Cosmetic Surgery

Arm Lifts at Mayo Clinic

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(Synonyms: brachioplasty)

Normal aging or losing substantial weight can cause excess skin to accumulate in the upper arm and armpit. This excess skin often rubs together (chafes). An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin between the armpit and elbow, reducing chafing and allowing clothing to fit better.

What to expect

The surgeon will make an incision between the armpit and elbow in a location that will best hide the scar. The excess skin is removed and drain tubes may be inserted. In some cases wide or raised scars may occur.

Risks

Risks associated with surgical procedures to improve body contour include, but are not limited to:

• Problems related to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Healing problems, including wide or raised scarring

This procedure is performed by specialists in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.