Weight often has some unintended side effects. For example, it may leave you with very loose, lax skin in your arms. This can lead to some flabbiness and may cause you to feel self-conscious about the way your clothing fits. A simple way to address this issue is through a plastic surgery procedure known as an arm lift or brachioplasty.
Dr. Gandolfi can help you eliminate lax and saggy skin under your arms with an arm lift. If you live in New York City, schedule a consultation today to achieve a more toned appearance of your upper arms.
Whenever you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate. If you then lose some of that weight, your skin may lack the elasticity needed to stretch and snap back into place. This loss of skin elasticity can lead to extra folds of skin and tissue, and one of the areas where those folds are most likely to form is under your arms.
Brachioplasty surgery is a body contouring procedure designed to specifically reshape your arms for a more smooth, slimmed down appearance with a natural-looking arm curve.
Arm lifts can be a viable option if you feel uncomfortable about the appearance of your arms, particularly if you have undergone significant fluctuations in body weight. Additionally, this procedure may provide relief if you frequently get rashes, infections, or other skin problems under your arms and your arms are easily irritated by clothing.
Prior to your visit, your journey will begin with an initial phone call with a member of our team to discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals. At your in-person consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will examine your skin, ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery, and give you detailed information about your treatment options. If your skin laxity is more pronounced, he will recommend an arm lift as the most sensible and effective option.
However, if you have minor skin laxity issues, Dr. Gandolfi may suggest a non-surgical alternative, such as liposuction and BodyTite.
Surgery will begin with your arrival at our surgical center, where you will receive a warm welcome from our surgical team. They will guide you to your AAAASF-accredited operating suite and place you under anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Dr. Gandolfi will then make incisions under your arm, strategically positioned so that your scars are not visible unless your arms are raised. Through these incisions, Dr. Gandolfi will carefully remove excess folds of tissue and fat, pulling the skin of your arm tight for a beautiful-looking, natural contour. In some cases, Dr. Gandolfi may combine an arm lift with non-surgical methods such as BodyTite to achieve optimal results.
A brachioplasty can treat:
An arm lift focuses on the upper arm, from the elbow to the underarm, but can also improve contour around the axilla (underarm) and lateral chest for seamless transitions.
Patients choose arm lift surgery to reclaim shape and balance. Benefits include smoother skin, enhanced arm definition, and the confidence to wear sleeveless clothing. Beyond aesthetic refinement, patients often report an improved sense of comfort and self-assurance in their daily movements.
Dr. Gandolfi’s method emphasizes proportion and natural flow, ensuring the arms complement the rest of the physique. The result is a rejuvenated silhouette—refined yet effortless.
You may be a candidate if you have significant skin laxity or excess tissue on the upper arms that has not improved with exercise or weight management. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good health with stable weight and realistic expectations.
Whether after weight loss, aging, or simply a desire for refinement, Dr. Gandolfi tailors each treatment to fit your anatomy and lifestyle goals.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
Soon after, you will be waking up in our recovery room. Following your surgery, you will need to rest and recover for a few days, giving your body a chance to heal. It will be essential for you to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or raising your arms for several weeks. Dr. Gandolfi will advise you as to when you can resume your normal activities.
Some soreness is to be expected after any plastic surgery. Most physical discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications, although Dr. Gandolfi may recommend prescription pain medicine if needed.
Prior to being discharged, you will receive all the guidelines you need concerning diet, bathing, and caring for your incisions. By carefully following these guidelines, you can minimize the visibility of your scarring and promote optimal results.
Results from arm lift surgery are visible within weeks and continue to refine as swelling resolves. The upper arms appear firmer, smoother, and better defined, with improved proportions and restored tone.
Because excess skin and fat are permanently removed, results are long-lasting when supported by healthy habits and a stable weight. For many, the transformation extends beyond aesthetics, with many patients reporting renewed ease, confidence, and comfort in motion.
Unwanted arm skin is a common issue, particularly if you’ve gone through major weight changes. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Gandolfi, can help you determine if you are a good candidate for an arm lift. With training from Duke University and UCLA, and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, his surgical philosophy blends structural understanding with aesthetic vision, ensuring natural and harmonious outcomes.
Patients trust his meticulous approach, discreet care, and refined results. At his boutique Manhattan practice, you’ll experience the ideal combination of modern innovation and timeless artistry, delivered with warmth, empathy, and excellence. Enhance the appearance of your arms by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi at our practice at (212) 287-7211.
Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks after an arm lift, with more strenuous exercise resumed around four to six weeks. Swelling and tightness are normal and typically improve gradually as the arms heal and their contours refine.
An arm lift involves an incision along the inner arm to remove excess skin and fat, which typically results in a scar. Dr. Gandolfi uses advanced incision placement and closure techniques to minimize scar visibility. Over time, scars fade and can often be treated with lasers or topical therapy to further refine their appearance.
Yes. The arm lift procedure permanently removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue. However, natural aging, weight fluctuations, and gravity can affect results over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a regular fitness routine helps preserve your long-term outcome.
You may be a candidate if you have loose, sagging skin on your upper arms due to significant weight loss, aging, or a combination of these factors. Ideal patients are at or near their goal weight, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations for recovery and results.
Yes. Many patients combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, or liposuction for comprehensive rejuvenation after weight loss. Dr. Gandolfi customizes each plan to ensure balance, safety, and natural proportion across all treated areas.
The cost of an arm lift surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the amount of excess skin to be removed, and whether additional contouring techniques are included. During your consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will provide a detailed, personalized estimate and discuss all available financing options.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon treating patients in the NYC community. Through a combination of artistic skill and advanced clinical methodologies, Dr. Gandolfi provides his patients with natural-looking, harmonious results. His practice focuses on bespoke solutions to meet individual patient needs, offering treatments such as tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, Mommy Makeovers, and Brazilian Butt Lifts. Additionally, Dr. Gandolfi and his team are committed to offering the optimal patient experience and customer service that exceeds expectations.
