponsive to exercise, and in some cases, weight loss can even worsen it.

At Phi Plastic Surgery, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy life confidently. Brachioplasty surgery, also known as an arm lift, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms and restores the upper arm’s contour to create a tighter and more youthful-looking appearance.

Patients who are good candidates for this procedure

  • Are at a stable and healthy weight
  • Have no significant medical problems
  • Non-smokers
  • Not on blood thinners
  • Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity

Patients who are poor candidates for this procedure

  • Obese (want or need to lose weight)
  • Smoker
  • Have serious medical problems
  • On blood thinners

Are you a good candidate?

Our Self-Evaluation Quiz can help you decide if an arm lift is the right procedure for you.

Techniques for Arm Lift

During the arm lift surgery, typically performed under general anesthetic, the excess skin and fat are removed from your arms. The surgical technique often involves liposuction to help break up the fat while preserving the nerves and lymphatic channels of the arm. Patients can go home on the same day of the surgery.

  1. Mini Brachioplasty – During a Mini Brachioplasty, Dr. Gdalevitch makes a single crescent-shaped incision under the armpit. This surgery is best suited for people with little excess skin and fat in the upper arms. Liposuction can also be performed at the same time.
  2. Full Brachioplasty –Dr. Gdalevitch will perform liposuction of the upper arm and then make an incision from the armpit to just above the elbow. This surgery best suits candidates with a moderate amount of excess skin and fat.
  3. Extended Brachioplasty – During an extended Brachioplasty, Dr. Gdalevitch will also typically use liposuction to slim the area and then make an incision from the elbow to the armpit and into the side of the chest (lateral breast fold). She will then remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissues. This technique is often used in patients with massive weight loss.

Discover the procedure through live surgeries

Arm lift presentation

Arm lift procedure

Consent for Arm lift

Pre op instructions for Arm lift

At Phi Plastic Surgery, we believe that a beautiful body can take many shapes and sizes. The Phi philosophy centers on respecting your body's proportions and helping you let your inner beauty shine.

We offer our patients the best, most advanced techniques to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

Pre-op & post-op instructions

These pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions are provided as essential services for you. Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimum results. If there are instructions that need to be clarified, please feel free to contact our office as soon as possible. If some instructions are not followed, your surgery could be delayed if deemed necessary by your surgeon.

Pre-op INSTRUCTIONS

ONE MONTH before your surgery

  • Stop using contraceptive pills or hormone therapy.
  • A pre-operative visit (if necessary) approximately one month before your surgery will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

THREE WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop all consumption of collagen
  • Complete your preoperative tests. Be sure to complete all prescribed pre-operative tests (ECG blood tests, etc.). If all medical results and clearances of your tests are not received on time, your surgery may be delayed.
  • Prepare your surgery date: Plan to ensure a stress-free experience. Arrange your work leave and special assistance to help you with ride home. Prepare your return by organizing meals, delivery, babysitting, etc. Make sure you have someone scheduled to accompany you home after your surgery. Someone should also be on-call to help you during the first 24 hours after your surgery.

TWO WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • A preoperative visit (if necessary), approximately two weeks before your surgery, will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

SEVEN DAYS before your surgery

  • Stop taking any supplements or medications from the list below. These products can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. Stop consuming any non-prescribed supplements including Omega 3-6, nutricap, ouch, echinacea, glucosamine, fat burners, St. John’s wort etc. Aspirin, medicines containing aspirin or any anticoagulants such as arixtra pf, clopidogrel, plavix, coumadin, dalteparin, edoxaban, eliquis, apixaban, enoxaparin, fragmin pfsyringe, lepirudin, padaxa, dabigatran etexilate, xarelto, rivaroxaban.
  • Confirm your surgical support plan: This includes your transportation and post-surgical care, including an adult family member or a friend on-call for your support, 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Purchase any prescription provided by Dr. Gdalevitch (If applicable) and revise your pre-surgical instructions.

The day BEFORE your surgery

Prepare a bag. It should include:

  • All necessary papers
  • Your identification (RAMQ card)
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Glasses if necessary
  • Confirm the person who will assist you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Take a shower. Use a non-perfumed soap. Wash your hair. Do not put cream or lotions. Do not put deodorants, hair products, perfumes, or makeup.
  • Remove any nail varnish (even if transparent) from your hands and feet, including shellac, resin, gel or acrylic. All this reduces the risk of post-surgical infections and nails are monitored for blood circulation.
  • Do not eat anything or drink any dark liquids for 8 hours before your surgery. Do not drink any light liquids 6 hours before your surgery. Anything you eat can cause cancellation of your surgery and increase the risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia. This includes sweets, mints, chewing gum, tea or coffee. You can take a very small amount of water after brushing your teeth or taking medication.
  • Relax. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid stress.

YOUR SURGERY DAY

  • Do not drink or eat the day of your surgery
  • Do not train before surgery
  • Please bring your medications which have been prescribed to you in a bag as above.
  • Please bring your compression socks if they have been prescribed to you.
  • Do not wear any make-up, jewellery, contact lenses, hairpin or piercings: during surgery, an electric cautery is used, any piercing or jewellery can cause burns.
  • Wear light and comfortable clothing. Wear a top that opens forward. Do not wear a sweater, turtleneck or tight clothing. You can wear a skirt, but pants and a jogging jacket are ideal. Flat shoes should be worn that are easy to put on and remove (no heels). A lip balm is recommended.

post-op instructions

When you get home

You can expect to have some pain in the arms and you will not be able to bend your elbows in the garment.

To help you rest comfortably, follow these instructions:

  1. Take extra-strength Tylenol every 4 hours
  2. Take an anti-nausea medication such as gravol 30 minutes before taking your prescribed pain medication
  3. Take your pain medication as prescribed
  4. Take your antibiotics as prescribed
  5. Avoid using your arms for anything strenuous
  6. Wear your surgical garment

Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain that is not controlled by the pain medication
  • Numbness in your hands
  • A fever of greater than 38.5
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations or incoherent behaviour
  • Pain or swelling of one calf
  • Excessive bleeding through your dressing
  • Incapable of urinating

The day after surgery

  • Your pain will start to dissipate after 48 hours
  • Avoid staying in bed all day, rest with your arms straight
  • Avoid strenuous activities with your arms

Healing and follow up

  • Your arms will not be fully healed for 4-8 weeks
  • Exercise is not permitted until 4 weeks after surgery
  • You should be resting for at least 1 week after surgery and gradually regain daily activities after that with the exception of strenuous upper body activities or exercise
  • You will have follow up appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery, then at 1 month and at 2 months.

Your results

Patients typically take at least two weeks off work to recover after their operation. If your job is sedentary, you can return after one week. A thin compression garment is routinely worn for six weeks to reduce swelling and promote healing.

An arm lift will help you obtain a slimmer, more defined arm contour and will accomplish the following:

  1. Removal of excess skin and fat in the upper arm
  2. Tightening of the upper arm contour
  3. Increase self-confidence that comes with an enhanced arm shape

The result is a beautiful, more sculpted upper arm.

If you want to eliminate loose, sagging skin around the arms to achieve your ideal figure, then an arm lift at Phi Plastic Surgery can help.

Book a consultation with Dr. Perry Gdalevitch to discuss your goals.

View most frequently asked questions

Why are my arms flabby?

Your arms can be flabby because of a variety of reasons. Upper arm saggy skin may appear after massive weight loss. Flabby arms can also be a result of your genetics or weight fluctuations.

Is an arm lift a major surgery?

Yes, an arm lift is a major surgery. Upper arm brachioplasty carries certain risks and possible complications. Speak with your plastic surgeon about any concerns you may have about the procedure and the recovery process.

How painful is an arm lift?

It is normal for there to be some level of discomfort after any type of surgical procedure, including an arm lift. You can expect to experience some bruising, swelling and soreness following your arm lift, but this will gradually subside over the next few days. After 1 to 2 weeks, most of the discomfort will have dissipated.

Am I the right candidate for an arm lift?

You may be the right candidate for an arm lift procedure if you:

  • Have lost a significant amount of weight resulting in loose upper arm skin
  • Have issues with the new appearance of your upper arms
  • Understand what a Brachioplasty can and cannot achieve
  • Have been able to maintain a stable weight for at least six months to a year before the surgery,
  • Are in good health and have no chronic medical conditions and do not smoke

How can I maintain the results of my arm lift?

While there is no way to prevent the natural ageing process from affecting the results of your surgery, leading a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining a stable weight can help maintain the results of your arm lift surgery.

How much does the procedure cost?

Brachioplasty

$8,000 - $10,000

For a more beautiful and proportional you!

φ Phi is the Greek symbol that indicates the golden ratio, a ratio that is synonymous with beauty.

Dr. Perry Gdalevitch offers a unique approach that involves applying the principles of perfect proportions (phi) to help you achieve your aesthetic and reconstructive goals.

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