What is an Arm Lift?

What is an arm lift? Also called brachioplasty, it is surgery to improve upper-arm contour by addressing excess skin and, when appropriate, excess fat. Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, explains the central tradeoff: removing loose skin can improve shape, but creates a permanent scar.

Originally published November 18, 2020. Device examples and adjunct treatments discussed in the recording reflect practice at that time.

Key takeaways

🔎 Fat and skin concerns

Fat and loose skin are different concerns. The episode describes liposuction for fat and direct removal of excess skin as distinct parts of treatment.

📏 Arm lift incisions

A standard arm lift often involves an incision along the inner upper arm, while an extended procedure can address tissue toward the armpit and side of the chest.

🩺 Mini arm lift

A mini arm lift uses a shorter incision for selected, more limited skin concerns; it is not interchangeable with a full arm lift.

🩹 Scar planning

Scars may fade but remain permanent. The expected location and extent deserve discussion before surgery.

🧩 Laxity and treatment options

Dr. Smith discusses less invasive tightening for selected mild-to-moderate laxity and explains why greater skin excess may need excision.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:38 — Addressing arm fat and excess skin

01:57 — Standard, extended and mini arm lifts

03:08 — The permanent scar tradeoff

03:52 — Less invasive options for selected laxity

💬 Common questions

Can liposuction replace an arm lift?

It depends on what is causing the concern. Liposuction removes fat, while an arm lift directly removes excess skin. The recording explains why skin quality and the amount of laxity matter when comparing approaches.

Will the scar disappear?

No. Dr. Smith explicitly describes the arm-lift scar as permanent, even when it heals and fades. Scar appearance varies, and the improvement in contour must be weighed against the incision required.

🔗 Related information

Compare current information about arm lift surgery, arm liposuction, and BodyTite, or schedule a consultation.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. Surgical and device treatments have risks, and results and recovery vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources