Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in West Palm Beach, FL

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in West Palm Beach, FL is performed by Dr. Albert Carlotti at BellaNova Cosmetic Surgery's state-registered Level III surgical center at 1261 S Congress Ave in West Palm Beach.

Loose upper arm skin after significant weight loss or with age does not respond to exercise, because the problem is the skin envelope rather than what is inside it. Building triceps beneath a lax envelope often makes the hang more noticeable.

Brachioplasty removes that skin. The trade is a scar along the inner arm, and the decision comes down to which bothers you more. That question is worth answering honestly before scheduling, not afterwards.

Am I a candidate for arm lift (brachioplasty)?

An arm lift is considered when:

• There is significant loose skin along the upper arm that does not retract
• Weight has been stable for at least six months, often after major weight loss
• The skin hangs regardless of muscle tone
• Sleeve fit and self-consciousness affect daily choices

Patients with good skin quality and predominantly fat excess may do well with liposuction alone and no scar. Patients with mild laxity confined near the armpit may suit a short-scar mini brachioplasty.

Scar placement and technique

The incision runs along the inner aspect of the arm, from the armpit toward the elbow, with length determined by how much skin must come out. Placement is planned to sit in the least visible position when the arms are at the side rather than in the most convenient position for the surgeon.

Short-scar / mini brachioplasty. For limited laxity concentrated near the armpit, the incision can be confined largely to the axilla. Lifting power is correspondingly limited.

Standard brachioplasty. Full-length incision for significant excess, most common after major weight loss.

Combined with liposuction. Fat is reduced first so the skin envelope can be redraped accurately over the resulting contour.

Closure is layered with attention to reducing tension on the skin, since tension is what widens a scar in this location. Support garments are worn afterwards for the same reason.

Recovery timeline

Every recovery is individual. This is the pattern most patients follow, and you will receive a written plan specific to your procedure.

When	What to expect
Days 1–3	Arms elevated. Compression sleeves worn. Soreness with movement.
Days 5–10	Drains removed if used. Most patients return to desk work.
Weeks 2–4	Range of motion improving. No lifting above guidance. Sleeves continue.
Weeks 4–6	Progressive return to exercise, upper body last.
Months 3–6	Swelling resolved, contour clear. Scars at their most visible around two months then fading.
Months 12–18	Scar maturation largely complete.

Risks and considerations

Risks include widened or thickened scarring (more likely here than in most locations, because the arm skin is under motion tension), seroma, infection, delayed healing, altered sensation along the inner arm, injury to sensory nerves, lymphedema or arm swelling, asymmetry, and the need for scar revision.

Patients should assume the scar will be visible. Techniques and aftercare improve it; they do not eliminate it.

Cost and financing

Cost depends on whether a short-scar or full brachioplasty is performed and whether liposuction is combined. Frequently combined with other post-weight-loss contouring in one operation. See cost and financing.

Before and after results

Dr. Carlotti maintains a photographic result archive organized by procedure — real patients, consistent lighting and angles, published with consent. View arm lift (brachioplasty) before and after photographs.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): questions patients ask