Arm Lift Long Island, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
The upper arms can be a source of self-consciousness for many people, especially after weight loss or with age-related skin laxity. Even with consistent exercise, sagging skin and loss of tone, often called “bat wings,” can be difficult to correct without surgery.
At Charlotte Ann Rhee, MD, PC, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rhee performs arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) to reshape and tighten the upper arms. With over 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Rhee delivers beautifully natural results through compassionate, precise care, helping her patients feel comfortable, confident, and strong in their own skin.
Remove excess skin and fat to sculpt the upper arms
2–3 hours
General anesthesia
1–2 weeks for light activity; 4–6 weeks for full recovery
Sleeker, smoother, and more toned upper arms
Patients with sagging or loose skin due to weight loss or aging
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arms by removing excess skin and small pockets of fat in the area between the elbow and armpit. The result is a smoother contour that looks natural and proportionate to the rest of the body.
While weight loss and exercise can tone underlying muscles, they cannot tighten stretched skin or restore lost elasticity. An arm lift provides the finishing touch, restoring firmness and definition to the arms for a more youthful, confident appearance.
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia at Dr. Rhee’s accredited surgical facility.
During the procedure, Dr. Rhee makes a discreet incision along the inner or back side of the upper arm, with the placement depending on your anatomy and the extent of correction needed. Through this incision, she removes excess skin and fat, tightens the underlying tissue, and smooths the remaining skin over the new contour.
In some cases, liposuction may be combined with brachioplasty to refine arm shape and enhance results. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incision is closed with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring, and a compression garment is applied to support healing.
Brachioplasty is designed to correct issues related to skin laxity and tissue looseness, including:
By tightening and lifting the tissue, an arm lift restores a firmer, more sculpted shape that moves naturally with the body.
The primary focus of an arm lift is the upper arm area, from the elbow to the armpit. However, the results can also enhance the overall appearance of the shoulders and torso. For more comprehensive sculpting, many patients combine an arm lift with other contouring procedures, such as a thigh lift, tummy tuck, or breast lift.
An arm lift offers both physical and emotional benefits, making it one of the most rewarding body contouring procedures for post-weight-loss patients and those seeking age-related rejuvenation.
Key benefits include:
For many patients, surgery represents the final step in a journey of transformation, allowing them to fully embrace their results.
You may be an ideal candidate for an arm lift if you:
Dr. Rhee will assess your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals during a private consultation to determine whether an arm lift will provide the best outcome.
After surgery, you’ll wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the new arm contour. Light movement is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation, while strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Dr. Rhee provides detailed post-operative care instructions and follows each patient closely to ensure optimal comfort and healing.
Arm lift results are visible immediately after surgery, with continued improvement as swelling subsides. The arms appear smoother, tighter, and more defined.
Scars are carefully placed to remain as discreet as possible and will fade significantly over time. With a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, the results of brachioplasty can last for many years, restoring balance, comfort, and confidence to your overall appearance.
When you come to see Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee, you’re choosing a board-certified female plastic surgeon known for her surgical expertise and compassionate, patient-centered approach. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Rhee has helped countless patients across Long Island achieve natural, elegant results that reflect their inner confidence.
Her boutique-style practice in Huntington Station, NY, offers a warm, discreet environment where every patient receives care, respect, and attention to detail. Dr. Rhee’s philosophy—“A woman knows”—is reflected in her dedication to creating results that feel authentic, feminine, and empowering.
The procedure typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on the amount of tissue being removed and whether liposuction is performed.
A limited-scar arm lift, also known as a mini arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and smooth the upper arms using smaller, more discreet incisions than a traditional arm lift. It’s ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want to refine their arms' contours without extensive scarring. By focusing on the inner upper arm, this approach delivers firmer, more youthful-looking arms with minimal recovery time.
Yes, but Dr. Rhee places incisions along natural contours of the inner or back arm to minimize visibility. Scars fade over time with proper care.
Liposuction can remove fat, but it doesn’t address skin laxity. Depending on your needs, a combination of liposuction and an arm lift may be recommended for optimal results.
Discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well managed with medication. Most patients describe soreness similar to a deep workout for a few days.
By maintaining a stable weight and healthy habits, you can enjoy your arm lift results for many years. Aging may naturally affect skin elasticity, but improvements remain long-lasting.
