Overview
Brachioplasty — commonly known as an arm lift — is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, firmer, more toned arm contour. At The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu, Dr. John C. Ferguson, MD, FACS, performs brachioplasty for patients who have loose, sagging upper arm skin that has not responded to exercise — a common concern following significant weight loss, bariatric surgery, or natural aging. As a quintuple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ferguson combines body contouring precision with meticulous incision planning to produce arms that look toned, natural, and proportionate.
The upper arms are one of the most frustrating areas of the body for patients who have worked hard to lose weight or stay fit, because excess skin in this area is caused by lost skin elasticity — not lack of muscle tone. No amount of tricep exercises can tighten skin that has lost its structural support. Brachioplasty addresses the problem directly by removing redundant tissue and reshaping the arm from shoulder to elbow.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you have excess, hanging skin on the upper arms that sways or droops when you extend your arms (sometimes called “bat wings”); you have experienced significant weight loss and are left with deflated, loose upper arm skin; your arm skin laxity makes you self-conscious about wearing sleeveless clothing; or you have localized fat deposits in the upper arms that persist despite being at or near your goal weight.
Ideal candidates are at a stable weight (not actively losing), in good general health, and non-smokers. Patients who plan to lose additional significant weight may be advised to reach their goal weight first, as further weight loss can diminish results. Dr. Ferguson evaluates each patient’s skin quality, fat distribution, and arm anatomy during consultation to recommend the optimal approach.
The Procedure — What to Expect
Dr. Ferguson performs brachioplasty at his AAAHC-accredited surgical facility in Honolulu under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately two to three hours for both arms.
Standard brachioplasty involves an incision along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to near the elbow. Excess skin and fat are excised, and the remaining tissue is redraped and closed in layers to create a smooth, taut arm contour. The incision is placed on the inner arm where it is least visible in natural arm positions.
Limited-incision brachioplasty (mini arm lift) is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate excess skin concentrated near the armpit. The incision is confined to the axillary (armpit) region, producing a shorter scar with faster recovery.
Brachioplasty with liposuction combines skin excision with SmartLipo or tumescent liposuction to address both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits. This is Dr. Ferguson’s most common approach for patients who have both skin laxity and residual upper arm fullness.
Recovery and Results
Days 1–3: Compression garments are worn on both arms to minimize swelling and support healing. Mild to moderate soreness is managed with prescribed pain medication. Arms should be elevated when resting. Drains may be placed and are typically removed within five to seven days.
Week 1: Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work within five to seven days. Swelling and bruising are present but improving. Dr. Ferguson sees patients for follow-up during the first week to monitor healing.
Weeks 2–4: Swelling continues to diminish. Light daily activities resume. Patients should avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds for three to four weeks.
Weeks 4–6: Most patients are cleared for full exercise, including upper body workouts, by six weeks. Compression garments may be discontinued.
Months 3–6: Scars mature and fade from red/pink to a thin, pale line. Final arm contour is visible as all swelling resolves. The incision line, while present, is on the inner arm and becomes increasingly inconspicuous over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have a visible scar?
Brachioplasty does produce a scar along the inner arm. Dr. Ferguson places the incision carefully along the inner bicipital groove where it is hidden when the arms are at your sides or facing forward. Scars fade significantly over six to twelve months. For most patients, the trade-off between a well-concealed scar and the elimination of hanging arm skin is overwhelmingly worthwhile.
Can liposuction alone fix my upper arms?
If your primary concern is excess fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction alone (including SmartLipo) may be sufficient. However, if you have significant skin laxity — especially after major weight loss — liposuction alone will not tighten loose skin and may actually worsen the appearance. Dr. Ferguson evaluates your skin quality during consultation to recommend the right approach.
How long do brachioplasty results last?
Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight. The excess skin that was removed will not return. Normal aging will continue, but the improvement is permanent and patients maintain dramatically better arm contour for years.
Can brachioplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Brachioplasty is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures such as breast lift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — especially for patients who have undergone significant weight loss. Dr. Ferguson discusses combination approaches during consultation when appropriate.
How much does brachioplasty cost in Honolulu?
Cost varies depending on the extent of correction, whether liposuction is included, and the specific technique used. The Ferguson Clinic provides detailed pricing after Dr. Ferguson evaluates your anatomy during consultation. Financing options are available.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Brachioplasty in Honolulu
Body contouring after weight loss requires a surgeon who understands not just how to remove tissue, but how to reshape the body in three dimensions. Dr. Ferguson’s certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery — the only board dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery of the body — ensures that his approach to brachioplasty is informed by comprehensive body contouring expertise. His AAAHC-accredited surgical facility in Honolulu provides the highest safety standards for surgical procedures of this scope.
Schedule a consultation for brachioplasty at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.