Is a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Painful?

Some discomfort and tightness are expected after surgery, but most patients describe it as manageable. Pain is typically well-controlled with medication, and most patients feel significantly more comfortable within the first week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients have a pre-surgery consultation, the surgery itself, and one to two follow-up visits to monitor healing. Out-of-town patients can often complete their follow-up care through virtual check-ins once they return home.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice improvements in arm contour right away, but final results become visible as swelling subsides over the next few months. Scars will continue to fade over time, usually improving significantly within a year.

Can I Combine a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, one of the most common pairings is with top surgery, since both procedures target the upper body and can be performed during the same surgical session. When done together, the arm lift helps refine the upper-arm shape, while top surgery sculpts the chest, creating a cohesive, masculine contour from the shoulders to the torso. Some patients also opt to include additional body contouring procedures, such as liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, or back, to enhance their physique further. Dr. Gallagher will guide you through which procedures can be safely performed together, based on your anatomy, health, and goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift?

The most common risks with gender-affirming arm lifts include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. While rare, other potential complications may include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, or visible scarring. Because the incision runs along the inner or back portion of the arm, scarring is typically discreet and fades significantly over time; however, scar care and sun protection are essential for achieving the best long-term results. Some patients may also experience temporary tightness or mild asymmetry during the healing process, which typically improves as swelling decreases and the tissues settle.

Miami, FL

Gender Affirming Arm Lift

Introduction to Gender-Affirming Arm Lift

In patients who carry significant weight or have excess, unwanted skin on the arms, a brachioplasty can be performed simultaneously with top surgery. When we combine the two, we like to call it the Top Gun procedure, since you get top surgery AND guns—get it?

These procedures go together very smoothly, and patients can recover from both at the same time.

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What is a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift?

A gender-affirming arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a procedure Dr. Gallagher offers to her Miami patients to remove excess, sagging skin from the upper arms and refine their overall shape. For many patients, this area becomes a source of frustration after weight changes or as part of the natural aging process.

In our gender-affirming care, an arm lift is often part of the overall masculinization process. By contouring the arms and enhancing muscle definition, this surgery helps create a stronger, more athletic look that aligns with the patient’s gender identity and aesthetic goals.

What Are the Benefits of a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift?

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A gender-affirming arm lift can offer numerous benefits, both physical and emotional. Patients often feel lighter, stronger, and more confident once excess skin and tissue are removed. For those combining the procedure with top surgery, the results can be especially rewarding.

The surgery can help define the shoulder and upper arm area, enhancing the masculine contour created by top surgery. It also removes any “bat wing” appearance or loose skin that may have developed after weight loss or hormone therapy.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman in a white lab coat over a grey dress, is seated and smiling warmly while speaking and gesturing with her hands to a patient in a light blue patterned hospital gown. They are in a well-lit exam room next to a wall with a pink and blue abstract painting.

Ideal candidates for a gender-affirming arm lift are patients with excess skin or fat on the upper arms that do not improve with diet and exercise. Many individuals who have lost significant weight or who notice changes in skin elasticity after testosterone therapy find this procedure especially beneficial.

It is also important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. While an arm lift can create a more sculpted and masculine look, it does involve visible scarring along the inner arm. However, most patients feel the trade-off is well worth it for the confidence and comfort they gain. In many patients, it can be combined with top surgery for a harmonious transformation we call the “Top Gun” procedure.

Patients with a BMI under 40 generally achieve the best results, as the procedure works most effectively when there is less bulk in the arms and more focus on refining the shape.

What’s the First Step?

Your Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Journey with Dr. Gallagher

Gender-affirming arm lift surgery will begin with a consultation with Dr. Gallagher either at her Miami office or virtually.

You will discuss your specific goals, any relevant medical history, and any concerns you may have with her. Dr. Gallagher will examine your arm and chest area, explain your surgical options, and determine whether a brachioplasty, liposuction, or a combination of both will best meet your needs.

This is also a great time to discuss pairing your arm lift with top surgery, if that’s part of your overall plan. Once your surgical plan is created, you’ll receive detailed preoperative instructions and guidance to help you prepare for a smooth procedure and recovery.

What to Expect on the Day of Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Surgery

During the procedure, Dr. Gallagher will typically use liposuction to sculpt and (if desired). Masculinize the arms by leaving bulk behind over the shoulders and muscles to enhance them. If the patient requires it, then extra skin can be removed via a brachioplasty. This involves a scar placed on the inside, towards the back of the arm. Typically, the top-surgery and brachioplasty scars are designed to sculpt the sides of the chest, ensuring no dog ears are left behind. As usual, this surgery is done completely drain-free.

Typically, it takes 3-4 hours in the operating room under general anesthesia. Out-of-town patients typically fly in and stay with us for approximately one week in Miami.

Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Care

Most patients take about 2-3 weeks off work and return to the gym around 8 weeks after surgery. This procedure gets the best results in folks with a BMI of under 40. Typically, a compression garment is worn on the arms to help with swelling for 6 weeks afterward.

How Much Does a Gender-Affirming Arm Lift Cost in Miami, FL?

The cost of a gender-affirming arm lift in the Miami area will depend on the extent of surgery needed, whether liposuction is included, and if the procedure is combined with top surgery. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote that includes surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility costs.

Because gender-affirming procedures can vary widely based on individual goals, Dr. Gallagher’s team provides transparent pricing and guidance to help patients plan their finances effectively. Some patients may be eligible for financing options or payment plans to make the process more affordable.

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Why Choose Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher?

Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in the Miami area, having become one of the most trusted names in gender-affirming surgery. She has helped countless people align their outward appearance with their inner feelings, and her attention to detail is evident in every result.

Dr. Gallagher is known for her drain-free technique and for creating results that not only look natural but also heal comfortably. Her Miami practice is a welcoming and affirming space where her patients can openly discuss their goals and feel fully supported through every stage of their journey.

Gender Affirming Arm Lift FAQ’S

Yes, one of the most common pairings is with top surgery, since both procedures target the upper body and can be performed during the same surgical session. When done together, the arm lift helps refine the upper-arm shape, while top surgery sculpts the chest, creating a cohesive, masculine contour from the shoulders to the torso.

Some patients also opt to include additional body contouring procedures, such as liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, or back, to enhance their physique further.

Dr. Gallagher will guide you through which procedures can be safely performed together, based on your anatomy, health, and goals.
The most common risks with gender-affirming arm lifts include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. While rare, other potential complications may include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, or visible scarring. Because the incision runs along the inner or back portion of the arm, scarring is typically discreet and fades significantly over time; however, scar care and sun protection are essential for achieving the best long-term results.

Some patients may also experience temporary tightness or mild asymmetry during the healing process, which typically improves as swelling decreases and the tissues settle.

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

I had an amazing experience with Dr.Gallagher and her team, the whole experience from the procedure (top surgery) to the post-op care has been fantastic. Dr.Gallagher was able to address any concerns I had with my chest before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole way through, and then the attentiveness post-op is all the better.

Alfio Oliveira (Jay)
Thank you so much Dr. Gallagher for your amazing work! I appreciated the great support from your team at the surgical centre and your office. Everyone was so wonderful! I am extremely happy with my results and had a very positive experience. I had followed Dr. Gallagher for several years on Instagram prior to my surgery, and learned so much from her detailed explanations about various aspects of the surgical procedures, what to expect on the day, recovery, etc. I had complete trust, felt safe, felt listened to. I also appreciate the follow-ups, and answers to all my questions. The support, warmth, care is top notch!

Gill B.
Dr. Gallagher and her whole team, from Neasa to Daryl Ann and everyone else in between, are absolutely fantastic, kind hearted, hard working people. Dr. Gallagher truly amazed me and I’m so grateful to have had her on my team.

I was able to get keyhole top surgery about three weeks ago and I’m loving my results already! I’m muscular and heavier set as well but always had a smaller chest, and I’m so glad Dr. Gallagher was the one who could do this for me.

Right now I am still experiencing swelling, but I am using compression dressings every day, throughout the day which helps tons! I know that when the swelling subsides months from now, and everything is “back to normal”, I am going to love even more what I see in the mirror because I can finally see me.

Morgan F.
So glad I found Dr. Gallagher. I would not have elected to pursue my surgery had I not found a qualified and competent medical provider that I felt I could trust and have confidence in their ability to offer a high-quality, low-risk result. As a result of my initial contacts and consultations with Gallagher Plastic Surgery practice, I was willing to pursue my desired surgery and even travel half-way across the country to their offices. I’m so glad I did. The results are outstanding, more than I even anticipated. This was the 3rd practice I had dealt with and so I was learning what to look for and knew Dr. Gallagher was a good fit. The medical expertise and professionalism are what I based my decision on to proceed. They were calmly confident for a reason. I realized at the surgery event and through to the 3 week post-op checkin the excellence in their personal care (bed side manner). The office and Dr. Gallagher communicated very well. Everything went smoothly and as planned. As nervous as I was about an unnecessary surgery, Dr. Gallagher and her team were able to build enough trust that I was able to receive a very beneficial result.

Tim F.
Dr. Gallagher and her team are the absolute best! She completed my brachioplasty on Tuesday and when I saw the initial results at my post op appointment two days later I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. My weight loss journey has been a road of many ups and downs, and I was so nervous about whether this surgery could even work for me. Even with the swelling that is normal after brachioplasty, there is an enormous difference, and I am still in disbelief that even this early on, my arms look this great. My husband was even in disbelief, and we’re so excited to see what I’ll look like in two weeks time. Dr. Gallagher is so kind and patient, and walked me through all of the phases of healing/expectations, and was great to call and check in. If you are looking for a highly skilled surgeon that will give you optimal results along with a compassionate approach, it is well worth your time and money to consider a consultation with her. I am forever thankful for her and for her team! This is life changing for me. Thank you, Dr. Gallagher! I appreciate you so much!

Melissa E.

Schedule Your Consultation

Getting started with a gender-affirming arm lift begins with a consultation at Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami.

Dr. Gallagher’s consultations are always welcoming, inclusive, and focused on helping you feel comfortable and informed from start to finish. To schedule your consultation, call (305) 204-9598 or visit gallagherplasticsurgery.com.

Dr. Gallagher frequently works with patients outside of Miami and the state of Florida. If you are interested in discussing a gender-affirming arm lift in a discreet and comfortable setting, you can also schedule a virtual consultation with her to ask any questions you may have and learn more about proceeding with your surgery.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 305-204-9598