What Is an Arm Lift?
The upper arms are one of the most common areas for men and women to store unwanted fatty tissue or develop baggy skin. Weight loss, age or genetics can leave you with flabby upper arms that don’t seem to respond to weight training, aerobics or dieting. Upper arm lift surgery, also called brachioplasty, from Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Francesco Campanile can help individuals interested in fine-tuning their upper bodies achieve more toned and youthful-looking upper arms.
At Campanile Plastic Surgery, we understand that the way you look doesn’t always reflect how you feel on the inside. That’s why we encourage post-weight loss individuals or those experiencing undesirable effects of age to learn about their cosmetic options so they can move forward with confidence. By removing loose skin and excess fat to reveal leaner, more sculpted arms, arm lifts can put the finishing touch on your weight loss journey or give aging arms enhanced definition.
Practicing plastic surgery since 1997 and specializing exclusively in body contouring and breast enhancement, Dr. Campanile brings his extensive training and experience to each arm lift, customizing each procedure to ensure that you get excellent results that reflect your cosmetic goals.
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In addition to being a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience, Dr. Francesco Campanile prides himself on his personable, caring approach.
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Francesco Campanile’s considerable experience performing arm lifts has led him to develop skillful techniques that minimize scarring.
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Campanile also offers a range of other body contouring procedures that can enhance your arm lift results and help you reach your goal figure.
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The Best Candidates for an Arm Lift
An arm lift can be ideal for men and women who are bothered by loose, sagging skin along the upper arms that does not improve with diet or exercise. Good candidates are in good overall health, at a stable, healthy weight and have realistic expectations about their results.
This procedure is especially common after significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity and is best suited for those who are nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before surgery.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms to create a smoother, more toned shape. Some of the primary benefits of this popular body contouring procedure include:
- A firmer, more defined upper arm appearance.
- Removal of loose or hanging skin.
- Improved arm proportions relative to the body.
- Enhanced comfort during physical activity.
- Long-lasting results with stable weight maintenance.
Your Arm Lift Consultation
The first step in planning your personalized arm lift procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Campanile. During this visit, Dr. Campanile will listen to your specific goals and concerns, evaluate your level of skin elasticity, fat distribution and overall arm shape and help you decide if an arm lift is the best procedure for you.
You’ll also discuss surgical options, incision placement, recovery expectations and whether combining an arm lift with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or body lift may be beneficial. This consultation ensures you have a clear understanding of the procedure and feel confident moving forward with a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Request a Consultation
The first step in achieving your ideal figure is scheduling your consultation with Dr. Campanile. Contact us today to get started! We look forward to helping you feel great about your body.
Procedure Preparation Guide: Arm Lift
As one of the surgeries with the highest satisfaction rate, an upper arm lift can be an excellent option for helping you feel and look your best. However, as with other surgeries, proper preparation is key to ensuring an excellent outcome. The following set of guidelines will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare, from your initial consultation all the way through recovery.
- Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery
Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery
Getting ready for your arm lift cosmetic surgery will start long before the day of your procedure. Prior to your appointment, there are several things you can do that may aid in both reducing the potential for surgical complications as well as facilitating healing after your procedure:
- Personal Considerations
Personal Considerations
- Have a friend or family member available to drive you to your appointment and home afterward. You should also have someone who can stay with you during the first 24 hours that you’re home.
- Work out alternate arrangements for childcare during your recovery, or any other household tasks you may need assistance with.
- Have someone help with meal preparations, or cook and freeze meals ahead of time yourself.
- Rearrange your work schedule to have any important meetings or projects take place either before your surgery or after you’ve recovered.
- Take care of anything you can ahead of time, like paying bills or getting yard work finished.
- Physical Considerations
Physical Considerations
- Shower before your surgery, making sure to wash the underside of your arm and your sides with antimicrobial soap. Don’t apply any makeup or lotion after your shower.
- Dress in clothing that’s simple to get on and off. A shirt that buttons down the front will be easier to manage than pulling one over your head.
- Let Dr. Campanile know if you are currently on any prescriptions, as well as any vitamins or supplements you may be taking.
- Quit smoking at least 14 days before your surgery, and give your body another two smoke-free weeks after you come home, or longer if possible.
- Arm Lift Recovery Tips
Arm Lift Recovery Tips
Most patients report feeling tired and a little sore after their arm lift. This is how the body lets you know that you need to rest in order to heal more quickly.
- Campanile may have you wear special compression sleeves to aid healing.
- Light activities can often be resumed in just a few days.
- Avoid activities that will put strain on your arms for at least four weeks.
- Regular exercise can be resumed after Dr. Campanile gives the okay.
The most important thing to keep in mind throughout recovery is to let your body heal at its own pace and not force the process. You can aid healing by giving your body the best tools available for recovery:
- Follow any special recovery instructions from Dr. Campanile.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid stress or overly physical activities.
- Drink lots of fluids, and eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits.
If you have any other questions or concerns about the possibility of an arm lift from our Denver practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 720-336-4598.
Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery
Getting ready for your arm lift cosmetic surgery will start long before the day of your procedure. Prior to your appointment, there are several things you can do that may aid in both reducing the potential for surgical complications as well as facilitating healing after your procedure
Personal Considerations:
- Have a friend or family member available to drive you to your appointment and home afterward. You should also have someone who can stay with you during the first 24 hours that you’re home.
- Work out alternate arrangements for childcare during your recovery, or any other household tasks you may need assistance with.
- Have someone help with meal preparations, or cook and freeze meals ahead of time yourself.
- Rearrange your work schedule to have any important meetings or projects take place either before your surgery or after you’ve recovered.
- Take care of anything you can ahead of time, like paying bills or getting yard work finished.
Physical Considerations:
- Shower before your surgery, making sure to wash the underside of your arm and your sides with antimicrobial soap. Don’t apply any makeup or lotion after your shower.
- Dress in clothing that’s simple to get on and off. A shirt that buttons down the front will be easier to manage than pulling one over your head.
- Let Dr. Campanile know if you are currently on any prescriptions, as well as any vitamins or supplements you may be taking.
- Quit smoking at least 14 days before your surgery, and give your body another two smoke-free weeks after you come home, or longer if possible.
Arm Lift Recovery Tips
Most patients report feeling tired and a little sore after their arm lift. This is how the body lets you know that you need to rest in order to heal more quickly.
- Campanile may have you wear special compression sleeves to aid healing.
- Light activities can often be resumed in just a few days.
- Avoid activities that will put strain on your arms for at least four weeks.
- Regular exercise can be resumed after Dr. Campanile gives the okay.
The most important thing to keep in mind throughout recovery is to let your body heal at its own pace and not force the process. You can aid healing by giving your body the best tools available for recovery:
- Follow any special recovery instructions from Dr. Campanile.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid stress or overly physical activities.
- Drink lots of fluids, and eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits.
If you have any other questions or concerns about the possibility of an arm lift from our Denver practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 720-336-4591.
Your Arm Lift Procedure
To begin an arm lift, Dr. Campanile carefully marks the arm to indicate incision locations and the areas of skin to be removed. The incisions are placed in the underarm and along the inside of the arm to help reduce noticeable scarring.
Through these incisions, Dr. Campanile removes excess fat and tissue before tightening the remaining skin for a leaner appearance. Dr. Campanile can also include liposuction with your arm lift for added contouring.
The incisions are then closed and bandaged. An arm lift typically takes between 2 and 3 hours to contour both arms. Most people are able to return to their normal routines within 10 to 14 days, taking care to avoid more strenuous activities for an additional several weeks.
Arm Lift Recovery
Most patients feel tired and experience mild soreness after an arm lift, which is a normal part of the healing process and a signal to rest. Dr. Campanile may recommend wearing compression sleeves to help reduce swelling and support proper healing. Light activities can often be resumed within a few days, but movements that strain the arms should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Regular exercise can gradually be reintroduced once Dr. Campanile clears you to do so.
Throughout recovery, it’s important to allow your body to heal at its own pace rather than rushing the process. Following Dr. Campanile’s post-operative instructions, getting plenty of rest, managing stress, staying well hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet with fresh fruits and vegetables can all support a smoother recovery.
Arm Lift Results
You should notice an immediate improvement in the contour of your upper arms after surgery, though swelling and bruising in the early weeks can temporarily camouflage your results. As healing progresses and swelling subsides, results will continue to develop and refine.
Most patients see initial results within the first few weeks, with final arm lift results becoming visible around 3 to 6 months after surgery. Scars will continue to soften and fade over time, typically improving for up to a year or more. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, arm lift results are long-lasting and can significantly boost comfort and confidence in sleeveless clothing.
Request a consultation to get started on your arm lift journey. And if you haven’t already, be sure to view our arm lift before and after photos to see the results Dr. Campanile has achieved for his patients. We’re here for you every step of the way and look forward to meeting with you.
Arm Lift FAQs
How much does an arm lift cost in Denver?
The cost of your arm lift at our Denver office will depend on factors like your specific goals, surgical techniques used and whether you choose to combine other procedures with an arm lift. We can provide you with a personalized arm lift cost estimate at the time of your consultation. For more information about plastic surgery pricing or financing options, please contact us.
Does insurance cover the cost of arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not usually covered by insurance. In some cases, however, arm lift surgery may be deemed medically necessary, and coverage may be possible.
What’s a good age for brachioplasty?
There is no ideal age for an arm lift, and the right time for you will depend on factors like your goals, overall health, symptoms and stage of life. Patients commonly consider brachioplasty after significant weight loss or age-related skin changes.
How painful is an arm lift?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days, though this is well managed with medication and should gradually improve as healing continues.
What are the risks involved?
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, swelling and changes in sensation, though Dr. Campanile takes every precaution to minimize these risks as much as possible.
How long do arm lift results last?
Arm lift results are long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, though natural aging can affect skin firmness over time.
Written By: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing plastic surgery since 1997. He specializes exclusively in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures, including the innovative C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck™ technique developed at his Denver clinic.
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Last Reviewed: February 3rd, 2026
