Arm Lift Surgery in Baltimore, Maryland
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt self-conscious about loose or sagging skin on your upper arms. Whether caused by weight loss, aging, or genetics, excess arm skin can affect your confidence and limit your wardrobe choices.
At Sarah A. Mess, MD, we help patients achieve smoother, more contoured arms that reflect how strong and healthy they feel inside. Our board-certified plastic surgeons in Columbia, Maryland, provide personalized care and exceptional results tailored to your goals.
- Benefits of an Arm Lift
- What to Know About Arm Lift Plastic Surgery
- How to Prepare for a Brachioplasty
- How Long Is a Brachioplasty Recovery?
- Does Insurance Cover Arm Lift Surgery?
- Will I Have Brachioplasty Scars?
- Brachioplasty Before and After Photos
- Am I an Ideal Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
- How Much Does a Brachioplasty Cost in Maryland?
- FAQs About Arm Lifts and Brachioplasties
Benefits of an Arm Lift
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it’s an opportunity to regain confidence and comfort in your own skin. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Tighter, smoother contours: Removes excess skin and fat, creating a more toned and sculpted appearance.
- Improved arm definition: Enhances muscle visibility and upper body aesthetics.
- More clothing options: Feel confident wearing short sleeves, tank tops, and swimsuits.
- Long-lasting results: With a healthy lifestyle, results can be maintained for years.
- Relief from skin irritation: Reduces chafing and discomfort caused by hanging skin.
- Boosted self-esteem: Many patients report feeling more confident and active following surgery.
Whether your concerns stem from medical weight loss or age-related changes, an arm lift can help restore a youthful, firmer look that aligns with how you feel inside.
What to Know About Arm Lift Plastic Surgery
As one of the lesser-known plastic surgery procedures, you may not know much about the brachioplasty process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Anesthesia: Most patients receive general anesthesia, though sedation with local anesthesia may be an option.
- Incision Placement: Incisions are typically made along the inner or back of the arm to minimize visible scarring. Smaller incisions may be used when less skin needs to be removed.
- Tissue Removal and Reshaping: Excess skin is trimmed, underlying tissue is tightened, and liposuction may be used to enhance contour.
- Closing the Incisions: Sutures are carefully placed—often beneath the skin—and compression garments are applied to support healing.
Our team stays closely involved through recovery, offering support and care every step of the way.
How to Prepare for a Brachioplasty
Before your arm lift procedure, you’ll need to prepare. Here’s how:
- Complete a medical evaluation: Your surgeon may order lab work or a physical exam to confirm you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Adjust medications: You may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatories.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco use can impair healing. We strongly recommend quitting at least several weeks before and after surgery.
- Maintain a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations before surgery can impact your results.
- Arrange for help post-surgery: Plan for a friend or family member to drive you home and assist you during the first few days of recovery.
- Follow pre-op instructions: You’ll receive detailed guidelines on fasting, showering, and what to wear the day of your procedure.
Most importantly, follow your surgeon’s instructions closely—every guideline is designed to keep you safe and healthy.
How Long Is a Brachioplasty Recovery?
Brachioplasty recovery occurs in several phases, and knowing what to expect at each stage can help you plan accordingly.
Immediately after surgery, patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the upper arms. Your arms will be wrapped in compression garments to support healing and reduce swelling. Keep your arms elevated and limit movement during the first few days. Most patients return home the same day and should arrange for someone to help with daily activities for at least the first 24–48 hours.
During the first few weeks, swelling and bruising gradually subside. Many patients feel well enough to resume light daily activities within 7 to 10 days. However, lifting, strenuous movement, and exercise should be avoided for several weeks to prevent stress on the incisions. Depending on the technique used, sutures may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up appointment.
Long-term healing continues over the next several months. While most swelling resolves within six weeks, it can take up to a year for scars to fully fade and for the final results to settle in. Patients typically return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the physical demands of their job.
Does Insurance Cover Arm Lift Surgery?
In most cases, insurance does not cover arm lift surgery because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Most clinics will not accept insurance. While Sarah Mess does not accept insurance, we offer financing plans to keep the arms of your dreams within reach.
Will I Have Brachioplasty Scars?
Yes, brachioplasty does result in scarring, but our surgical team takes great care to minimize its visibility. Most incisions are placed along the inside or back of the upper arm, areas that are less noticeable when your arms are at your sides. If you require a more limited procedure, your surgeon may use a shorter incision hidden in the underarm area.
Scars typically appear red or raised during the early healing phase but tend to fade over time, often becoming thin and pale within 12 to 18 months. While some scarring is unavoidable, many patients feel it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the dramatic improvements in arm contour and confidence.
We’ll provide personalized scar care recommendations as part of your recovery plan. These may include silicone gel sheets, topical scar creams, and guidance on protecting your incisions from sun exposure. With proper care, most scars fade significantly and become less noticeable.
Brachioplasty Before and After Photos
Take a look at the dramatic results we can provide.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift can be a transformative procedure for the right candidate—especially those who’ve worked hard to lose weight but are left with loose, sagging skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. Ideal candidates for brachioplasty typically:
- Have significant skin laxity in the upper arms, often due to weight loss, aging, or genetics
- Maintain a stable and healthy weight
- Are in good overall health, without conditions that impair healing
- Do not smoke, or are willing to quit well before and after surgery
If you’ve experienced a major transformation through medical or prescription-assisted weight loss, arm lift surgery can help complete that journey.
Certain factors may make someone ineligible for surgery, including uncontrolled medical conditions (like diabetes or heart disease), active smoking, or an unstable weight. During your consultation, our team will assess your overall health and lifestyle to determine whether or not you are ready for surgery.
How Much Does a Brachioplasty Cost in Maryland?
The cost of an arm lift (brachioplasty) in Maryland typically ranges from $11,000 to $14,000, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the procedure, and the specific techniques employed. This range aligns with national averages.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an average surgeon’s fee of $6,192 for an arm lift, with additional expenses and fees often increasing the overall cost to $10,000 or more.
It’s important to note that these estimates often encompass the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care. However, additional costs may arise for pre-operative medical tests, compression garments, medications, and follow-up visits. Given the variability in pricing, consult directly with your plastic surgeon for a personalized pricing quote. Discuss financing options with your provider to make the procedure more accessible.
Sarah Mess, MD: Your Chosen Arm Lift Surgeon in Maryland.
When it comes to arm lift surgery in Maryland, Sarah A. Mess, MD, stands out for delivering exceptional results with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing advanced body contouring procedures, including brachioplasty. Dr. Mess has earned a reputation for helping patients achieve beautifully natural-looking results because of her meticulous technique, artistic eye, and dedication to safety.
Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment today and start your path toward a stronger, more confident you.
FAQs About Arm Lifts and Brachioplasties
How Long Does Arm Lift Surgery Take?
The procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and techniques.
Is Arm Lift Surgery Painful?
Patients are under anesthesia during the procedure, so they do not feel pain. Some discomfort, swelling, and soreness are common during recovery, but pain can be managed with prescribed medication.
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
Most patients need about two weeks to rest before resuming light activities. Full recovery, including fading scars and swelling, can take several months.
Will I Have Visible Scars After Surgery?
Yes, scarring is a natural part of any surgery. However, skilled surgeons, like Sarah Mess, MD, make incisions in discreet locations and provide post-operative care tips to help minimize their appearance over time.
Is Arm Lift Surgery Permanent?
The results are long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Natural aging may still cause some skin laxity over time.
What Are the Risks of Brachioplasty?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Mess helps minimize these risks.
Can I Combine an Arm Lift With Other Procedures?
Many patients combine an arm lift with procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck to achieve more comprehensive body contouring results.
When Can I Return to Work After Surgery?
Most people can return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or intense physical activity may require additional time off.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Ideal candidates are in good health, have significant loose skin on their arms, and have realistic expectations. A consultation with a surgeon like Sarah Mess, MD can help determine if the procedure is correct for you.
Will My Health Insurance Cover Arm Lift Surgery?
Insurance will not cover an arm lift, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary.
Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated
