Body Procedures
Arm Lift NJ & NYC
Significant weight loss or the natural process of aging can leave loose, hanging skin on the upper arms that doesn't respond to exercise. For many patients, this is one of the most frustrating remaining concerns after achieving their body goals.
An arm lift, known medically as brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm to restore a firmer, more contoured appearance. Dr. Racanelli uses a minimal-incision approach whenever anatomy allows, placing the scar within the armpit crease to keep results as natural and discreet as possible.
Patients travel from throughout New Jersey and New York City, including Morristown, Summit, Short Hills, Montclair, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Manhattan, to consult with Dr. Racanelli about arm lift surgery.
Brachioplasty
Remove loose skin and upper arm fullness
Minimal incision focus
Scar placement concealed within the armpit when possible
Enhanced contour
Tight, toned, show-off-your-arms results
About Brachioplasty
Dr. Racanelli's Approach to Brachioplasty
The patients I see most often for arm lift surgery fall into two groups: people who have worked hard to lose a significant amount of weight and are left with skin that won't retract on its own, and patients in their 40s and 50s who have noticed progressive loosening of the upper arm over time. In both cases, exercise doesn't solve the problem. Once the skin has lost its elasticity, no amount of tricep work will tighten it.
My approach to brachioplasty starts with a careful assessment of how much of the issue is skin laxity versus excess fat, because the answer changes the plan. When fat is the primary concern and the skin still has reasonable elasticity, liposuction alone may be enough. When loose skin is the main problem, excision is necessary. Most patients have a combination of both, and I plan the surgery accordingly.
Scar placement is a priority I think about from the first consultation. When anatomy allows, I design the incision to sit within the armpit crease so that it stays hidden when the arms are at rest and in most clothing. Patients with more significant skin excess that extends toward the elbow will need a longer incision placed along the inner arm, I'm always honest about what's achievable and where the scar will sit before we proceed.
Every arm lift at my practice is performed in an accredited hospital setting with a board-certified anesthesiologist present throughout the procedure. I personally perform every surgery, patients are not handed off to a resident or PA at any point.
About Brachioplasty
Dr. Racanelli's Approach to Brachioplasty
The patients I see most often for arm lift surgery fall into two groups: people who have worked hard to lose a significant amount of weight and are left with skin that won't retract on its own, and patients in their 40s and 50s who have noticed progressive loosening of the upper arm over time. In both cases, exercise doesn't solve the problem. Once the skin has lost its elasticity, no amount of tricep work will tighten it.
My approach to brachioplasty starts with a careful assessment of how much of the issue is skin laxity versus excess fat, because the answer changes the plan. When fat is the primary concern and the skin still has reasonable elasticity, liposuction alone may be enough. When loose skin is the main problem, excision is necessary. Most patients have a combination of both, and I plan the surgery accordingly.
Scar placement is a priority I think about from the first consultation. When anatomy allows, I design the incision to sit within the armpit crease so that it stays hidden when the arms are at rest and in most clothing. Patients with more significant skin excess that extends toward the elbow will need a longer incision placed along the inner arm, I'm always honest about what's achievable and where the scar will sit before we proceed.
Every arm lift at my practice is performed in an accredited hospital setting with a board-certified anesthesiologist present throughout the procedure. I personally perform every surgery, patients are not handed off to a resident or PA at any point.
Who Is a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you:
Arm lift surgery is not recommended for patients who are planning significant additional weight loss, as continued changes in weight can affect the outcome.
Patients with primarily loose skin benefit most from excision alone. Those with a combination of skin laxity and excess fat are typically best served by combining brachioplasty with liposuction for a more complete result.
A consultation with Dr. Racanelli is the best way to determine whether an arm lift, alone or combined with liposuction, is the right approach for your anatomy and goals.
Arm Lift Benefits
Why patients choose an arm lift
1
Remove loose skin
Address hanging or sagging tissue that remains after weight loss or develops with aging.
2
Reduce upper arm fullness
Combine tissue excision with liposuction to slim and refine the upper arm contour.
3
Improve definition
Create a firmer, tighter-looking arm that appears more toned in clothing and sleeveless styles.
4
Enhance body harmony
Support the results of other body contouring procedures for a more balanced overall figure.
5
Minimal incision focus
When appropriate, incision placement is planned to remain as discreet as possible.
6
Freedom to wear sleeveless clothing
Many patients who avoided tank tops, sleeveless dresses, or short-sleeved styles for years feel comfortable wearing them for the first time after surgery.
Personal Consultation
A private, detailed consultation before surgery
Every arm lift begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Racanelli. During this meeting, your concerns are reviewed in depth, your anatomy is evaluated, and the risks, benefits, and alternatives are discussed at length.
This consultation ensures that you understand how the procedure works, whether liposuction should be combined with brachioplasty, and what kind of result you can expect based on your skin quality and treatment goals.
Procedure Highlights
How the procedure is approached
Minimal incision technique
Loose skin and fat are removed while the underlying tissue is reshaped to improve contour. When possible, the scar is designed to remain hidden within the armpit to keep the result looking more discreet.
Arm lift with liposuction
Liposuction can be added to remove excess fat from around the arms, helping to produce a smoother, more sculpted result from the armpit area down toward the elbow.
Extended Brachioplasty
In patients with more significant skin excess that extends toward the elbow, a longer incision placed along the inner arm may be necessary. Dr. Racanelli will discuss incision length and scar placement options during your consultation based on your specific anatomy and the amount of correction needed.
What to Expect After Arm Lift Surgery
Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the upper arms are normal. A compression garment will be worn to support healing. Drains may be in place depending on the extent of surgery.
Week 1–2: Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities within 1–2 weeks.
Week 3–4: Swelling continues to decrease. Light activity can usually resume. Avoid lifting anything heavy or raising the arms above shoulder level until cleared by Dr. Racanelli.
Month 1–3: Most visible swelling resolves. Scars will be pink and slightly raised as they begin the maturation process. Full arm range of motion is gradually restored.
Month 3–6: Scars continue to soften and fade. Final results become fully apparent as residual swelling resolves.
Long-Term: Results are durable provided weight remains stable. The skin removed during surgery does not return. Natural aging continues, but the improvement achieved is long-lasting.
Cost
Cost of Procedures in New Jersey or New York
At the practice of Dr. Racanelli, we prioritize transparency in our pricing structure to ensure our patients are well-informed about the factors influencing costs for procedures. Our key pricing determinants are surgical duration, operational complexity, extent of skin excision, and hospital/anesthesia billing.
For detailed information tailored to your specific goals and preferences, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We also offer convenient financing options through Cherry. Call (888) 409-0801 to reach one of Dr. Racanelli’s locations in Morristown, Newark, or New York City. We hope to hear from you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my arm lift scar be visible?
Scar placement depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed. When anatomy permits, Dr. Racanelli positions the incision within the armpit crease so it remains hidden when the arms are at rest. For patients requiring a longer incision, it is placed along the inner surface of the arm where it stays less visible in most clothing and natural positions. Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months.
Can liposuction alone replace an arm lift?
Liposuction alone is appropriate when excess fat is the primary concern and the skin retains enough elasticity to contract after fat removal. When loose or hanging skin is present, liposuction without excision will not tighten the arm and can sometimes make skin laxity more apparent. A consultation with Dr. Racanelli will determine which approach is right for your anatomy.
How long does arm lift surgery take?
Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on the extent of skin removal and whether liposuction is combined with the procedure
When can I return to work after an arm lift?
Most patients return to desk work and light activity within 1–2 weeks. Jobs requiring physical labor, lifting, or extended arm use will require a longer recovery. Dr. Racanelli will provide specific guidance based on your individual surgery and recovery progress.
How much does an arm lift cost in New Jersey?
Cost depends on the extent of skin removal, whether liposuction is combined, operating room fees, and anesthesia costs. A detailed, individualized cost estimate is provided during consultation. Financing is available through Cherry for qualified patients.
Is arm lift surgery permanent?
The skin removed during an arm lift does not return. Results are long-lasting provided your weight remains stable. Significant weight fluctuation after surgery can affect the outcome. Natural aging continues over time, but the improvement achieved through surgery is durable.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Racanelli
Discuss your goals and personalized treatment plan with a surgeon who is directly involved every step of the way.