310-288-0641 Menu

Sagging, loose skin in the upper arms can prevent patients from enjoying sleeveless clothing and swimwear and can lower self-confidence. Whether this condition stems from the aging process or massive weight loss, a surgical arm lift in Beverly Hills can beautifully restore a youthful physique, picking up the slack where dieting and exercise have been ineffective. Dr. Cohen’s precision, artistry, and extensive body contouring expertise make him the ideal choice for optimizing your upper body appearance.

What is an arm lift?

While excess drooping skin and fat in the upper arms are mostly considered cosmetic problems, in certain individuals, they can lead to rashes, chafing, and skin irritation. Arm lift surgery, also called brachioplasty, is performed to reshape and sculpt the area, providing the patient with a more toned, youthful silhouette and increased self-confidence. Dr. Cohen may combine your arm lift in Beverly Hills with liposuction to further refine and augment your results.

What concerns can be addressed by an arm lift?

  • Excess sagging skin
  • Drooping contours
  • Loss of firmness and elasticity
  • Pockets of stubborn fat
  • Bat wings
  • Chafing and irritation

Who makes an ideal candidate for the procedure?

Patients with redundant skin and fat that is localized in the upper arms can benefit tremendously from a strategic arm lift in Beverly Hills. The procedure is ideal for those who have finished shedding pounds and are now at a stable weight. Patients who wish to lose more weight should pause until they have plateaued before pursuing the surgery. 

As with any cosmetic treatment, clients should be non-smokers of sound mind and body who are realistic in what they hope to accomplish with their procedure. Dr. Cohen will conduct a thorough, detailed consultation to ensure an arm lift is an ideal solution for your concerns.

woman sitting by window drinking coffee

What are the different techniques used to perform an arm lift?

Dr. Cohen has several different incision options at his disposal, and he will select the best approach based on your unique needs and anatomy. At all times, he will go above and beyond to ensure that your incisions are well-hidden and that scarring is minimized. Techniques may include the following:

A short-scar arm lift

Here, Dr. Cohen can excise a small amount of excess skin from the inner arm with the incision concealed within the axilla (armpit.)

A limited incision arm lift

This approach may be useful in treating a moderate amount of skin ptosis in the upper arms. The incision runs from the midpoint of the arm to the armpit.

A traditional arm lift

The incision stretches from the elbow to the armpit. A T-shaped incision may also be used, or a Z-plasty technique to minimize postoperative scarring.

An extended arm lift

Here, Dr. Cohen will address severe skin ptosis using an incision that travels from the elbow to the armpit and then extends to the lateral chest wall and breast.

How can I best prepare for surgery?

Dr. Cohen will go over the medications you are currently taking and ensure your body is well-prepared for surgery. He will counsel you on the risks and benefits of your procedure and discuss your expectations, answering any outstanding questions. You should arrange ahead of time to have a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure and create a comfortable space in your home to support your recovery process. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time to reduce stress.

What happens during the procedure?

Dr. Cohen performs arm lifts in Beverly Hills on an outpatient basis under twilight or general anesthesia, according to your previously discussed treatment plan. The length of the procedure will depend on the extent of the work performed and on whether any additional treatments such as liposuction are undergone in tandem with brachioplasty. Once your incisions are made, Dr. Cohen will remove the excess sagging skin, tightening and toning the upper arm contours. He will then close the wounds with fine sutures and place you in the recovery suite.

What can I expect from my recovery?

Dr. Cohen will provide you with detailed instructions for wound care, bathing, sleeping, resuming exercise, and returning to work. He’ll send you home with pain medications and antibiotics. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising in the arms that last several weeks after surgery. Taking gentle walks during your early recovery can assist in restoring proper blood flow and circulation, reducing the risk of complications, and elevating your mood. In general, patients can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks. Heavy lifting and rigorous exercise can be resumed within about 6 weeks.

Why choose Dr. Cohen for an arm lift?

Dr. Cohen is an accomplished, renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is lauded for his outstanding cosmetic results and a cutting-edge practice environment. He constantly strives to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest advances in the industry, ensuring his clients receive the most up-to-date techniques and enhanced safety protocols.

Dr. Cohen received hands-on training at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, earning top honors as a surgeon while publishing multiple research papers. His work appeared in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Cohen was then chosen for an elite Ivy League plastic and reconstructive surgery program at Dartmouth (Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center). Passionate about giving back, Dr. Cohen participated in a 3-week medical initiative in North Vietnam, repairing cleft lip and palate deformities in children.

Dr. Cohen in dark shirt and sport coat.

Arm Lift FAQs

Will an arm lift improve my appearance after major weight loss?

Yes. An arm lift can be instrumental in achieving a slimmer, more streamlined upper body appearance.

What procedures can be combined with an arm lift?

An arm lift can be combined with any mommy makeover procedures, including liposuction, a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, breast reduction, a thigh lift, or facial rejuvenation with fillers.

Is there scarring after an arm lift?

Dr. Cohen’s meticulous attention to detail and conservative surgical approach help to greatly minimize scarring. However, scars will always exist any time incisions are created in the skin. We can offer recommendations for medical-grade scar creams, and a scar revision procedure can be performed down the line if required.

Is an arm lift painful?

During surgery, you will be fully sedated, and you will not feel any pain or remember anything. After surgery, you’ll receive prescription pain medications to help mitigate discomfort during the first few days. After that, you can take Tylenol as needed. Most patients find the arm lift process to be quite manageable and well worth it for the age-reversing results.

What can I expect from my consultation?

Dr. Cohen will meet with you in private to perform an in-depth physical evaluation and a thorough review of your medical history. He will answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan that resolves your aesthetic concerns. Dr. Cohen will show you before and after photos and help to shape your expectations in accordance with your unique anatomical parameters. Through education and information, Dr. Cohen will empower you to make the best choices for your appearance and well-being.

We would love to meet you.

Schedule aConsultation

Schedule