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Brachioplasty

in Austin, TX

A refined body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and unwanted fat, restoring a firm, streamlined profile to the upper arms.

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Arm Lift at Align Plastic Surgery

Sculpted Contours

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure chosen by individuals who wish to eliminate excess skin and fat that drapes from the upper arm. At Align Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tosan Ehanire approaches this surgical procedure through a holistic, patient-led lens. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ehanire today to begin your Austin Brachioplasty planning.

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Brachioplasty At A Glance

  • Procedure Purpose: Surgical excision of excess skin and fat to reshape the upper arm area.
  • Procedure Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on surgical extent.
  • Downtime & Recovery: 7 to 10 days of initial rest; patients return home the same day.
  • Longevity of Results: Permanent removal of skin and fat cells; best maintained with a stable weight.

Targeted Refinement

What is a Brachioplasty?

An arm lift procedure, clinically known as brachioplasty surgery, is a structural refinement designed to address loose skin and excess fat that hangs from the underarm area.

While targeted fitness can strengthen underlying muscles, exercise cannot restore lost skin elasticity or tighten stretched tissue.

During an arm lift, patients explore various techniques based on their unique anatomy. A standard brachioplasty addresses the tissue from the underarm to the elbow, while an extended brachioplasty continues the contouring into the lateral chest wall to address a significant amount of tissue laxity, often required after significant weight loss. By removing extra skin and integrating liposuction to sculpt the remaining fatty tissue, this procedure creates beautiful, natural-looking upper arm contouring that perfectly complements your frame.

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Dedicated to Natural-Looking Results

What is the Brachioplasty procedure like?

On the day of your surgery, Dr. Ehanire will carefully mark your arms while you are standing up. This helps her plan exactly where to place the thin lines so they are easy to hide later on.

You will be kept very comfortable and sleepy during the procedure. Dr. Ehanire makes a precise path from the underarm toward the elbow. She uses liposuction to remove extra fat and smooth out the area. Then, she removes the loose skin and pulls the remaining skin tight for a firm look. The lines are closed carefully to help you heal. The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours, and you can have your surgery partner drive you home to rest that same afternoon.

Austin brachioplasty model at the beach in a bikini.

Restoring Proportional Balance

What conditions does a Brachioplasty address?

Our Austin Brachioplasty procedure is designed to address a variety of localized contour irregularities affecting the upper extremities:

Hanging Skin (Bat Wings)

Removes drooping, sagging skin that hangs loosely from the arm, particularly noticeable when the arms are extended.

Loss of Skin Elasticity

Tightens arm skin that has lost its natural bounce due to genetics or natural age-related changes.

Post-Weight Loss Laxity

Eliminates the significant amount of extra skin that commonly remains on the upper arm area after a major weight loss journey.

Stubborn Upper Arm Fat

Recontours the arm by excising localized fatty tissue that resists diet and exercise.

Age-Related Deflation

Restores a firmer, more youthful contour to arms that have become wrinkled or crepey over time.

What areas can a Brachioplasty address?

Comprehensive Upper Arm Contour

A Brachioplasty in Austin specifically targets the upper arm skin and underlying tissue, extending from the underarm down to the elbow, and can extend into the lateral chest in extended procedures.

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Refined Definition and Permanent Results

What are the benefits of a Brachioplasty?

An arm lift offers transformative aesthetic and physical benefits, making it one of the most commonly performed upper body contouring procedures for restoring a proportionate appearance.

Restored Natural Proportions

By eliminating drooping tissue, the procedure restores beautifully toned arms that align harmoniously with the rest of your body’s natural frame.

Enhanced Comfort and Fit

Removing hanging tissue eliminates the physical chafing and discomfort that often occurs during movement, allowing tailored sleeves and activewear to fit comfortably.

Framing the Ideal Candidate

Am I a candidate for Brachioplasty?

Ideal candidates for arm lift surgery are individuals with significant upper arm skin laxity and fat who maintain a healthy lifestyle and have realistic expectations about the resulting scar.

Good Candidates Include:

  • Adults at a stable weight for at least six months, particularly those who have undergone significant weight loss.
  • Individuals with loose skin that cannot be corrected through exercise or liposuction alone.
  • Non-smokers committed to smoking cessation; you must completely quit smoking well before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
  • Patients seeking a safe procedure to remove excess skin and refine their upper body contour.

Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate:

  • Individuals actively undergoing weight loss or who have not maintained a stable weight, as further weight shifts will alter the surgical results.
  • Patients with good skin elasticity but excess fat may achieve better results with liposuction alone, avoiding the longer incision.
  • Patients with unmanaged medical conditions, such as severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes, which increase surgical risk factors.
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Brachioplasty Recovery

Structured Aftercare

After a Brachioplasty Austin patients' recovery process requires patience and adherence to detailed instructions to ensure the healing process progresses smoothly and the incision site heals optimally. Dr. Ehanire guides you step by step through tailored post-op scar care routines to soften the incisions, relieve wound tension, and minimize visible scarring across all skin complexions.

  • Days 1–5: You will experience swelling, tightness, and mild bruising. Your arms will be wrapped in compression bandages or a specialized compression garment to minimize fluid buildup and support the newly contoured tissues.
  • First Two Weeks: For the first two weeks, it is critical to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and raising your arms above shoulder level. Most patients can return to sedentary desk work after 7 to 10 days.
  • Weeks 3–6: Swelling continues to decrease. You must continue to avoid strenuous activity, but light walking is encouraged. By six weeks, you will be cleared to resume all normal activities and strenuous exercise.
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Transformation in Every Contour

Brachioplasty Results

While initial improvements in your upper arm contour are visible immediately, final results unfold gradually over several weeks to a few months as post-operative swelling resolves completely. As the treated area settles, your new, slimmer contour becomes fully defined, revealing smooth and natural proportions.

Because the extra skin and fat cells are physically removed, the results of brachioplasty are meant to be long-lasting. However, the skin will continue to age naturally. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle ensures your sculpted results remain crisp, balanced, and beautiful for decades to come.

Surgical Precision and Consistent Care

Why Choose Align Plastic Surgery for a Brachioplasty?

An arm lift demands a highly experienced surgeon with deep anatomical respect, artistic vision, and precise surgical technique. At Align Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tosan Ehanire approaches every procedure as an architectural sculpting process. She will evaluate your tissue with scientific care, delivering an evidence-based scar recovery experience where people see your beautiful results, not your scars.

Brachioplasty Frequently Asked Questions

As with any surgery, there are possible risks and surgical complications, such as infection, fluid accumulation, or poor wound healing. During your consultation, we discuss all risk factors to ensure this is a safe procedure for you. If you ever experience unusual symptoms during recovery, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Though rare, severe complications might require further surgery.

Yes. A Brachioplasty requires an incision that runs from the underarm toward the elbow. However, Dr. Ehanire places this incision strategically on the inside or back of the arm so it is less visible from the front or side, and she utilizes a highly specialized, evidence-based scar care protocol to help the scar fade significantly over time.

Yes. Many of our patients choose to combine their arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck or breast lift, particularly after significant weight loss. Dr. Ehanire will discuss the safest combinations for you during your initial consultation.

Most patients are cleared to drive after 10 to 14 days, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medication and have regained full, comfortable range of motion in their arms to safely control the steering wheel.

An arm lift is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss method. While a small amount of weight is removed via excised skin and fat, the primary goal is to reshape and tighten the upper arm for a smooth, proportionate appearance.