Arm Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a procedure that reshapes the underside of the upper arm by removing loose, drooping skin and excess fat to create a more refined appearance.

Sagging in the upper arms can result from various factors, including aging, genetic predispositions, and changes in weight. While physical exercise is effective for enhancing muscle tone and strengthening the arm’s underlying structure, it is unable to eliminate excess skin or correct localized fat deposits. Consequently, neither muscle conditioning nor targeted arm workouts can resolve issues stemming from weakened tissues or skin that has lost its natural elasticity. An arm lift provides a satisfying solution for these challenges.

Dr. Daniel Murariu is a double board-certified plastic surgeon at the forefront of aesthetic surgical innovation. At Hawaii Aesthetics & Robotic Plastic Surgery in Honolulu, Dr. Murariu and his team combine personalized care with advanced techniques to provide restorative and natural-looking outcomes for every patient.

Call (808) 302-7188 or submit our online contact form to schedule a personal consultation and explore what an arm lift can do for you.

About Arm Lift

An arm lift contours and reshapes the arm from the elbow up, and sometimes along and below the armpit as well. (1) The procedure streamlines and smooths underlying supportive tissue, removes excess, sagging skin, and reduces localized pockets of fat to achieve a more defined appearance. The skin on the upper arms can become lax due to factors like significant weight fluctuations, aging, and genetic conditions. Unfortunately, exercise alone cannot effectively address redundant skin or weakened tissues, which is why many patients turn to the highly effective arm lift.

Addressing Excess Skin and Fat

A crucial part of the arm lift is the removal of excess or sagging skin, or “bat wings,” that can often result from massive weight loss, (2) as the skin is unable to contract smoothly against a slimmer shape. An arm lift removes this leftover tissue, ensuring the final result is a sleeker upper body. For many patients dealing with stubborn pockets of fat on their upper arms, Dr. Murariu may incorporate hi-def liposuction into the arm lift procedure. This technique uses ultrasound technology to emulsify fat for easier removal. Dr. Murariu maneuvers a cannula along the upper arm to contour and shape the patient’s physique while judiciously sculpting fat along the biceps, triceps, lats, and shoulders.

Benefits

Arm lifts bring several transformative benefits, particularly for patients who have lost significant weight and wish to shed the last remainder of excess tissue holding them back from enjoying the full results of their journey. Benefits of an arm lift include:

  • Reduction of bulky upper arm circumference.
  • Elimination of loose, sagging skin, or the “bat wings” that hang from under the arms.
  • Definition of leaner, more sculpted arms that are in better proportion to the rest of the upper body.
  • Increased ease of movement through the removal of restrictive excess tissue.
  • Enhanced self-confidence and improved fit of clothing, especially fitted and sleeveless tops.

Candidates

Potential candidates for an arm lift are dissatisfied with the excess skin and fat deposits on their upper arms. Many individuals have achieved muscle tone, but the persistent skin laxity prevents them from feeling confident in their appearance. Candidates should be in good health and should not have any pre-existing health conditions that would impair proper healing. Their weight should be stable, at or close to their goal BMI. Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit nicotine for an extended period before and after surgery. All potential candidates must hold realistic expectations about what an arm lift can help them achieve. Dr. Murariu will fully determine candidacy during the personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first one-on-one between you and Dr. Murariu is essential for determining the best surgical approach for your aesthetic goals. Here, Dr. Murariu will perform a physical evaluation of your present arm structure, the quality of skin elasticity, and your overall body composition. If he determines that you are a suitable candidate, he will create a personalized treatment plan and walk you through the procedure, step by step, as well as what to expect from the recovery phase. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Murariu and start exploring your arm lift possibilities, call (808) 302-7188 or submit an online request form.

Preparation

Dr. Murariu will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions during your personal consultation, and it is essential that you follow them for a smooth procedure and recovery. Dr. Murariu may direct you to:

  • Stop using nicotine several weeks before the procedure and continue to refrain through recovery (if applicable).
  • Temporarily abstain from using any blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Abstain from alcohol consumption in the days leading up to the procedure.
  • Schedule time off from work and commitments to recover.
  • Arrange personal transportation and care for procedure day and 24-48 hours of initial recovery.
  • Fill all necessary prescriptions in advance.

Procedure

The arm lift procedure typically lasts anywhere between one to three hours, depending on the incision technique and severity of concerns, and Dr. Murariu typically performs it on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Murariu starts by strategically marking the arm(s) for incision placement, usually along the underside to keep scars well-hidden. The scale of the incision differs according to the volume of fat and skin present. Dr. Murariu customizes his surgical approach to the unique anatomical requirements of each patient, often employing one of the following techniques:

  • Limited Brachioplasty (Minimal Incision): Best for those with minor laxity, this approach uses small incisions in the armpit or upper arm, frequently in conjunction with liposuction.
  • Standard Brachioplasty (Traditional Incision): This method creates an incision from the armpit to the elbow to effectively reshape the arm.
  • L-Shape Brachioplasty (Extended Incision): Best for post-weight-loss patients or any individuals with significant sagging, the incision runs from the elbow up through the armpit and along the side of the chest wall.

Dr. Murariu works to remove excess fat, soft tissue, and skin, sculpting and reshaping the remainder to achieve optimum tone and smoothness. He may perform liposuction for final refinement. Lastly, he sutures and wraps the area to help minimize scar visibility.

Recovery

Following your arm lift procedure, your main focus should be on resting and healing. Dr. Murariu will dress your arm in a compression garment or bandage to manage swelling. He also recommends elevating your head and shoulders as you rest. Any pain, discomfort, or post-surgical nausea become manageable with prescribed medications. It is normal to experience temporary numbness or a tingling sensation in the arms, but this typically subsides within two weeks. Do not submerge your arm in water during the first week of recovery. Dr. Murariu will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments, changing any dressings as necessary, and remain available to answer any questions. Most patients feel ready to return to office work and light, non-strenuous activities after about one week. However, to ensure a complete and successful recovery, you must strictly avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks, or until Dr. Murariu gives clearance.

Results

Dr. Murariu’s patients are regularly thrilled with the transformative results of an arm lift. The procedure creates leaner, more sculpted arms that are in greater harmony with the rest of the upper body. Many patients experience an improved range of motion and physical comfort, and they feel more confident in fitted or sleeveless tops. With adherence to a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular exercise, and with a steady body weight maintained, results can be long-lasting.

Corresponding Procedures

An arm lift can offer significant improvements as a standalone procedure, but during your in-person consultation with Dr. Murariu, you may find that additional treatments can help you achieve an even more comprehensive transformation. Some coordinating options include:

  • Hi-Def Liposuction: Frequently pairs with an arm lift to remove stubborn fat pockets and sculpt pleasing arm definition.
  • Body Lift: For patients who have lost significant weight, the laxity doesn’t always stop at the arms. A body lift can address excess skin and tissue across multiple areas for a broader restoration.
  • Tummy Tuck: Combining an arm lift with a tummy tuck can create a more balanced and appealing upper body contour free from cumbersome excess skin.

Cost of Arm Lifts in Honolulu

The cost of your arm lift varies depending on the unique details of your treatment plan, including anesthesia method, incision technique, and whether or not you include any additional procedures. During your personal consultation, Dr. Murariu will provide you with a detailed cost list that reflects your treatment plan. If you would like to begin exploring your options for an arm lift at Hawaii Aesthetics & Robotic Plastic Surgery, call (808) 302-7188 to schedule a personal consultation or reach out to our office online.

FAQ

Does an arm lift leave visible scars?

By placing incisions strategically along the inside or back of the arms, Dr. Murariu skillfully minimizes the appearance of scars.

Can an arm lift give me muscles?

An arm lift removes sagging skin and fat; it does not build muscle. The only way to build muscle mass is through exercise and strength training. By removing excess bulk, the procedure allows your underlying muscles to be more prominently visible, and you may begin weight training once your arms fully heal.

How long is recovery after an arm lift?

Most patients are able to return to work and normal, non-strenuous activities about one week after surgery. However, strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense exercise must be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.

References

  1. Szymanski KD, Sequeira Campos MB. Brachioplasty. [Updated 2025 Nov 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
  2. Bishara A, Chalhoub R, Chrabieh E, Daoud F, Greige G, El Hachem T, Emsieh S. Arm Contouring in Patients With Massive Weight Loss: A Literature Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Sep 24;13(9):e7126. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12459545/