Brachioplasty
(Arm Lift)

Upper Arm Contouring in Vancouver, WA

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms from the underarm (axilla) to the elbow to create a smoother, more toned contour. It’s designed for patients who have sagging or lax skin that exercise and diet alone can’t improve.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Frequently Asked Questions

You're worth it.

Why Choose Brachioplasty at Evergreen Plastic Surgery?

At Evergreen Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, WA, Dr. Kate Impastato — a board-certified plastic surgeon — performs brachioplasty with attention to natural contours, balanced proportions, and scar placement that maximizes aesthetic results while minimizing visibility.

Your arms should reflect your strength, not your skin’s surrender to time or life changes.

Who is a good candidate for brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty may be right for you if you are bothered by loose, hanging skin under the upper arm, have skin laxity after weight loss or pregnancy, maintain a stable weight, are in good overall health and ready to enhance arm contour, want to feel more confident in sleeveless clothing, Exercise improves muscle tone but can’t address loose skin — that’s where brachioplasty helps.

It is also important that you do not use any form of nicotine. If you are actively losing weight, you should try to be within 10 lbs of your goal at the time of surgery.

How does it work if I want to have a brachioplasty?

1. Consultation & Planning
We begin with a detailed consultation to assess your anatomy, discuss goals, and determine the best incision pattern for your needs (which may range from limited-scar to extended excisions, depending on the degree of excess skin).

2. Surgery
Brachioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia in a surgical facility. Incisions are placed along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, often extending from the armpit toward the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed, underlying tissues are tightened, and the remaining skin is smoothed over to create a firmer contour.

3. Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. You’ll wear a compression garment to manage swelling and support healing. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal in the first week, with most people returning to non-strenuous work within 7–10 days. Strenuous activity is typically restricted for 6 weeks.

4. Scars & Results
Brachioplasty scars usually run along the inner arm where they’re least visible. Scars fade with time but will never fully disappear — proper care and scar management help optimize your outcome.

What are the benefits of brachioplasty?

A smoother, more toned upper arm contour
Removal of excess skin and stubborn fat
Improved arm proportion and balance
Greater confidence in sleeveless clothing and swimsuits
Results that exercise alone can’t achieve

Is brachioplasty painful?

Most patients experience moderate discomfort — similar to a deep bruise — in the first few days. Pain is usually well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. Swelling and tenderness gradually improve over the first 2–4 weeks.

Risks and safety concerns with brachioplasty.

As with all surgery, brachioplasty carries risks, including but not limited to:

Scarring
Wound healing issues
Infection
Numbness or altered sensation
Asymmetry
Skin irregularities

Dr. Impastato reviews these thoroughly during consultation so you can make a fully informed choice.

Take the next step

Ready to see what brachioplasty can do for you? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato at Evergreen Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, WA — serving patients from Camas, Salmon Creek, and surrounding communities.

Contact us today to learn more about arm contouring and how this procedure can help you feel confident in your skin again.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to surgery?

Prior to undergoing surgery patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.