Arm Lift in Metro Detroit
Brachioplasty for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Loose, hanging skin on the upper arms can make you feel stuck. You can train hard and still see a soft, droopy look that shows in sleeveless tops. This is common after major weight loss. It is also common with aging, when skin elasticity decreases. An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes excess skin and can reduce stubborn fat to create a tighter, cleaner upper arm contour.
At DeRosa Plastic Surgery, we plan arm lift surgery around your anatomy and your goals. We serve patients across Metro Detroit, with many patients coming from communities close to our West Bloomfield office, including Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Bloomfield Township.
Schedule an arm lift consultation
Call 248-688-7597 or request a consultation online. You will get a clear plan for scars, recovery, and results.
What an arm lift does
An arm lift removes excess loose skin from the upper arms to improve shape and definition. It can also remove fat when fat contributes to bulk. The goal is a smoother upper arm contour that looks better in fitted clothing and feels better in motion.
Arm lift goals
- Remove loose, hanging skin from the upper arm.
- Reduce upper arm fullness when fat contributes to size.
- Improve arm shape from the front, side, and back.
- Improve symmetry between arms.
- Support confidence in sleeveless clothing.
What an arm lift does not do
- It does not replace strength training.
- It is not a weight loss procedure.
- It cannot stop future skin aging.
- It cannot remove every stretch mark.
Why upper arm skin gets loose
Upper arm skin stretches when the arm expands in size. If you lose weight, skin may not fully tighten back. Elasticity can also decrease with age, sun exposure, and genetics. Many patients notice a combination of loose skin plus a soft layer of fat under the skin. This combination creates the classic arm hang that shows when you raise your arm or wave.
Exercise builds muscle. It does not remove excess skin. If loose skin is the main issue, surgery is often the only option that can deliver a meaningful change.
Arm lift candidates
Most arm lift patients want a tighter arm shape and feel frustrated by skin that does not respond to fitness. The best candidates have stable weight and realistic expectations about scars. Brachioplasty always involves an incision, and scar acceptance is part of the decision.
- You have loose upper arm skin that does not tighten with exercise.
- You have stable weight and want a more defined arm contour.
- You have good general health and can follow recovery restrictions.
- You do not use nicotine, or you are willing to stop before and after surgery.
- You understand scar placement and scar maturation timelines.
Arm lift technique and incision planning
There is no single incision pattern that fits every patient. The right plan depends on how much skin is loose, where it hangs, and whether fat reduction should be included. A common approach places the incision along the inner arm where it is less visible when your arms are down. In some patients, the incision can extend toward the chest to improve folds in the upper arm and side chest region when needed.
Your consultation should include a direct scar discussion. You should know where scars sit, how long they typically look pink, and what scar care will look like in the months after surgery. The goal is a scar you can live with in exchange for tighter arm contour.
Arm lift with liposuction
If your arms have both skin laxity and stubborn fat, your plan may include liposuction as part of brachioplasty. Liposuction can help reduce bulk and improve transitions into the shoulder and chest. Skin quality matters. If skin is very loose, lipo alone can make the skin look worse. In that case, skin removal is the priority.
You can learn more about fat reduction options here:
Liposuction.
Arm lift after weight loss
Many arm lift patients have lost a significant amount of weight and feel proud of their progress, but they still deal with loose skin. This is common after bariatric surgery or major lifestyle weight loss. An upper arm lift can be part of a broader contour plan that addresses multiple areas with excess skin.
If you lost a large amount of weight and have loose skin in more than one area, review these related resources on our site:
Arm lift recovery and downtime
Recovery depends on your surgical plan and whether liposuction was included. Most patients have swelling and soreness early. You may wear compression to support healing and help manage swelling. You will also have lifting restrictions to protect incisions and reduce strain.
Typical recovery milestones
- First week: rest, walking, swelling control, incision care.
- Weeks two to four: return to many daily routines with lifting limits.
- Weeks four to six: gradual return to exercise as cleared by your surgeon.
- Months three to six: scars mature and arm contour continues to settle.
Your final contour takes time. Swelling and firmness can hide results early. Most patients see steady improvement over the first several months, then continued scar improvement beyond that.
Risks and safety considerations
All surgery carries risk. Your consultation should cover complications that matter for arm lift surgery, including scarring, wound healing delays, asymmetry, sensation changes, and fluid buildup. Your plan should also address factors that affect healing, like nicotine use, medication changes, and weight stability.
If you want to review common surgery questions before your visit, see our
FAQ page.
Why choose DeRosa Plastic Surgery for an arm lift in Metro Detroit
A strong arm lift result depends on planning, incision placement, and clean contour transitions. Dr. Amy P. DeRosa is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Our team focuses on safety, communication, and results that look natural in real life.
You can learn more about Dr. DeRosa on our
About page.
You can also read patient feedback on our
Reviews and Testimonials page.
Arm lift near West Bloomfield. Local areas we serve.
Our office is in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Many arm lift patients come from nearby communities within about five miles, including Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Bloomfield Township. If you want brachioplasty near you, schedule a consultation and get a plan that matches your skin quality, scar tolerance, and goals.
Contact info
Phone: 248-688-7597
Address: 33200 W. 14 Mile Road, Suite 180, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Office Hours: M to F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Fax: 248-498-6060
Arm lift FAQ
What is brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is an arm lift procedure that removes excess skin and can reduce fat of the upper arms to create a tighter, more contoured appearance.
Will an arm lift help after major weight loss?
Many patients have loose arm skin after major weight loss. An arm lift removes excess skin that does not tighten with exercise.
Will I have scars after an arm lift?
Yes. An arm lift requires an incision. Scar placement depends on how much skin needs removal. Scars typically improve over time with proper care.
Can I combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures?
Sometimes. Many patients combine procedures as part of a broader contour plan, especially after weight loss. Your surgeon will recommend what is safe based on your health and recovery needs.
How do I get started?
Call 248-688-7597 or request a consultation through our
contact page.
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Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Individual outcomes vary.
Before And After
