Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in San Diego

Say “bye bye” to bat wings.

Is it just us, or does it seem like we’re all paying a little more attention to our arms lately? With a number of leading ladies receiving media mentions of their firm, toned arms, it’s no wonder. And while eating right and working out can help us move in the right direction, this cannot eliminate the sagging tissue left behind.

Arm Lift At A Glance
Goal: Slimmer, firmer upper arms
Anesthesia: General
Average Procedure Time: 1 to 3 hours
Recovery: 2 weeks
Resume Exercise: 4 to 8 weeks
Final Results: 1 year
Longevity: 10+ years (if you maintain a stable weight)

Arm Lift Specials & Events

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Is an Upper Arm Lift Right for Me?

While the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon is invaluable in deciding if an arm lift is right for you, there are a few criteria that can help you determine if you might be a good candidate:

  • You have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with drooping skin on the upper arms
  • Your skin isn’t as tight as it used to be, and you feel uncomfortable with the way your arms look
  • You are a nonsmoker in general good health, and at a stable body weight
  • You have realistic expectations about your results

Upper Arm Lift
Before & After Photos

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97% Patient Satisfaction Based on 53 Verified Arm Lift Ratings

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  • "I came into the office so insecure about my body. I was embarrassed to strip down and bare my sole. However, I have now had two sessions wit…"

    Mar 13, 2025

  • "Everyone in the office is very nice, all my questions are answered, and they really seem to care about you!"

    Jan 30, 2025

  • "I met with Dr. Swistun in summer of 2023 to discuss that I was planning on losing weight and would want to have my procedures done. He gave …"

    Jul 15, 2024

  • "From the beginning of my journey Dr. Breister always listened to ALL my concerns sincerely. She is an extremely skilled surgeon. [Single bes…"

    Mar 29, 2024

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost? 

Now, you can firm and tone your arms without straining your budget! Take advantage of our affordable arm lift payment plans by making a $2,500 down payment. Then, pay as little as $239 per month for 60 months by qualifying with average credit. Have above-average credit? Able to make a bigger initial payment? Fabulous! You’ll save even more per month! Click here to get prequalified.

The total cost of your arm lift will depend on your specific needs, but you can visit our pricing page for full details, including fee ranges. 

More good news. We’ve made applying for financing easier than ever! Handle it conveniently online, or we’ll guide you during your consultation. That’s all it takes to get the beautifully sculpted arms you’ve been yearning for. Let’s get started! 

Your Upper Arm Lift at LJCSC

This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. Your surgeon will place the incision in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible.

Luckily, most patients find this well worth the boost in confidence and comfort they experience when they’re finally able to wear sleeveless dresses without worry.

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How Long Does Arm Lift Recovery Take?

You’ll be able to return home the same day of your procedure, but you’ll need a designated driver to get you there safely. For the first few days, we will ask you to wear a special compression garment; this will facilitate optimal healing, minimize swelling, and help protect your results.

While you will need to take it easy for a few days, we encourage our patients to get up and walk around soon after surgery. We can prescribe oral pain medication to help you manage any discomfort, though most of our patients are ready to switch to over-the-counter alternatives within just a few days. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling, but these side effects should subside within two weeks.

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Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.

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Where Will My Scars Be?

Our surgeons will do everything they can to ensure your surgical scars are as inconspicuous as possible. However, an arm lift does require an incision that may run from the elbow to the armpit. With proper care and by following their surgeon’s post-op instructions, most patients are pleased to find that their scars fade nicely over time.

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Woman sitting on beach wearing a white blouse MODEL

Achieve Your Ideal Look With An Arm Lift

We make it easy to take your next steps toward confidence with 3 convenient ways to connect with our team. In just a few clicks, you can call us now, book a call, or request a call back to explore options at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre—San Diego’s most awarded and trusted cosmetic practice!

Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on March 17th, 2026. Meet Our Medical Editors

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