Arm Lift Surgery San Diego
Thinking About an Arm Lift? Here’s What to Know
Even with regular exercise and a healthy diet, loose or sagging skin on the upper arms often doesn’t go away. This is especially common after weight loss or as part of the natural aging process.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is designed to remove excess skin and reshape the upper arms for a smoother, more toned appearance. The result is improved contour, better fit in clothing, and the confidence to wear short sleeves or sleeveless styles again.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Reagan
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. He is known for delivering natural-looking, balanced results with a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction.
- Recognized as a “Best Plastic Surgeon in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine
- Named among the top plastic surgeons in La Jolla
- Featured on ABC 10 and other local media outlets
- Extensive experience in body contouring after weight loss
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient
Dr. Reagan’s approach focuses not just on removing excess skin, but on creating smooth, proportionate arm contours that complement your overall body shape.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Loose, hanging skin on the upper arms
- Stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
- Changes from weight loss or aging
- Discomfort or irritation from excess skin
- Self-consciousness about arm appearance
Arm lift surgery can improve both physical comfort and confidence, helping you feel more at ease in your everyday life.
What Does Arm Lift Surgery Involve?
Arm lift is a highly customized procedure based on your anatomy and goals. During surgery:
- An incision is placed along the inside or back of the arm
- Excess skin is removed
- Liposuction may be used to reduce stubborn fat
- Underlying tissues are tightened
- Remaining skin is reshaped for a smoother contour
A compression garment is applied after surgery to support healing and optimize results.
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Combining Arm Lift with Other Procedures
Many patients choose to combine arm lift with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results, such as:
Dr. Reagan will evaluate your goals and recommend the best approach to achieve balanced, natural-looking outcomes.
Arm Lift Results & Long-Term Maintenance
Following arm lift surgery, patients typically experience:
- Smoother, tighter arm contours
- Improved comfort with movement and exercise
- Increased confidence in clothing choices
Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results long-term.
Arm Lift FAQs
Where are arm lift scars placed, and how visible are they?
Arm lift scars are typically placed along the inside or back of the upper arm to keep them as discreet as possible when your arms are at your sides. Dr. Reagan carefully plans incision placement based on your anatomy and the amount of excess skin. While scars are permanent, they fade significantly over time and are usually easy to conceal.
Can I get rid of arm fat with liposuction instead of an arm lift?
Liposuction can reduce fat, but it does not tighten loose or sagging skin. If your concern is excess skin, which is common after weight loss or aging, an arm lift is usually the only way to achieve a smooth, toned result. Dr. Reagan will determine the best approach based on your skin quality and goals.
When can I return to normal activities or workouts after an arm lift?
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days. However, lifting, pushing, or upper body workouts should be avoided for about 3–4 weeks. A compression garment is typically worn during early recovery to support healing and improve results.
Will loose skin come back after an arm lift?
The excess skin removed during surgery does not come back. However, maintaining a stable weight is important, as significant weight fluctuations can affect long-term results. With a healthy lifestyle, most patients enjoy their results for many years.
Is an arm lift worth it after weight loss?
For many patients, especially after significant weight loss, an arm lift can be one of the most rewarding procedures. Loose skin often does not respond to exercise, and removing it can improve comfort, mobility, and confidence, allowing you to fully enjoy your results.
Should I combine an arm lift with other procedures or do it separately?
This depends on your goals, health, and how much correction is needed. Many patients combine an arm lift with procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction for more comprehensive body contouring. In some cases, staging procedures may be recommended for safety and recovery. Dr. Reagan will guide you on the best approach.
How much does an arm lift cost in San Diego?
The cost of an arm lift varies based on the extent of surgery and whether it’s combined with other procedures. In San Diego, pricing reflects factors like surgical complexity, facility fees, and surgeon expertise. During your consultation, Dr. Reagan will provide a personalized quote tailored to your treatment plan.
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation
To learn more about arm lift surgery with Dr. Reagan, schedule your consultation today by calling (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or send us an email.
“I had a body lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck and arm lift. Post opp day 3 I was able to sit up on my own and be alone at my house with my 3 year old and no assistance. I went to 5 consults Dr Reagan was my fifth. I knew he was the right doctor then I saw his quote and was sold. Not only did I like what he had to say his prices beat everyone else by thousands. I am extremely pleased with my body and recovery I am no on day 18 with almost zero discomfort.”
