
When the skin on the upper arms loses its resilience—often due to aging or the natural passage of time—it can feel like a barrier to your personal style. We specialize in the arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure to help our patients feel comfortable in everything from sleeveless gowns to casual athletic wear. Dr. Gary D. Breslow brings meticulous attention to detail to this surgery, ensuring the results appear balanced and fit your overall frame.
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Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to address the heavy or drooping appearance of the upper arms. While exercise can build muscle beneath the skin, it cannot tighten stretched skin beyond its limit. This form of plastic surgery provides a definitive solution by removing excess tissue, giving the arm a more toned, defined appearance that matches the rest of the body.

Weight loss and age are two factors that can lead to loss of skin tone on the underside of the arms. This loss of tone can be associated with localized fat deposits and may result in a sagging, flabby appearance. Arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure performed to surgically recontour the arms of our New Jersey patients.
On the day of your arm lift surgery in our Paramus suite, we focus entirely on your comfort. Brachioplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. In performing an arm lift, Dr. Breslow makes incisions on the underside of the arms and surgically removes the excess skin and fat. The length and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and location of the sagging skin. He may perform liposuction, if needed, to smooth the underlying fat before tightening the supporting tissue. He then lifts and tightens the remaining skin, thereby restoring a youthful, toned, and shapely appearance.
Dr. Breslow often performs other procedures in conjunction with an arm lift to achieve a more toned, shapely, youthful look, including thigh lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction. Contact our New Jersey Plastic Surgery Center today to learn about the arm lift procedure.

This procedure is most often chosen by those who have achieved significant weight loss and are left with excess sagging skin that hangs away from the muscle. It is also an excellent option for those who feel their arms no longer reflect their fitness level due to natural aging. We address the laxity and excess fat that makes many people feel self-conscious in short sleeves, giving them back the freedom to dress without worry.


The primary focus is on the arm area between the armpit and the elbow. In some cases, the incision might extend slightly toward the chest wall if there is extra skin in that region. Smoothing this area helps the upper body often appear more proportioned and athletic.
The most common feedback we hear after cosmetic surgery is about patients’ newfound ease in daily life. Whether it’s finding a jacket that fits properly or feeling comfortable at a summer event in Saddle River, the benefits are both physical and emotional. Removing fat and sagging skin allows you to stop feeling the need to hide your upper arms; instead, you can enjoy a profile that looks as fit as you feel. Unlike some other procedures, the change to your silhouette is visible almost immediately.
The best arm lift candidates are individuals at a stable weight who have significant loose skin on their upper arms.
It is important to set realistic expectations and be in good overall health, with no medical conditions that could impair healing. Those who maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight are most likely to enjoy long-term success. During your consultation, we will assess your skin elasticity and discuss your goals to ensure this is the best path for you.
"My experience was great!!!! From beginning to end. I would recommend this practice to all my family and friends. I was very pleased with my results after having an arm lift and breast augmentation. The doctor’s caring and bedside manner really made me feel confident with the choice I was making."
– Izzy G., Satisfied Arm Lift Patient
We support you through the arm lift recovery process every step of the way. You will wear a compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling and support your new arm contours. While you will need to avoid heavy lifting or lifting weights for about a month, most patients find they can resume their social calendar sooner. We may provide prescription medications or recommend over-the-counter options to manage discomfort or bruising in the treatment area.

As post-procedure swelling and bruising fade over several weeks, your final results emerge. You will see a firm, defined line from your shoulder to your elbow. These results are long-lasting, provided you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine and avoid significant weight fluctuations. While scars are a part of any surgery, Dr. Breslow places them where they are least visible. The confidence that comes with a toned arm profile often inspires our patients to embrace new activities they once avoided.

Choosing The Breslow Center means choosing a surgeon and team that has spent 20 years perfecting cosmetic procedures in North Jersey. Dr. Gary Breslow is a fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon known for his technical skill and artistic eye. We provide a sophisticated, supportive environment where your goals are the priority.
We are proud to serve patients from Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, and Old Tappan.
The cost of an arm lift varies based on the complexity of your needs. We provide a clear breakdown during your visit.
Dr. Breslow is very careful with incision placement. The marks are typically placed on the inside of the arm or toward the back, where they are hidden during most natural movements. Over time, these lines fade significantly.
Yes, we often use liposuction during an arm lift to remove stubborn fat deposits and further refine the arm shape before we tighten the skin.
For patients with very mild skin laxity, energy-based treatments might offer some benefit. However, if there is a significant amount of hanging skin, a surgical lift is the only way to achieve a firm result.
While all surgeries come with some degree of risk, selecting an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Breslow greatly reduces risks of complications like infection, ensuring the safest possible procedure.
If you have a desk-based job in an office, most patients feel ready to head back in about 5 to 7 days.
The skin removed during surgery is permanently removed. As long as your weight stays stable, your arms should remain firm and contoured for many years to come.