An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted arm contour.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Jessica Jacobson performs arm lift surgery for patients who are bothered by loose skin along the arms that cannot be corrected with exercise alone.
Many patients develop excess skin after significant weight loss, aging, or genetic skin laxity. Over time, this tissue may hang along the underside of the arm, commonly referred to as “bat wings.”
Brachioplasty removes this redundant skin and reshapes the arm from the underarm (axilla) to the elbow, restoring a more defined and proportional arm silhouette.
In many cases, liposuction is combined with brachioplasty to remove excess fat and refine the contour of the arm for smoother, more natural results.
Patients often feel more comfortable wearing:
- Sleeveless tops
- Tank tops
- Athletic wear
- Swimwear
without feeling self-conscious about loose arm skin.
What Does an Arm Lift Treat?
Arm lift surgery addresses several concerns affecting the upper arms.
By removing redundant skin and refining the arm contour, brachioplasty creates a sleeker, more streamlined arm shape that better complements the rest of the body.
Arm lift surgery addresses several concerns
- Loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
- Excess fatty tissue in the arms
- Loss of arm definition after weight loss
- Skin laxity caused by aging
- Chafing or irritation from excess tissue
Dr. Jacobson’s Approach to Arm Contouring
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, brachioplasty is performed with a focus on anatomy, proportion, and natural-looking results. In many cases, liposuction is performed first to remove excess fat before skin tightening. This allows the remaining skin to redrape more smoothly and helps create better definition along the arm contour.
Every patient’s arms are different, so surgical planning is personalized based on several factors, including:
01
Degree of skin laxity
Assessing how much excess skin is present and how it distributes along the arm.
02
Distribution of fat within the arms
Mapping fatty deposits to plan liposuction integration.
03
Skin quality and elasticity
Evaluating how well the skin will contract after tissue removal.
04
Overall body proportions
Considering the full silhouette for balanced, natural results.
Posterior Scar Arm Lift Technique
Strategic scar placement allows patients to benefit from significant arm tightening while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Traditional Approach
Inner Arm (Medial) Incision
Traditional brachioplasty often places the incision along the inner arm (medial arm).
Scar visible from the front and when arms are at rest.
Dr. Jacobson's Approach
Posterior Arm Incision
Dr. Jacobson frequently utilizes a posterior scar technique, positioning the incision along the back of the arm instead.
This approach offers several advantages:
- The scar is primarily visible from behind rather than from the front
- It follows the natural contour of the posterior arm
- Important structures in the inner arm (nerves and blood vessels) remain protected
- The arm silhouette appears smoother in natural positions
How Arm Lift Surgery Is Performed
A traditional arm lift (full brachioplasty) is the most common procedure used for patients with moderate to significant excess skin.
This approach provides the most dramatic improvement in arm shape and skin tightening.
01
Incision
An incision is placed along the posterior arm from the underarm toward the elbow.
02
Skin Removal
Excess skin is carefully removed from the upper arm.
03
Redraping
The remaining skin is redraped and tightened for a smooth contour.
04
Liposuction
Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat and improve contour.
Who Is a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
Brachioplasty is particularly common among patients who have experienced:
- Major weight loss
- Age-related skin laxity
- Genetic predisposition to loose arm skin
You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery in Lincoln, NE if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Are a non-smoker
- Are bothered by loose skin on the upper arms
- Have realistic expectations about surgical results
Arm Lift Downtime & Recovery
Recovery after brachioplasty focuses on protecting the incision and allowing swelling to resolve as the tissues heal.
Days 1–7
Initial Downtime
Arms elevated; swelling, bruising, tightness
Week 2
Light Activity
10–14 days off work; light activity resumes
Weeks 2–6
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Compression garments; avoid heavy lifting & strenuous arm use
6–8 Weeks+
Return to Activity
Compression garments continue; gradual return to full activity
Activity Restrictions After Arm Lift
To protect healing tissues, patients should follow several temporary activity restrictions.
Typical guidelines include:
- Avoid lifting anything heavy for 6 weeks
- Avoid strenuous arm movements until cleared by Dr. Jacobson
- Avoid repetitive arm strain during early healing
Following these restrictions helps ensure optimal healing and the best possible final result.
Initial Downtime
Most patients should expect approximately 10–14 days of downtime. Patients are encouraged to take about two weeks away from work and routine activities.
Early Healing Symptoms
During the first few weeks after surgery, it is normal to experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness in the arms
- Mild discomfort
- Swelling in the hands and forearms is common after arm lift surgery.
Patients are encouraged to keep their arms elevated above heart level whenever possible during early recovery.
Compression Garments — 6–8 Weeks
After surgery, patients wear compression garments for 6–8 weeks. Compression helps:
- Reduce swelling
- Support healing tissues
- Improve final contour
- Encourage skin contraction
The “I Dream of Jeannie” Arm Lift Recovery Rule
One of the simplest ways to support healing after brachioplasty is remembering the “I Dream of Jeannie” rule.
During the first week after surgery, keeping the arms comfortably elevated in front of the body helps:
- Reduce swelling in the hands and forearms
- Prevent temporary nerve irritation (neuropraxia)
- Reduce tension on the incision
- Improve airflow around the surgical site
A simple way to do this is to place a few pillows on your lap and rest your arms on top while seated.
Long-Term Results
Patients typically notice a visible improvement in arm contour immediately after surgery, though swelling will gradually resolve over several months.
Final results continue to refine as the tissues settle and scars mature.
The brachioplasty scar is permanent but is carefully positioned along the posterior arm to be less visible during everyday activities.
Scar care protocols are provided to support optimal healing.
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson’s goal with arm lift surgery is to restore proportion, definition, and balance to the upper arms.
The focus is on achieving:
- Smoother arm contours
- Improved arm definition
- Natural body proportions
- Long-lasting results
The arms should appear refined and natural, not overly tightened or artificial.
Why Choose Dr. Jessica Jacobson for an Arm Lift in Lincoln?
Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery is proud to provide boutique, patient-centered cosmetic surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska. Patients choose Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery for brachioplasty because of:
- Experience in aesthetic body contouring
- Posterior scar technique for improved scar concealment
- Personalized surgical planning based on anatomy
- Integration of liposuction for refined contouring
- Concierge-level care throughout the surgical journey
Armlift Surgery FAQs
What is the difference between a traditional arm lift and a posterior scar arm lift?
Traditional brachioplasty places the incision along the inner arm (medial arm), which can be visible when the arms are at rest. Dr. Jacobson frequently utilizes a posterior scar technique, positioning the incision along the back of the arm instead. This approach means the scar is primarily visible from behind rather than from the front, follows the natural contour of the posterior arm, protects important structures in the inner arm, and produces a smoother arm silhouette in natural positions.
Will I have a visible scar after arm lift surgery?
The brachioplasty scar is permanent but is carefully positioned along the posterior arm to be less visible during everyday activities. Strategic scar placement allows patients to benefit from significant arm tightening while keeping scars as discreet as possible. Scar care protocols are provided to support optimal healing, and scars continue to fade and mature over several months.
Can liposuction be combined with an arm lift?
Yes. In many cases, liposuction is combined with brachioplasty to remove excess fat and refine the contour of the arm for smoother, more natural results. Liposuction is often performed first to remove excess fat before skin tightening, allowing the remaining skin to redrape more smoothly and creating better definition along the arm contour.
How long is recovery after an arm lift?
Most patients should expect approximately 10–14 days of downtime. Compression garments are worn for 6–8 weeks to reduce swelling, support healing, and encourage skin contraction. During the first few weeks, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort. Patients should avoid lifting anything heavy for 6 weeks and keep their arms elevated whenever possible during early recovery.
What is the "I Dream of Jeannie" rule?
The “I Dream of Jeannie” rule is a simple recovery guideline: during the first week after surgery, keeping the arms comfortably elevated in front of the body helps reduce swelling in the hands and forearms, prevent temporary nerve irritation (neuropraxia), reduce tension on the incision, and improve airflow around the surgical site. A simple way to do this is placing a few pillows on your lap and resting your arms on top while seated.
Who is a good candidate for brachioplasty?
Good candidates for arm lift surgery are in good overall health, are non-smokers, and are bothered by loose skin on the upper arms. Brachioplasty is particularly common among patients who have experienced major weight loss, age-related skin laxity, or who have a genetic predisposition to loose arm skin. A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine whether an arm lift is the most appropriate procedure for your goals.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
If loose skin on your upper arms is preventing you from feeling confident in sleeveless clothing, brachioplasty may be the solution. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether an arm lift is the best option for your body. Schedule a consultation with Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska to learn more about arm lift surgery and arm contouring options. Serving patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and greater Nebraska.
Related Procedures
Patients considering an arm lift may also be interested in these complementary procedures:
Discover Your Confidence & Unveil Your True Beauty
Contact Lincoln, Nebraska’s premier cosmetic surgery practice, where your journey to enhanced beauty and newfound confidence begins.