Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Gig Harbor, WA
Reshape and firm the upper arms with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Loose, sagging skin on the upper arms is one of the most common concerns patients bring to Dr. Larsen — and one that diet and exercise simply can't address. Whether it's the result of significant weight loss, aging, or genetics, excess arm skin can affect how you feel in sleeveless clothing and how you carry yourself day to day.
A brachioplasty, or arm lift, removes this excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to create a smoother, more defined arm contour. When combined with liposuction, it can also address stubborn fat for a more complete result.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
An arm lift may be right for you if you:
Have excess, sagging, or loose skin on the upper arms
Have experienced significant weight loss and are at or near a stable goal weight
Notice that arm skin doesn't respond to exercise or toning
Are bothered by the appearance of your upper arms in everyday clothing
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Dr. Larsen evaluates each patient individually during consultation, assessing skin laxity, tissue quality, and your goals to determine whether brachioplasty alone, liposuction alone, or a combination approach will best achieve your desired outcome.
Procedure Overview
Surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient facility and patients return home the same day.
Duration: 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of correction
Anesthesia: General
Technique: Removal of excess skin and tissue; liposuction may be incorporated to address stubborn fat deposits
Incisions: Typically placed along the inner arm, from the elbow toward the armpit, positioned to minimize visibility
The length and placement of incisions depend on the amount of skin being removed. Dr. Larsen will discuss scar placement and what to expect in detail during your consultation.
Recovery
Most patients find recovery very manageable with a few adjustments to daily routine. Here's what to expect:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the arms are normal. Light walking is encouraged. Arms should be kept elevated when possible to reduce swelling. A compression garment is typically worn.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising fades and swelling gradually improves. Most patients return to desk work and light activities. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling.
Weeks 3–4 Arm mobility continues to improve. Light lower-body exercise may resume. Dr. Larsen will advise when it's appropriate to resume upper-body movement.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and exercise can fully resume. Scars will continue to mature and fade over the following months.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits to monitor your healing throughout recovery.
Results
An arm lift creates a firmer, smoother upper arm contour — results that are immediately visible and long-lasting when weight remains stable.
Swelling and bruising resolve over the first few weeks
Final arm contour becomes fully apparent at 3–6 months as swelling fully subsides and scars mature
Scars fade significantly over time, typically becoming much less noticeable within 12–18 months
Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps preserve your results long term. Dr. Larsen will discuss realistic expectations for your specific anatomy during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scars? Scarring is an inevitable part of any brachioplasty. Dr. Larsen places incisions along the inner arm to minimize visibility, and scars typically fade considerably over time. For most patients, the improvement in arm contour far outweighs the appearance of the scar — but this is an important part of the discussion during your consultation.
Can liposuction alone achieve the same result? Liposuction is very effective at removing excess fat but does not address loose or sagging skin. For patients with significant skin laxity, brachioplasty — with or without liposuction — is typically needed to achieve a smooth, toned appearance.
Is brachioplasty right after weight loss surgery? Many patients pursue an arm lift after bariatric surgery or major weight loss. Dr. Larsen recommends waiting until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months before proceeding, to ensure the best and most lasting results.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures? Yes. Brachioplasty is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast lift — particularly as part of a post-weight loss body contouring plan. Dr. Larsen will help determine what can safely be combined in a single surgery.
What does an arm lift cost? Pricing depends on your individual surgical plan and whether liposuction is incorporated. Financing options are available —learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results. Learn more about Dr. Larsen →
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if an arm lift is right for you.