Arm Lift

Loose or sagging skin on the upper arms—often called “bat wings”—can develop after weight loss, aging, or decreased skin elasticity. For many people, these changes make wearing sleeveless clothing uncomfortable and affect self-confidence. An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is designed to restore smoother, more contoured arms by removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues.

Dr. Carmen Kavali, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Sandy Springs, provides advanced arm lift surgery for patients across Buckhead and Atlanta. At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center, her technique emphasizes proportion, precision, and natural-looking results—so patients can feel comfortable and confident showing their arms again.

Whether you’ve achieved major weight loss or simply want to improve arm tone and definition, a customized arm lift with Dr. Kavali can be the final step toward completing your transformation. Combining her surgical expertise with an artist’s eye, she delivers results that complement the entire upper body for long-lasting beauty and confidence.

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical body-contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour. The goal is to eliminate the loose, hanging tissue that can result from weight loss, aging, or genetics while restoring natural proportion between the arms and the rest of the body.

Depending on your anatomy and desired results, several surgical techniques can be used:

• Traditional Arm Lift: Involves an incision extending from the armpit to the elbow along the inner arm to remove significant skin and fat.
• Mini Arm Lift: Ideal for patients with mild to moderate laxity, using a smaller incision hidden in the underarm area.
• Extended Arm Lift: Addresses more extensive laxity that may continue into the chest wall, commonly after major weight loss.

For optimal contour and smoothness, many patients combine arm lift surgery with liposuction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends this combined approach when there is both excess skin and stubborn localized fat that does not respond to exercise.

By carefully tightening the underlying tissues and removing excess skin, Dr. Kavali’s arm lift technique restores balance and shape to the upper arms—allowing patients to feel confident in sleeveless tops, dresses, and activewear once again.

When it comes to body contouring, precision and experience make all the difference. Dr. Carmen Kavali is known throughout Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta for her surgical artistry, patient-first philosophy, and dedication to natural-looking results. Her arm lift patients consistently describe their experience as both empowering and transformative.

• Board-Certified Expertise: As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kavali has decades of experience performing arm lifts and other body contouring surgeries, ensuring the highest standard of safety and results.
• Comprehensive Consultations: Each patient receives a detailed assessment of their anatomy, goals, and skin elasticity to determine the most effective surgical plan.
• Safety-First Environment: All surgeries are performed in accredited facilities with board-certified anesthesiologists. Learn more about provider standards in Georgia through this AJC investigative report.
• Customized Techniques: Dr. Kavali tailors incision placement and surgical approach to each patient’s body for smooth, symmetrical, and natural results.
• Comprehensive Recovery Care: Her team provides step-by-step post-operative guidance, scar management recommendations, and follow-up visits to support long-term healing.

Patients trust Dr. Kavali because she listens, plans meticulously, and values outcome quality over speed. As highlighted in RealSelf’s article on rushed cosmetic procedures, taking the time to plan and personalize care is key to beautiful, lasting results—something Dr. Kavali and her team at Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center uphold in every case.

Arm lift surgery is an excellent option for men and women who struggle with sagging, excess skin on the upper arms that cannot be improved through exercise or weight training. This procedure is especially beneficial for those who have lost significant weight and are left with loose or hanging tissue that affects comfort and confidence.

You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery if you:

• Have loose, sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging, genetics, or weight loss.
• Are at or near your ideal body weight and have maintained a stable weight for at least six months.
• Experience skin irritation or chafing due to excess arm skin.
• Are in good general health and do not have conditions that may impair healing.
• Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery to promote better recovery.
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure, recovery time, and potential scarring.

During your private consultation, Dr. Carmen Kavali will review your anatomy and discuss your desired results to determine if an arm lift—or a combination procedure with liposuction or post-weight-loss surgery—is the best approach for you. Each surgical plan is customized to achieve natural balance and proportion, helping you look and feel your best.

An arm lift with Dr. Carmen Kavali offers both aesthetic and functional benefits for patients who want to restore tone and proportion to their upper arms. Whether performed after weight loss or as part of a body rejuvenation plan, the procedure can deliver dramatic improvements in comfort, appearance, and self-image.

• Smoother, firmer arms: Removes sagging skin and tightens underlying tissue for a sculpted, youthful contour.
• Improved clothing fit: Enjoy more wardrobe freedom—especially sleeveless and form-fitting styles—without self-consciousness.
• Enhanced confidence: Feel more comfortable and self-assured in your body, whether at the gym, beach, or daily life.
• Reduced irritation: Eliminates skin rubbing and chafing that often occurs with excess arm tissue.
• Long-lasting results: Outcomes can be maintained for years with stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Kavali’s approach emphasizes proportion and precision—never over-tightening or creating an unnatural look. She ensures that the arms harmonize with the rest of your physique, providing elegant, balanced contours. Many patients choose to pair their arm lift with body contouring or thigh lift surgery for a comprehensive rejuvenation.

To learn more about fat reduction and skin tightening options, explore Hype or Hope: Getting Rid of Fat Forever? on Dr. Kavali’s blog. These educational resources can help you better understand your treatment options and what to expect on your journey toward body confidence.

Arm lift surgery is performed by Dr. Carmen Kavali in a fully accredited surgical facility, using advanced techniques designed to tighten and contour the upper arms safely and effectively. Each surgery is customized to your anatomy, degree of skin laxity, and personal goals.

Anesthesia: Procedures are performed under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the operation.

Incision Placement: For most patients, incisions are made along the inner arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow, where they are less visible when the arms are at rest. Patients with minimal laxity may qualify for a shorter incision hidden in the armpit area. In cases of significant weight loss, an extended incision may be required to address laxity that continues into the chest wall.

Skin & Tissue Tightening: Once the incisions are made, Dr. Kavali carefully removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying supportive tissues to create a smooth, toned contour. Liposuction may be combined to refine definition and enhance results.

Closing the Incisions: Deep sutures are used to support newly contoured arm tissue, minimizing surface tension for thinner, more discreet scars. Skin incisions are closed with fine sutures for a smooth, precise finish.

Length of Surgery: Depending on the extent of correction and whether other procedures are combined, an arm lift typically takes between two and three hours.

By focusing on proportion and subtle shaping, Dr. Kavali ensures that results appear balanced and natural, never “overdone.” Her meticulous technique helps reduce recovery time and optimize healing. For insight into safe, ethical surgical practices, see RealSelf’s feature on fast cosmetic procedures—a reminder of why choosing a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Kavali matters.

Patients considering complementary or non-surgical treatments can also explore The Advantage of a Better Kind of CoolSculpting and Goodbye Double Chin Without Surgery to learn about minimally invasive contouring options offered at Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center.

Recovery after an arm lift with Dr. Carmen Kavali is a guided and supportive process. Her team provides clear instructions and close follow-up care to ensure your comfort and optimal healing at every stage.

Week 1: Initial Healing

• Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness during the first few days.
• Prescription pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication will be provided to ease discomfort.
• Keep arms elevated on pillows while resting to reduce swelling.
• Compression garments must be worn continuously to support tissues and improve contour.
• Avoid lifting, stretching, or overextending the arms during this period.

Weeks 2–3: Gradual Improvement

• Bruising and swelling begin to subside noticeably.
• Light activities and short walks are encouraged to promote healthy circulation.
• Most patients return to desk work and non-strenuous tasks within 10–14 days.
• Sutures may be removed if not dissolvable, and incision sites will continue to improve in appearance.

Weeks 4–6: Returning to Routine

• Patients can gradually resume moderate exercise, avoiding heavy lifting or high-impact workouts until cleared by Dr. Kavali.
• Compression garments are usually worn part-time during this stage.
• Scars begin to mature; topical scar treatments or silicone sheeting may be recommended to improve their appearance.

Months 3–6: Refinement Phase

• Residual swelling fades and final arm contours become more defined.
• Incision lines flatten and lighten with proper care and sun protection.
• Patients can expect improved comfort, mobility, and confidence in arm-bearing clothing.

Throughout recovery, Dr. Kavali and her medical team monitor healing and offer customized aftercare, including access to Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center’s advanced scar treatments and skin rejuvenation therapies to enhance long-term results. Staying consistent with follow-up visits ensures both safety and beautiful, lasting outcomes.

Like any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks, but serious complications are uncommon when performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Carmen Kavali and her team take every precaution to ensure your safety before, during, and after surgery.

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection at incision sites
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Delayed wound healing
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Scarring (which typically fades significantly over time)
• Blood clots (rare but serious if post-operative mobility is limited)

Dr. Kavali performs every surgery in accredited medical facilities and works exclusively with board-certified anesthesiologists. Her thorough preoperative screening and patient selection process help reduce the risk of complications and ensure that every patient is medically fit for surgery.

For context on the importance of choosing qualified surgeons, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on safety lapses in unaccredited centers—underscoring why patient education and proper facility standards are essential for a positive surgical outcome.

You may be a strong candidate for an arm lift if you:

• Are in good general health and free from chronic conditions that impair healing
• Do not smoke or can refrain from smoking around the time of surgery
• Maintain a stable, healthy body weight
• Have realistic expectations about the recovery process and final results

If you’re unsure whether an arm lift is right for you, Dr. Kavali may recommend complementary procedures such as post-weight-loss body contouring or a upper body lift for more comprehensive results. During your consultation, she’ll provide a personalized surgical plan that prioritizes your safety, anatomy, and goals.

The transformation from an arm lift is both visible and empowering. By removing loose skin and reshaping the upper arms, Dr. Carmen Kavali helps patients achieve smoother, firmer contours that align beautifully with their overall physique. These results often bring renewed confidence in how clothing fits and how patients feel in their own skin.

Explore real patient outcomes in Dr. Kavali’s arm lift gallery:

• Arm Lift Before & After Photos
• Arms Gallery
• Post-Weight Loss Surgery Results

“After losing over 80 pounds, I was thrilled with my progress but frustrated by the excess skin on my arms. Dr. Kavali took the time to explain every detail of the surgery and what to expect. My arms look smooth, tight, and natural—exactly what I hoped for. Her staff was amazing every step of the way.”

— Danielle M.

These real experiences reflect Dr. Kavali’s commitment to precise technique, thoughtful surgical planning, and compassionate care for every patient she serves in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta. To see more transformations, visit the Before & After Photo Gallery and learn how personalized artistry and advanced skill can redefine what’s possible.

Patients considering an arm lift often have important questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Below are some of the most common topics discussed during consultations with Dr. Carmen Kavali at Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs.

Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?

You may be a candidate if you have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms—especially after weight loss or as a result of aging—and are in good health. Non-smokers and those with stable body weight typically achieve the best results.

Will an arm lift remove all the fat in my upper arms?

While an arm lift removes some localized fat with the skin, it’s primarily designed for tightening. For optimal contouring, liposuction is often performed in combination with brachioplasty to sculpt and refine the shape.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Dr. Kavali performs all arm lift surgeries using general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in a fully accredited surgical facility for maximum safety and comfort.

How long is the recovery period?

Most patients return to work within two weeks, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Compression garments are worn during recovery to minimize swelling and support your new contours.

Will there be scars after an arm lift?

Yes, scarring is expected; however, incisions are placed along the inner arm for discretion and typically fade significantly over time. Dr. Kavali may recommend topical scar treatments or laser therapy available at the Skin Renewal Center to help improve scar texture and color.

Are results permanent?

Results are long-lasting when combined with stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits. The natural aging process continues, but removed skin will not return. Maintaining muscle tone and hydration helps prolong your results.

How much does an arm lift cost?

Because brachioplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by insurance. Dr. Kavali’s team provides transparent, personalized quotes and offers financing options to make surgery accessible. Learn more about ethical provider practices and patient safety through Stateline and The Tennessean.

Still have questions? Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kavali to receive personalized answers and a customized surgical plan designed for your body and goals.

If you’re ready to restore confidence in your arms and enjoy smoother, firmer contours, now is the time to take the next step. Dr. Carmen Kavali is a board-certified plastic surgeon trusted by patients across Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta for her meticulous technique, warm bedside manner, and commitment to natural-looking results.

During your private consultation, Dr. Kavali will assess your anatomy, review your goals, and design a surgical plan tailored to your unique needs—whether that involves an arm lift alone or a combination procedure such as thigh lift, body contouring, or upper body lift.

Call: 404.250.3333  |  Email: [email protected]

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If you prefer to start online, use our secure contact form to schedule your consultation. The journey to confident, sculpted arms begins with a conversation—let Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center help you take that first step today.