Arm Liposuction San Diego | Brachioplasty | Arm Lift Surgery

Arm Lift & Tightening Specialist

If you want smaller, more trim upper arms, you may avoid wearing tank tops and going sleeveless.

Perhaps you avoid showing your arms, preferring to hide them beneath sweaters and long sleeves, even in summer. If your arms seem disproportionately large or bulky or if there is loose mobile arm skin, surgery may restore your confidence by shrinking the arms and/or tightening upper arm skin. Arm liposuction or an arm lift, also called brachioplasty, results in smaller, trimmer arms you may feel more comfortable showing off!

What is the difference between arm liposuction and an arm lift, or Brachioplasty?

Arm liposuction removes fat from the upper arms through small skin openings. First, the fat compartment is enlarged with anesthetic and salt water. Then, fat is mobilized by loosening its attachment to surrounding tissue using a specialized thin sterile instrument. Once loosened, fat is suctioned out using a fine surgical tube, or “cannula.” Elastic arm skin shrinks down, leaving the arms more thin and trim. For patients who have sagging skin due to weight loss or age, the skin may not be so elastic and therefore may not shrink down after liposuction alone. Such people benefit more from removal of the loose skin along with extra arm fat. Arm liposuction alone for people with loose arm skin will cause extra skin to sag even more. In such cases, a combination of arm liposuction with brachioplasty is recommended, or just brachioplasty alone. Skillfully performed brachioplasty removes both fat and extra hanging skin. Remaining arm skin is repositioned more tightly around the arm for a more trim, thin arm shape. Skin removal of brachioplasty produces a scar in a visually obscure position along the back of the inner arm.

What can I expect from an arm liposuction procedure (Brachioplasty)?

The arm reduction procedure lasts about two hours, during which time Dr. Laverson of San Diego Feel Beautiful will perform liposuction and an arm lift to naturally taper your arms. During liposuction, Dr. Laverson will gently and carefully insert a sterile cannula through the skin using small incisions. He will move the device back and forth to break up (mobilize) fat cells, and then suction them out of the body. Dr. Laverson skillfully places incisions in the most obscure areas for minimal scarring.

Dr. Laverson will then perform an arm lift to remove excess skin from the underside of the upper arms. Your arms will be marked in the mirror with your agreement, so you’ll know in advance exactly how the procedure is performed, and where your closure and your scars will be. The lines are along the length of the arm at the inflection between the inside and the back of the arms. Dr. Laverson tightens and reshapes supportive tissue with internal sutures. The skin is then smoothed over the new contour of the arms and closed with internal absorbable sutures. These do not need to be removed. Results of an arm reduction are visible almost immediately following the procedure, though swelling is expected, and persists for many months at a low level. Improvement to the contour of your arms is permanent, provided you maintain a steady weight and good general fitness.

Ideal Candidates for Arm Liposuction

Arm liposuction is an effective solution for individuals struggling with stubborn fat in the upper arms that does not respond to diet or exercise. Ideal candidates typically have good skin elasticity, are in overall good health, and are at or near their ideal body weight. Those with excess sagging skin may be better suited for a combination of liposuction and an arm lift (brachioplasty) to achieve optimal results.

A thorough health evaluation is essential before undergoing the procedure. Factors like smoking, circulation issues, or certain medical conditions may affect eligibility. Candidates should also maintain realistic expectations about the outcome, as liposuction primarily targets fat removal and does not tighten excess skin. During your consultation at Feel Beautiful, Dr. Laverson will assess your specific concerns and recommend the best treatment plan for sculpted, toned arms.

What to expect from your arm lift recovery

After your arm lift, Dr. Laverson and his staff assist your recovery. Custom fitted elastic measured compression sleeves are

supplied from Design Veronique, Medical Z, or another luxury specialty garment provider. You’ll have arm drains for a week or so, and will wear compression vest or sleeves for about two weeks. Then, scar management includes specialized skin tape with or without silicone scar pads to flatten and to soften your scars. It is recommended you apply tape for two to three months following your procedure. Return to athletic activity is not recommended until you feel safe and comfortable doing so, usually at least one month after arm lift and/or arm liposuction.

For best results, compliance with prescribed care and physician follow-up are highly recommended.

How much does an arm liposuction surgery procedure cost in San Diego?

The cost of an arm reduction procedure depends on whether it is liposuction alone or Brachioplasty, and how much skin and/or fat must be removed. According to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an arm lift was $4,482, but this excludes anesthesia and surgery center expenses. You can also view our financing options here.

Schedule your free arm lift consultation today by calling Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery in San Diego (located in the Village of Rancho Santa Fe) today at (858) 295-4001 or booking online here.

FAQs About Arm Liposuction

Will there be scarring?

Arm liposuction involves small incisions strategically placed to minimize visibility. While some scarring is possible, Dr. Laverson uses advanced techniques to ensure they fade over time. Proper post-procedure care, including scar management treatments, can further reduce their appearance.

What are the risks and downsides?

As with any cosmetic procedure, arm liposuction carries some risks, including temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. More rarely, irregular contours or minor skin laxity may occur. A personalized consultation ensures that each patient understands potential outcomes and whether additional skin-tightening options may be beneficial.

Is arm liposuction effective for fat reduction?

Yes, arm liposuction is highly effective in removing stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. However, it is not a weight-loss solution. The best results are seen in patients who maintain a stable weight and have good skin elasticity for optimal contouring.