Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) in Austin, TX
Dr. Khansa is a Harvard Medical School graduate, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, named an Austin Monthly Top Doctor in 2026, and has performed thousands of procedures with meticulous attention to safety, technique, and natural results.
Body contouring procedures (like brachioplasty) require meticulous attention to detail and high-level expertise in order to achieve excellent results safely.
Trust Dr. Khansa, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to help you achieve a smoother, firmer arm contour that fits your body and your goals.
Schedule your brachioplasty consultation in Austin today
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Khansa offers personalized consultations with evening and weekend availability.
📍 3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
📞 (512) 615-6566 (call or text)
🗓️ Schedule online below
What is Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fatty tissue. The procedure is often considered when loose skin remains after significant weight loss or when skin laxity develops with age.
An arm lift is not a weight-loss procedure. It is a body contouring procedure for patients who are generally at or near a stable weight.
The right surgical plan depends on the amount and location of excess skin, skin quality, tissue distribution, overall health, and personal goals.
What Can an Arm Lift Improve?
Brachioplasty can address:
Loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
An upper arm contour that makes clothing fit differently than desired
The appearance of excess tissue extending from the upper arm toward the armpit or side of the chest
Localized fullness of the upper arm
Every patient has different anatomy. Dr. Khansa will help determine whether brachioplasty, liposuction, a combination approach, or another treatment would best match your goals.
Arm Lift Surgery after Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can improve overall health while leaving excess skin in areas such as the upper arms. This skin may not tighten fully with exercise or additional weight loss.
Brachioplasty may be considered after your weight has stabilized. Maintaining a relatively stable weight before and after surgery can help protect your results. If you are still planning substantial weight loss, discuss your timing with Dr. Khansa during your consultation.
Patients who have loose skin in multiple areas after weight loss may also wish to discuss body contouring options for other parts of the body, such as abdominoplasty, breast lift, and thigh lift.
Who is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift?
You may be a candidate for an arm lift if you:
Have excess upper-arm skin
Are at or near a stable weight
Are in generally good health for surgery
Do not smoke, or are willing to follow instructions about stopping before and after surgery
At your consultation, Dr. Khansa will review your medical history, medications, previous operations, skin quality, and goals, and will develop a personalized plan for you.
Your Arm Lift Consultation with Dr. Khansa
Your consultation is the first step toward deciding whether brachioplasty is appropriate for you. The appointment may include:
A discussion of what you would like to change about your upper arms.
A review of your medical history, medications, previous surgeries, and health conditions.
An examination of the skin, tissue, and contour of your upper arms.
A discussion of possible incision placement and the amount of skin that may be removed.
An explanation of whether liposuction or another procedure may be appropriate.
Information about preparation, recovery, risks, scarring, and follow-up care.
Time to ask questions and discuss next steps.
Bring a current list of medications and any questions you would like to cover. Complete information about your health will help Dr. Khansa plan safely
Arm Lift: The Procedure
A brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure (you go home the same day).
A typical arm lift includes:
Liposuction: removing unwanted fat from targeted areas
Brachioplasty: making an incision along the upper arm, removing excess skin, meticulously closing the skin
Dr. Khansa performs each step with precision, placing incisions to minimize visibility and achieve natural proportions.
Total operative time typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours.
Recovery after Arm Lift
Most patients return to light daily activities within 5 to 7 days after brachioplasty. Here's what to expect:
Days 1-3: Soreness, swelling. Take prescribed pain medications. Most patients have someone help at home
Weeks 2-3: Increase activity gradually. Most can return to desk work. Significant swelling begins to improve.
Weeks 4-6: Resume light exercise. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
Weeks 6-8: Clear for most normal activities
Months 6-12: Final results visible as swelling fully resolves. Scars fade and settle.
Dr. Khansa provides detailed post-operative instructions and is available throughout your recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Khansa for Arm Lift in Austin?
Harvard Medical School graduate
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
2026 Austin Monthly Top Doctor
Expert in body contouring
Meticulous attention to safety and technique
Evening and weekend consultations available
FAQs
🔍 What do brachioplasty scars look like?
Dr. Khansa places brachioplasty scars strategically to minimize visibility. Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Khansa may use one of these 3 types of brachioplasty scars:
Standard scar
This is a straight scar that travels along the inner aspect of the upper arm.
T-scar
The T-scar includes a straight scar along the inner aspect of the upper arm, and an extension near the armpit. This scar is used when there is more skin than the standard scar can remove.
Extended scar
The extended scar looks like a T-scar, but also extends past the elbow onto the forearm. This scar is used when there is a very large amount of skin to be removed.
Dr. Khansa pays meticulous attention to skin closure and scar care. Scars fade significantly over 12-18 months.
🔍 Can liposuction be combined with brachioplasty?
Yes, absolutely. During arm lift, liposuction is often performed to obtain a more toned arm contour.
🔍 Is a arm lift the same as weight loss?
No. Arm lift is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. It can remove excess skin after weight loss.
🔍 When can I return to exercise after an arm lift?
Light walking can begin within days of surgery. Light exercise (yoga, walking) typically resumes around 4-6 weeks. High-intensity exercise and heavy lifting should wait until 8-12 weeks, when tissue healing is sufficient. Dr. Khansa will give you specific clearance based on your healing.
🔍 How much does an arm lift cost?
Cost varies based on which procedures you choose, operative time, and facility fees. During your consultation, Dr. Khansa's team will provide a detailed quote.
🔍 How do I decrease my risk of complications after arm lift?
There are essential steps you must take to ensure a smooth recovery after arm lift:
Prevent infection and wound healing problems: Do not smoke, or use any form of tobacco, nicotine or vaping for 6 weeks before surgery, until 6 weeks after surgery
Accelerate your recovery: Eat a high protein diet. Drink plenty of fluids
Prevent blood clots: If you are on an oral contraceptive pill that contains estrogen, stop it 6 weeks before surgery and do not restart it until 6 weeks after surgery. You must walk at least 5 times a day, starting on the evening of surgery
Prevent pneumonia: Take deep breaths throughout the day, and cough if you need to
Prescriptions: Take prescription pain medications as instructed. Do not take herbal or homeopathic medications unless approved by Dr. Khansa, as these can cause bleeding and abnormal blood pressure
Schedule your brachioplasty consultation in Austin today
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Khansa offers personalized consultations with evening and weekend availability.
📍 3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
📞 (512) 615-6566 (call or text)
🗓️ Schedule online below
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