Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) in Fort Lauderdale

Excess skin and fat in the upper arms can make you feel self-conscious—even after weight loss or exercise. At Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, we offer arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) to reshape and tone your upper arms, restoring confidence in sleeveless clothing.

What Is a Brachioplasty?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes loose, sagging skin and fat from the upper arms. Whether due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics, many people struggle with “bat wings” that don’t respond to diet or exercise.

Brachioplasty can:

• Boost self-confidence

• Tighten excess skin from the underarm to the elbow

• Remove localized fat deposits

• Improve upper arm contour

Who is a Good Candidate for a Brachioplasty?

You may be a good candidate for an arm lift in Fort Lauderdale if you:

• Have sagging skin on your upper arms
• Are at or near your ideal weight
• Are in good health and don’t smoke
• Have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery

This procedure is especially popular with post-weight loss patients or those looking to restore firmness with age.

Types of Arm Lift Procedures

Depending on your skin quality and goals, Dr. Thomassen may recommend:

• Standard Arm Lift: Removes excess skin and fat with an incision from armpit to elbow
• Mini Arm Lift: For mild skin laxity, uses a smaller incision hidden in the armpit
• Extended Arm Lift: Addresses loose tissue extending into the chest wall
• Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty: Combines liposuction with skin excision for optimal contouring

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What to Expect from Surgery

Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our accredited Fort Lauderdale facility. It typically takes 1.5–2 hours and is done on an outpatient basis.

Post-operative recovery includes:

• Compression garment use to reduce swelling
• Light activity within a few days
• Return to work in 1–2 weeks (depending on occupation)
• Full activity by 4–6 weeks

Scars are placed strategically along the inner arm and fade over time.

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Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Thomassen and have a thorough history and physical exam.  For the history part, it is important to discuss any medical conditions. You should also mention medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and habits that impact healing. 

For the physical exam, Dr. Thomassen will decide based on the amount of excess skin, what procedure is best for you

Details of Most Common Arm Lift Procedures

Short Scar Brachioplasty

In a short scar arm lift or brachioplasty we keep the incision hidden in the axilla or armpit. This avoids a long scar running the length of the arm. It does not contour the arm as well as the other procedures. A short scar arm lift is only indicated for minimal correction of excess upper arm skin.

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Inner Arm Incision

This excision pattern leaves a scar in the natural crease between your biceps and triceps muscle.

Back of Arm Incision

This excision pattern leaves a scar on the undersurface of the arm. This avoids a visible scar when extending your arm out. It is the preferred location for the scar.

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Liposuction

Dr. Thomassen will usually use liposuction to remove areas of localized fat within the upper arm. This is done at the same time as the incision. To achieve this, he will use the arm lift incision to insert a small tube (cannula).  The cannula suctions excess fat in the upper arm. Dr. Thomassen will carefully remove small amounts of fat. He continuously checks the contour and fat thickness of the areas being treated. Once he completes one upper arm, he will move to the other upper arm and carry out the same procedure. He repeatedly compares the two sides, adjusting the process to confirm the upper arms match.

 Closing the incisions and Dressings

We close your with absorbable sutures that absorb on their own in 4-6 weeks.  Dressing and an elastic garment is applied at the end of the procedure. This dressing and elastic garment apply gentle pressure on the skin. This helps prevent excess fluid from accumulating in the treated areas.

Results

The smoother, tighter contours from brachioplasty are instantly clear after your procedure. Nevertheless, swelling and bruising will initially obscure the results. The swelling and bruising resolves in 4-6 weeks. You can see our results in our before and after page. Please be sure to visit us for an excellent results when needing an arm lift in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will there be visible scarring?
A: Yes, but incisions are discreetly placed and fade with time and proper care.

Q: Is liposuction included?
A: Liposuction may be included for better contouring if needed.

Q: How soon can I lift my arms after surgery?
A: Gentle arm movements begin within a few days; full lifting after 4–6 weeks.

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Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation Today

If you’re ready to enjoy slimmer, sculpted arms, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Thomassen today. We serve patients from Fort Lauderdale, and all across South Florida.

📞 Call (954) 771-0200 to book your appointment
Or book you Consultation Online

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