Sleek, Confident Arms With StudioMD

An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is designed to address loose, hanging skin between the armpit and elbow that does not respond to diet or exercise. At StudioMD’s Midtown NYC surgical center, the focus is on toned, natural appearing upper arms, not an over-tightened look. You receive clear guidance on whether an arm lift, liposuction, or a combination makes the most sense.

The goal is to match your treatment to your anatomy, lifestyle, and clothing preferences so you feel comfortable in both fitted sleeves and sleeveless styles.

Cost: Starts at $7,500

Why Choose StudioMD for Arm Lift in NYC?

StudioMD has been a trusted name in aesthetic and surgical care since 2008, with more than 100,000 treatments performed across nine locations in NY, NJ, CT, and PA. Our Midtown NYC surgical center offers modern facilities, experienced surgeons, and a strong focus on safety and natural results.

Your consultation is detailed and straightforward. Your surgeon reviews your medical history, degree of skin laxity, and amount of fat in the arms. Together, you discuss incision patterns, whether liposuction will be combined, expected scars, downtime, and realistic improvements, so there are no surprises on surgery day.

Before and After Arm Lift

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What Is Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm by excising extra skin and often removing localized fat. It is especially helpful after weight loss or with age-related laxity. At StudioMD, arm lift surgery in NYC is planned to improve contour while keeping scars as discreet as possible.

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Arm Lift Details

How Brachioplasty Reshapes the Upper Arm

Brachioplasty targets the underarm region from the armpit toward the elbow. The procedure removes excess skin that creates a “bat wing” appearance, and often pairs with liposuction to refine remaining fat. The result is a smoother, more defined arm contour that better matches your frame.

What Happens During Arm Lift Surgery

Before surgery, your doctor reviews the plan and marks the arms to guide incisions and sculpting. Under anesthesia, an incision is made along the inner arm, usually from the underarm toward the elbow. Extra skin and tissue are excised, the remaining skin is redraped, and sutures secure the new shape.

Weighing Benefits and Tradeoffs

An arm lift can make fitted tops more comfortable, improve proportions, and reduce self-consciousness in sleeveless clothing. However, it does leave visible scars along the inner arms. If your laxity is mild, your surgeon may suggest non-surgical or limited scar options instead of a full arm lift.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?

Ideal candidates have significant upper arm skin laxity and a relatively modest amount of remaining fat. You should be in good general health and have no conditions that seriously impact healing.

Your surgeon will review your medical history and prior surgeries to confirm that brachioplasty is appropriate for you.

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Dr. Sadaf Qazi, DO

Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Sadaf Qazi is a skilled cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring, facial procedures, and injectables. Her expertise spans tummy tucks, BBL, liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, and advanced dermal filler techniques.

What Is the Recovery Like After an Arm Lift?

After arm lift surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, tightness, and tenderness in the upper arms. Pain medication, compression sleeves, and careful positioning help manage early discomfort. Bandages and, in some cases, small drains are used initially to limit fluid buildup and support the new contour. Most patients return to desk work that does not involve heavy lifting in about one week.

You will avoid raising your arms above shoulder level for roughly three weeks, and higher-intensity exercise is delayed for several more weeks. Your StudioMD team will provide specific instructions tailored to your healing.

Arm Lift Results

As swelling fades over several weeks to months, the upper arms appear slimmer, more defined, and less weighted by loose skin. Scars mature gradually, usually fading from red to lighter lines over time. The goal at StudioMD is a balanced, natural contour that helps clothing fit more comfortably and confidently.

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Frequently Asked Questions Arm Lift

What is brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes excess upper arm skin and often some fat to reduce sagging and improve contour. It is commonly chosen after weight loss or when aging skin makes the arms look heavier than the rest of the body.

How is the recovery after an arm lift?

Expect several weeks of healing. Most people return to light work in about one week, but lifting and overhead activity remain limited longer. Compression garments, activity modifications, and follow-up visits help protect your results as swelling resolves.

Is arm lift surgery painful?

You are under anesthesia during surgery, so you do not feel pain at that time. Afterward, soreness and tightness are common but usually well managed with prescribed medication and proper arm support. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable within the first one to two weeks.

Will I have visible scars after arm lift surgery?

Yes, arm lift scars are placed along the inner arm, typically from the armpit toward the elbow. They are initially red and raised, then soften and fade over months. Your surgeon will discuss scar care and realistic expectations based on your skin and incision pattern.

How much does an arm lift cost in NYC?

Arm lift surgery at StudioMD starts at about $7,500. Final pricing depends on the extent of skin removal, whether liposuction is combined, and your overall surgical plan. You will receive a personalized quote after consultation, along with available financing options.

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