Question 1

Length of Surgery:

Accepted Answer

The standard arm lift or brachioplasty procedure typically takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on the patient’s anatomy.  Limited incision procedures typically require less time, and extended procedures require more.  Limited incision brachioplasty and some standard brachioplasty procedures can be performed in an accredited surgical center under sedation or general anesthesia.  More extensive standard and extended brachioplasty procedures are typically performed in the hospital.   An overnight stay will depend on individual medical condition and extent of surgery.

Question 2

Expected Recovery:

Accepted Answer

Full recovery occurs over 6 months to a year.  Most patients are able to return to work within about 1 to 2 weeks, while 6 weeks are required, before return to strenuous activity or lifting.  An important reminder regarding arm lift surgery is the anticipated scar is one of the major complaints following surgery.   To optimize your outcome, we recommend you avoid placing tension on your wounds during the remodeling phase of healing, by not lifting or straining for at least 6 months.

Question 3

How do I schedule an appointment for consultation?

Accepted Answer

Contact the office of the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery at (201)820-5280 to schedule an appointment.

Question 4

What Arm Lift Surgeries are Available?

Accepted Answer

Limited Incision Brachioplasty – for patients with excess skin and fat limited to the upper arm, close to the armpit.  This surgery uses an incision hidden within the armpit to pull excess skin into the underarm area.Standard Brachioplasty – for patients with excess skin and fat of the upper arm and underarm area.  Incisions extend from the underarm to the elbow area and are hidden on the inside of the arm and within the arm pit.Extended Brachioplasty, (arm lift with lateral thoracoplasty) – for patients with excess skin and fat of the upper arm, under arm area and upper chest wall.  This procedure involves extending a standard brachioplasty from the underarm area onto the upper chest to remove excess skin and fat from the side of the chest. Patients undergoing an arm lift procedure must keep in mind that they will be trading an improved arm contour for a long scar on the inner portion of their arm.  This scar is typically the greatest complaint in patients who have undergone an arm lift, as these scars tend to stay red and become wide due to constant tension on the wound.  To reduce the visibility of your scars post-operatively, we will treat you with aggressive scar management.

Question 5

Common Side Effects:

Accepted Answer

Redness, drainage, swelling, temporary pain, numbness of the arm skin, bruising, fatigue. and fluid accumulation (seroma).

Question 6

Surgical Risks:

Accepted Answer

Risks include bleeding, infection, hematoma, persistent seroma, changes in skin sensation, unsightly scarring, damage to underlying structures, contour deformity, persistent pain, and unsatisfactory results requiring additional surgery.Dr. Capuano consistently achieves excellent results with arm lift surgery.  He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he would be happy to discuss your options if you are thinking about improving the appearance of your arms.

Question 7

How long after an arm lift can I return to exercise, and are there specific activities I should avoid?

Accepted Answer

Most patients can resume light walking within a few days and gradually return to normal daily activities within 2-3 weeks. However, heavy lifting, intense upper-body workouts, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks to allow your incisions to heal properly and prevent complications. It should be noted with an arm lift in particular, the longer you weight to put your incisions under strain, the better. Your surgeon will provide personalized post-operative guidelines based on your procedure and recovery, and we recommend following these restrictions carefully to protect your results.

Question 8

What's the difference between an arm lift and liposuction alone for flabby arms?

Accepted Answer

Liposuction removes excess fullness beneath the skin, but it won't address sagging or loose skin. An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes both excess fat and stretched skin, then re-tightens the remaining skin for a more sculpted, youthful contour. Your board-certified surgeon will evaluate your skin elasticity and fat distribution during your consultation to recommend the best approach—or a combination of both techniques—to achieve your goals.

Question 9

Will an arm lift help with the appearance of my upper arms at rest and when my arms are raised?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a well-executed brachioplasty improves arm contour both at rest and when you raise your arms overhead. The procedure tightens the underlying tissue and removes excess skin, creating a smoother, more defined profile from every angle. Results become increasingly apparent as swelling subsides over the first few months following surgery. Keep in mind that individual results vary, and our board-certified surgeons will discuss realistic expectations for your specific anatomy during your consultation.

Question 10

I've had significant weight loss—will an arm lift work well for me, and could I need a second procedure?

Accepted Answer

Arm lifts are particularly effective for post-weight-loss patients, and our 30 years of combined experience have given us deep expertise in this specific patient population. The amount of excess skin and your skin's elasticity determine whether a standard brachioplasty or an extended arm lift is best suited to your goals. Some patients with extensive weight loss may eventually want refinement, though most see excellent long-term results from their initial procedure. During your personalized consultation at our Northern Center location in Bergen County, we'll assess your skin quality and discuss realistic expectations—our goal is helping you feel confident in your results, not pursuing multiple surgeries unnecessarily.

Question 11

Can I combine an arm lift with liposuction, and will that affect my results or recovery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many patients benefit from combining brachioplasty with liposuction to address both excess skin and stubborn arm fat for optimal contouring results. This combination procedure can actually enhance your outcome by creating smoother, more defined arms. Recovery time is comparable to brachioplasty alone, though you may experience slightly more swelling initially. Our surgeons will evaluate whether combining procedures is right for you during your consultation—we prioritize safety and realistic expectations, never over-promising outcomes. Results vary by individual factors including skin elasticity, age, and lifestyle.

Question 12

Will my arm lift scars be visible, and how long does it take for them to fade?

Accepted Answer

All arm lift surgery leaves a scar. The incision is strategically placed along the underside (inner/back) of the upper arm to help minimize visibility—especially when your arms are resting at your sides. Our board-certified surgeons use meticulous, layered closure techniques to support the best possible healing. Most patients see noticeable scar improvement over time, with scars typically fading and flattening over **6–12 months** as they mature. However, the upper arm is an area that’s frequently moving and is almost always under tension, which can affect how a scar heals—even with ideal placement and technique. If scarring is a major concern for you, it’s important to discuss this upfront, because the scar is a key tradeoff of brachioplasty. During your consultation, we’ll review your skin quality and healing history and outline realistic timelines and scar-management options based on your individual response.

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