Is an Arm Lift Painful?

You will not experience any pain during the surgery itself since it is performed under anesthesia. However, mild to moderate discomfort is common after the procedure while your body heals. In the initial days post-surgery, you may feel some tightness, swelling, or bruising, but with compression garments and pain medications Dr. Pirani will prescribe for you, it can be easily managed. You’ll have more detailed aftercare instructions for managing discomfort, but most patients feel the pain subsides significantly within the first week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Several key appointments are needed for an arm lift surgery, such as the initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgery itself, and one or more post-operative appointments. Consultation: This is a conversational appointment to go over goals, assess your arms, and create a surgical plan. Pre-operative appointment: 1-2 weeks before surgery. This appointment ensures you’re medically cleared and have all the necessary information for the procedure. Surgery Day: The procedure itself. Post-Operative Appointment(s): Several appointments to check on your progress and monitor healing.

How Long Until I See Results?

While swelling and bruising may prevent you from seeing the final results of the surgery, you will still experience immediate improvement. The results will gradually reveal themselves as swelling subsides over 2-3 weeks, but you’ll really be able to appreciate the changes at the 3-6 month mark when swelling is substantially reduced and scarring fades.

Can I Combine an Arm Lift With Other Procedures?

Combining an arm lift with other body contouring procedures is a common choice for patients who want additional changes. Popular combinations include: Liposuction : Removes stubborn fat deposits in the arms or other areas. Tummy Tuck : Often part of a post-weight-loss makeover. Breast Lift or Reduction: For a more proportional and balanced look. Thigh Lift or Lower Body Lift: Removes sagging skin in multiple areas simultaneously. Dr. Pirani will discuss the feasibility of combining procedures during your consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Arm Lift?

Like any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks. These may include: Infection – While rare, infections can occur, but they are minimized with proper post-operative care and prescribed antibiotics if needed. Scarring – Some degree of scarring is inevitable, but Dr. Pirani uses advanced techniques to ensure incisions heal as discreetly as possible. Changes in Sensation – Temporary or permanent numbness in the treated area can occur due to nerve involvement. Hematoma or Seroma – Blood or fluid accumulation under the skin may require drainage. Delayed Wound Healing – Some patients, particularly those with certain medical conditions, may experience slower healing. Dr. Pirani prioritizes patient safety and meticulous planning to minimize these risks. During your consultation, he will discuss these potential concerns in detail, ensuring you feel fully informed and confident before proceeding.

Toronto, Ontario

Arm Lift

Name: Toronto Plastic Surgery Center
Brand: Toronto Plastic Surgery Center
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (127 reviews)

Introduction

Introduction to Arm Lift

Many people struggle with sagging skin or excess fat on their arms, often due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Despite dedicated efforts with diet and exercise, some individuals find it nearly impossible to achieve the toned, contoured arms they desire. When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, an arm lift (brachioplasty) can be an effective solution.

An arm lift removes excess skin and fat to create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance, restoring confidence and making it easier to wear fitted clothing comfortably. At The Toronto Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Pirani specializes in arm lift procedures, delivering natural-looking results that help patients feel as good as they look.

A woman with shoulder-length, wavy light brown hair sits angled to her right, smiling gently. She wears a black satin or velvet slip dress with a v-neckline, the fabric draping smoothly. Her arms are visible, showing fair skin. The background features a white, multi-paned door and a light wooden surface, softly blurred. The lighting is gentle and warm, accentuating her figure and the dress’s texture. - Arm Lift in Toronto, Ontario

What is an Arm Lift?

A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned and contoured appearance. Many patients seek this procedure after significant weight loss—whether from bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or medications like Ozempic and similar drugs. This excess skin can make it difficult to find well-fitting clothing and may lead to self-consciousness about wearing short sleeves.

Depending on the amount of excess skin and fat, the incision may range from a small armpit incision (short-scar arm lift) to a longer incision extending along the inner arm. The latter is typically used for patients with more significant skin laxity, such as those who have undergone major weight loss.

To achieve optimal results, Dr. Pirani often combines a traditional brachioplasty with liposuction to further refine the arm’s shape and enhance contouring.

What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?

An arm lift offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, helping patients achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance while also improving comfort and mobility. Many patients who undergo this procedure report:

Improved Appearance – Loose, sagging skin that creates a “batwing” effect is removed, resulting in a smoother and more defined arm contour. The lift creates a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted silhouette.
Confidence Boost – Patients often feel more comfortable wearing short sleeves, tank tops, and swimwear without worrying about excess skin.
Long-Lasting Results – With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of an arm lift can last for many years.
Better Mobility – Removing excess skin and fat can enhance arm movement, making physical activities easier and more comfortable.
Comfort – For those who experience chafing or rashes from skin folds, an arm lift can help reduce discomfort.

Even if your concerns aren’t listed here, an arm lift may still be the right option for you. During a consultation, Dr. Pirani will assess your needs and help determine the best approach to achieve your ideal results.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Arm Lift?

An ideal candidate for an arm lift with Dr. Pirani at Toronto Plastic Surgery Center is likely experiencing issues with excess skin and fat in their upper arms that can’t be removed with proper diet and exercise. To get this surgery, patients must:

Maintain a stable weight: If you’ve recently experienced a dramatic weight loss, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, make sure to maintain a consistent weight for several months before undergoing an arm lift. Intense weight changes after the surgery can affect the overall results.
Be in generally good health: Dr. Pirani will review your medical history with you to ensure you don’t have any underlying conditions that could affect the procedure. Additionally, you should not smoke or use nicotine for at least four to six weeks before the surgery.
Be realistic about the procedure: Having realistic expectations about the potential results and recovery of arm lift surgery is important. During a consultation, Dr. Pirani will discuss what this will look like for you.

What’s the
First step?

Get a personalized consultation with Dr. Pirani at Toronto Plastic Surgery Center to find out if an arm lift is a good choice for you. Dr. Pirani takes the time to listen to his patients and understand their goals and concerns. He’ll evaluate the anatomy of your arm, take detailed notes and measurements, review your medical history, including past procedures or other conditions you may have, and utilize this information to put together his professional recommendation on what the best course of action will be for you.

His goal is to ensure your comfort and safety. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest about what you want to achieve with this surgery. Dr. Pirani won’t proceed until you feel completely comfortable moving forward. At that point, he’ll schedule the date of your surgery and review expectations for before, during, and after the procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Arm Lift Surgery

Dr. Pirani will give you a more detailed outline of what will happen on the day of your procedure with Toronto Plastic Surgery Center. Still, as a general overview, you can expect the following:

First, our surgical team will prepare you for the procedure and administer anesthesia, either general or local, with sedation. Dr. Pirani will then tell you what is needed during your consultation.
Once you’re under, Dr. Pirani will begin making incisions to your arm and remove excess skin and fat.
After removing the excess fat and skin, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and a compression garment will be applied to minimize the swelling.
Lastly, our team will monitor you after the surgery until it is safe for you to be discharged and begin your recovery process at home.

Arm Lift Recovery

Recovery from an arm lift happens in stages. Initially, you can expect some mild discomfort, including swelling and possibly bruising, within the first week; however, you’ll be given medications to help during this time. You can resume light activities at this point.

After a few weeks, Dr. Pirani will follow up with you to schedule additional visits to monitor your healing progress. At the 4-6 week mark, you’ll be able to continue more intense workouts and activities.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Toronto, Ontario?

The cost of an Arm Lift in Toronto starts at about $10,000 and can work its way up from there depending on your unique circumstances, anesthesia, medication, facility fees, etc.

Why Choose Dr. Pirani?

Toronto surgeon Dr. Asif Pirani has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve the best cosmetic results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, comfort, and discretion in the greater Toronto area. Board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, Dr. Pirani teaches at Canadian and American universities and serves as an expert reviewer for The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s official scientific journal. Media outlets and news agencies frequently call upon him for his opinion as an expert plastic surgeon.

Arm Lift FAQ’S

You will not experience any pain during the surgery itself since it is performed under anesthesia. However, mild to moderate discomfort is common after the procedure while your body heals. In the initial days post-surgery, you may feel some tightness, swelling, or bruising, but with compression garments and pain medications Dr. Pirani will prescribe for you, it can be easily managed. You’ll have more detailed aftercare instructions for managing discomfort, but most patients feel the pain subsides significantly within the first week.
Several key appointments are needed for an arm lift surgery, such as the initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgery itself, and one or more post-operative appointments.
- Consultation: This is a conversational appointment to go over goals, assess your arms, and create a surgical plan.
- Pre-operative appointment: 1-2 weeks before surgery. This appointment ensures you’re medically cleared and have all the necessary information for the procedure.
- Surgery Day: The procedure itself.
- Post-Operative Appointment(s): Several appointments to check on your progress and monitor healing.
While swelling and bruising may prevent you from seeing the final results of the surgery, you will still experience immediate improvement. The results will gradually reveal themselves as swelling subsides over 2-3 weeks, but you’ll really be able to appreciate the changes at the 3-6 month mark when swelling is substantially reduced and scarring fades.
Combining an arm lift with other body contouring procedures is a common choice for patients who want additional changes. Popular combinations include:
- Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat deposits in the arms or other areas.
- Tummy Tuck: Often part of a post-weight-loss makeover.
- Breast Lift or Reduction: For a more proportional and balanced look.
- Thigh Lift or Lower Body Lift: Removes sagging skin in multiple areas simultaneously.
Dr. Pirani will discuss the feasibility of combining procedures during your consultation.
Like any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks. These may include:
- Infection – While rare, infections can occur, but they are minimized with proper post-operative care and prescribed antibiotics if needed.
- Scarring – Some degree of scarring is inevitable, but Dr. Pirani uses advanced techniques to ensure incisions heal as discreetly as possible.
- Changes in Sensation – Temporary or permanent numbness in the treated area can occur due to nerve involvement.
- Hematoma or Seroma – Blood or fluid accumulation under the skin may require drainage.
- Delayed Wound Healing – Some patients, particularly those with certain medical conditions, may experience slower healing.
Dr. Pirani prioritizes patient safety and meticulous planning to minimize these risks. During your consultation, he will discuss these potential concerns in detail, ensuring you feel fully informed and confident before proceeding.

Toronto Plastic Surgery Center

Schedule a Consultation

Call 416-360-8772 to discuss your Brachioplasty (arm lift) surgical options with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Asif Pirani. We’ll be with you at each step of this process to ensure your comfort and safety.

Schedule Now