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Miami, FL
305-204-9598

Miami, FL

Arm Lift

Introduction to Arm Lift

Are you bothered by sagging skin on your arms, despite your efforts to lose weight? If so, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty. Many patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise or with the help of weight loss Semaglutide medications such as Ozempic® or Wegovy®, may experience sagging skin in the upper arms. This is because the skin stretches to accommodate the extra fat and tissue, and once the fat is gone, the skin may not retract to its original position. The result can be a “bat wing” appearance to the arms, with loose, hanging skin that can be uncomfortable, cause irritation, and make patients self-conscious.

Other patients may preferentially accumulate stubborn, difficult-to-lose arm fat, even with a good diet and exercise. We sometimes see patients who can lose weight everywhere but the arms and legs. These patients may have lipedema, which can also be effectively treated with liposuction, often accompanied by an arm lift.

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What is an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms while tightening and smoothing the underlying tissue. This results in a more contoured, youthful appearance of the arms. Dr. Gallagher in Miami often combines liposuction with brachioplasty to get a more toned look. The scars required really depend on the patient’s individual needs, and we will always do the minimum scar necessary to correct the loose skin. Some patients may combine an Elbow lift to correct loose skin or overhang on the outer arm above the elbow.

What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman with long curly hair, is seated at a desk in her office with a large window overlooking a cityscape. She is smiling and looking off to the side while holding documents and a pen.

Patients frequently describe a renewed sense of freedom in their clothing choices, no longer feeling the need to hide their arms with long sleeves or strategic poses in photos. The procedure permanently removes the sagging “bat wing” look that can cause self-consciousness, leaving behind a more youthful and athletic profile. Beyond the cosmetic improvements, many people experience a profound psychological boost, including greater body confidence, increased comfort in social settings, and even a motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

An arm lift can also eliminate annoying chafing caused by loose skin. By restoring balance between the arms and the rest of your figure, an arm lift helps you feel like you’re outside and finally reflects the effort and dedication you’ve put into your health and body.

Who are the best
canidates for an Arm Lift?

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Ideal candidates include men and women who struggle with sagging upper arm skin that does not improve with exercise alone. Often, these individuals have lost significant weight or are noticing changes in their arms due to aging or just a genetic tendency towards loose skin. You should generally be in good health, at or near a stable weight, and committed to maintaining healthy habits after surgery to preserve your results. It’s also important to have realistic expectations, as an arm lift can dramatically enhance arm shape, but it is not a weight-loss procedure in most cases. Some patients with lipedema may benefit from extra liposuction if they tend to accumulate stubborn fat in the upper arms.

What’s the First Step?

Your Arm Lift Journey with Dr. Gallagher

Your journey begins with a private consultation at Gallagher Plastic Surgery, either in Miami or virtually. Dr. Gallagher takes time to understand your concerns, answer questions, and create a customized surgical plan that aligns with your body goals. She will evaluate the condition of your skin, discuss your medical history, and explain what you can realistically expect from an arm lift. This first step is an opportunity to build trust and clarity so you feel confident moving forward. Patients often find the consultation reassuring, as it transforms uncertainty into a clear, informed pathway toward results that feel both achievable and exciting.

What to Expect on the Day of Arm Lift Surgery

During your consultation with Dr. Gallagher, she will discuss your goals and examine your arms to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. She will also discuss the details of the surgery, including the incision placement and whether liposuction may be needed to achieve the desired result. During the procedure, Dr. Gallagher will make incisions on the inner posterior arm, where they can be hidden from view. She will then remove the excess skin and fat, and tighten the remaining skin to achieve a smoother, firmer appearance.

Arm Lift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Arm Lift Care

The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and most patients can return home on the same day. Dr. Gallagher uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring and discomfort, enabling most patients to return to work within 2 weeks. We never use drains in our procedures, which also speeds up recovery and improves comfort. While some swelling and bruising are normal, most patients are pleased with their results within a few weeks.

Weight loss can be a significant accomplishment, but it can also come with its challenges. Sagging arm skin is a common issue that many patients experience, but with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Gallagher, an arm lift can provide a solution. If you are considering an arm lift after weight loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallagher to discuss your options and achieve the toned and sculpted arms you desire.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Miami?

The cost of an Arm Lift in Miami varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, whether liposuction is combined, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs. Because each surgery is highly individualized, pricing is best discussed during your consultation, where Dr. Gallagher can provide a detailed, personalized quote. Gallagher Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make your desired results more accessible.

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Why Choose Dr. Gallagher?

Choosing the right surgeon in Miami is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering an arm lift. Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher is double board-certified in general and plastic surgery, with specialized training and extensive experience in body contouring, and affiliations with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the Aesthetic Society. Her reputation extends nationally, not only for her surgical expertise but also for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. She listens carefully to your goals and tailors each procedure to deliver results that look natural, balanced, and uniquely yours.

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Arm Lift FAQ’S

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    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)

  • Dr. Gallagher (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    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. Suzanne Gallagher, a blonde woman in light green scrubs, stands next to a patient lying on a bed (only the patient's arm is visible) behind a blue curtain in what appears to be a clinical or operating room setting. She is smiling and gesturing with her right hand while her left hand is on her hip.

    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.

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    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 (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    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

If you’ve been dreaming of toned, proportionate arms that reflect your hard work and dedication, now is the time to take the next step. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gallagher is the best way to learn about your options, ask questions, and feel empowered to move forward with confidence. Call our Miami office at (305) 204-9598 today to reserve your consultation.

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

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