Arm Lift

Arm Lift Surgery in Atlanta, GA

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to tighten loose, hanging skin on the upper arms, a condition that can develop with aging or after significant weight loss. An arm lift can also remove unwanted fat accumulations in the upper arms. The procedure restores younger- and healthier-looking contours to your arms.

Mark Crispin, MD, at Crispin Plastic Surgery, performs arm lift surgery in Atlanta to help men and women achieve a younger, fitter, and more attractive look and renewed self-confidence. Dr. Crispin is a board-certified plastic surgeon who consistently delivers beautifully natural-looking results for his patients. He and his staff run a warm and welcoming practice where patients are listened to and valued for who they are.

To learn more about how arm lift surgery with Dr. Crispin might make you look and feel better, contact Crispin Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation in Atlanta. 

Why You Might Consider an Arm Lift with One of the Best Cosmetic Surgeons in Atlanta

With age or significant weight loss, the skin of the upper arms can stretch and lose resilience. The excess skin can hang down in drapes when the arms are outstretched. A problem sometimes referred to as “bat wings.” An arm lift reverses these unwanted changes. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, restoring more attractive and healthier-looking contours.

An arm lift can: 

Exceptional Results & Compassionate Care

For over 25 years, Dr. Crispin has been the top choice for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in the area. You’re provided with professional and compassionate care at the office, and it’s no wonder Dr. Crispin is named one of the Top Doctors in 2023 by Atlanta Magazine.

Headshot of Dr. Mark Crispin Atlanta GA Crispin Plastic Surgery

Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Dr. Crispin can tell you if you are a good candidate for an arm lift as part of your consultation with him. You may be a good candidate if you:

If you smoke, you must be able to quit for several weeks before and after your surgery.

Planning Your Arm Lift Procedure

Planning for your arm lift procedure starts with your consultation with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to learn your medical history and understand your goals, perform an examination, and answer all the questions you may have. Based on his observations and what he learns from you, he will recommend an approach to treatment that will give you optimal results in the safest way. He will explain his surgical plan and what you can expect throughout the process.

Dr. Crispin’s goal in every cosmetic surgery is to create natural-looking results that are in harmony with the patient’s features, taking the surgical approach that promises the best outcomes and holds the lowest risk.

Natural-Looking,
Long-Lasting Results

Dr. Mark Crispin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and expertise in breast,  body and facial plastic surgery. 

How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or using local anesthesia with sedation. The specific approach to the surgery will depend on the extent of skin laxity in the upper arm. When the skin shows significant sagging, Dr. Crispin makes an incision along the rear underside of the arm, from the elbow to the armpit, where the resulting scar will be hidden when the arms are at rest. A short incision within the armpit may be sufficient to correct minimal skin sagging. 

Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Crispin removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to improve the contours of the arm. He may also use liposuction to remove accumulations of excess fat. He then smooths the skin and closes the incision with sutures or surgical tape. A drain may be placed, and compression garments or bandages applied to minimize post-operative swelling. 

When the anesthesia has worn off, and you are fully alert, you will be released to go home. You should arrange ahead of time to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. 

What to Expect After Your Arm Lift

Plan to rest at home for a few days after your surgery. You can expect some discomfort in the days right after your surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. You can also expect some swelling and bruising at first, which can be reduced with a drainage tube if you have one, and by wearing a compression garment or bandage.

Dr. Crispin and his staff will provide you with detailed instructions on: 

You’ll be able to resume light activity after a few days, then gradually build up toward your normal level of physical activity over the next few weeks. Most patients can go back to work a week to 10 days after the procedure.

Schedule Your Atlanta Arm Lift Consultation Today

Contact Crispin Plastic Surgery online or by calling (404) 257-0064 to schedule a consultation for an arm lift with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to understand your goals for treatment, examine you, and give his recommendations for the best and safest approach. Patients throughout the Atlanta area choose Dr. Crispin because of his caring approach, surgical expertise, and beautifully natural-looking results.

Atlanta Arm Lift - FAQs

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting. You can help to extend them by maintaining a stable weight with healthy eating and exercise habits. Of course, your skin will continue to age and lose resilience, but this gradual process won’t have noticeable effects for many years if you don’t stretch the skin again with weight gain.

If the drooping in your upper arms is due to excess fat, and your skin has the resilience to tighten and smooth when the fat is removed, liposuction without an arm lift could be the right choice. As part of your consultation, Dr. Crispin will examine you to determine your skin’s resilience. Based on what he observes, we recommend the least invasive and safest approach to get you the best results.


All cosmetic surgery leaves scars, but the incisions are placed where they will be least noticeable. The resulting scars also fade over time. If your arm lift involves only an incision within your armpit, the scar will be well hidden. In a full arm lift, the incision from your elbow to your armpit will leave a scar that will be concealed when your arms are at rest and hanging by your side but visible when you raise your arms. The scars will be most noticeable in the first few months after surgery. After about six months, the initial dark or reddish appearance of the scars will gradually fade to match the color of your skin. Protecting the scars from sunlight can help this natural fading process.