Arm Lift Surgery
If loose skin under your upper arms won't budge despite diet and exercise, an arm lift (brachioplasty) offers a way to find relief. At Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Fowler provides personalized, board-certified plastic surgery to remove excess upper-arm skin and restore a natural-looking and toned appearance. Our down-to-earth team ensures every step of your surgical journey is comfortable, clear, and convenient.
Removes excess, hanging skin and targeted fat from the upper arms.
Typically 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia.
Most patients return to light daily tasks within 1 to 2 weeks.
Creates a firmer, more proportionate upper body contour.
An arm lift, clinically known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arm from the underarm to the elbow. Significant weight loss, aging, or genetics can cause the skin in this area to lose elasticity, creating a hanging "bat wing" effect that exercise alone cannot correct. During surgery, excess skin is trimmed away, and underlying tissues are tightened to create a smoother, more youthful arm contour. Depending on your needs, Dr. Daniel Fowler may combine the procedure with targeted liposuction for improved shaping.
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On the day of your surgery, our team will make sure you feel completely relaxed and well cared for. After administering anesthesia, Dr. Fowler makes an incision along the inside or back of the upper arm, positioning it carefully to minimize visible scarring. Excess skin is removed, and internal supportive tissues are repositioned and tightened. Once the optimal shape is achieved, the incisions are closed with delicate sutures, and dressings or compression garments are applied to support your healing arms.
This procedure effectively corrects structural upper body concerns that exercise cannot fix on its own:
An arm lift brings balance back to your silhouette so you can feel comfortable in your own skin.
Comfortable Daily Life
Loose arm skin often rubs against your sides, making short sleeves and tailored jackets uncomfortable. Removing excess tissue eliminates friction and helps clothing fit as intended.
Proportionate Body Contour
By restoring tightness to your upper arms, an arm lift helps your upper body reflect your hard work, healthy lifestyle, or weight-loss achievements.
Good candidates for an arm lift include healthy adults who have loose, sagging skin on their upper arms and have maintained a stable weight. It is ideal for individuals who do not smoke and have realistic expectations about surgical healing and scar placement. If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, we recommend waiting until your goal weight is stable before scheduling surgery.
Recovery requires a period of resting your arms and allowing tissues to settle and heal. You will wear a supportive compression garment for a few weeks to reduce swelling and support your new contours. Most patients experience mild soreness and tightness easily managed with routine pain medication.
You can expect to return to desk work and light routine activities within 10 to 14 days, though heavy lifting and strenuous upper-body workouts should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
You will notice an immediate improvement in the shape and tightness of your upper arms right after surgery, with full results emerging as the swelling resolves over the next few months. Your arms will appear firmer, smoother, and much more proportionate to the rest of your body.
While natural aging will continue over time, the surgical removal of excess skin provides permanent structural improvement. Maintaining a steady weight and a healthy skincare routine will help preserve your sleek, refreshed look for years to come.
Choosing Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery means placing your care in the hands of a dedicated, collaborative medical team. Dr. Daniel Fowler brings exceptional surgical precision as a board-certified plastic surgeon, ensuring safe techniques and natural outcomes.
Because our practice houses dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic care under one roof, you receive continuous, approachable care from providers who truly listen to your goals.
Incisions are typically placed along the inner or back surface of the upper arm to keep scars as hidden as possible during everyday movements. Scars will fade and soften considerably over time.
Yes. Dr. Daniel Fowler frequently uses liposuction alongside skin removal to extract localized fat pockets and achieve a smoother, more sculptured contour.
Most patients take about 1 to 2 weeks off from work, depending on the physical demands of their job.
You will feel soreness and tightness in your upper arms for the first few days, which you can manage with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Surgical costs vary based on the extent of skin removal and whether additional procedures, such as liposuction, are included. Our team provides clear, straightforward pricing during your initial consultation.
