Arm Lift Cost

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Arm lifting, known as brachioplasty, is an aesthetic surgery that removes excess skin, creating a rejuvenated and toned appearance.

Brachioplasty is a simple surgery compared to other aesthetic treatments, has long-term positive effects, and can be performed on both women and men. It can be performed surgically (with an incision) or by laser lipolysis (without an incision). The procedure is not painful and requires a one-day hospital stay.

How Much Does an Arm Lift or Brachioplasty Cost?

The average cost of an arm lift procedure is $5,000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics. This price does not include the costs of the surgery room, anesthesia, and others.

The plastic surgeon’s fee will depend on various factors such as his experience, geographical location and length, and type of procedure.

Which are the additional costs?

Some extra costs related to the arm lift surgery may include:

• surgeon’s fee;
• anesthesia fee;
• medication prescriptions;
• expenses associated with the surgical facility or the hospital operating room;
• post-surgery garments;
• other procedure and follow-up visits;
• expenses with the medical tests.

The cost of the surgery room time

According to an article in an online magazine for supply chain professionals and operating room management, the cost of using a surgical facility or a hospital surgery room would be anywhere between $25 and $150 per minute, with an average cost of $70 per minute.

The cost of the general anesthesia

Typically, the cost of general anesthesia is calculated in fifteen-minute increments after the first half hour. The first half hour costs around $450, and another $170 are added after every fifteen minutes.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Liftique, Facelifting, or BeautiFill.

Is the cost of arm lift surgery covered by insurance?

In general, the costs of the arm lift procedure are not covered by your health insurance. Though, the majority of medical offices provide financing programs for their clients. So, make sure to ask about it when planning to have an arm lift surgery.

What to expect in the case of the Brachioplasty procedure?

The procedure can be done in a hospital or on an outpatient basis. Sometimes, the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only one part of the body. In other cases, general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious, is recommended.

During the arm lifting procedure

The plastic surgeon will make incisions on the lower part of the arms. The length and pattern of the incisions depend on how much skin will be removed. After making incisions, the surgeon will reapproximate the tissues and join them with sutures. It could also use a liposuction technique to remove fat (liposuction). Your skin will then be repositioned over the new contours and excess skin will be removed. Sutures will be used to close the incisions. The procedure usually lasts up to two hours.

After the arm lifting procedure

Then, the incisions will be covered in bandages. Your arms will be wrapped loosely in elastic bandages to minimize inflammation. Small tubes may also be inserted into the arms to drain blood or excess fluid. The surgeon will remove your bandages and drainage tube. You will probably have to wear a compression bandage for a few weeks after the surgery.

What are the risks of Brachioplasty?

Although they occur exceptionally, the possible risks of Brachioplasty are:

• hematoma that may require reoperation, usually in the evening after the surgery;
• infections;
• reduction in local sensitivity, which usually disappears after 6 months;
• delayed healing (skin necrosis), especially in the case of smokers.

Who is a perfect candidate for arm lift surgery?

The ideal candidate for brachioplasty surgery is anyone who has an excess of fat and skin (due to old age or weight fluctuations) in the arms.

More specifically, there are three types of patients who can apply for Brachioplasty:

• patients who feel complex when undressing in front of others due to loosening skin (generally in cases of massive weight loss through diets or bariatric surgery in obese patients);
• patients motivated by aesthetic reasons, related to skin aging, those patients who want to eliminate sagging skin, unsightly wrinkles, or stretch marks;
• patients who experience daily functional discomfort, due to the difficulty of dressing and moving their arms, especially due to excess fat, accompanied by excess skin.

Also, the ideal candidate is a physically healthy patient who does not have any disease or medical condition that can make healing difficult.

How long does it take to see the final results?

The final results of an arm lift surgery can be seen after approximately 2 months. The patient must be patient for the swelling and small bruises to decrease gradually, then the outline of the arms will begin to reveal itself.