Can an arm lift be done under local anesthesia?

Thank you for inquiring about the possibility of undergoing an arm lift using only local anesthesia. Yes, the procedure can be conducted under local anesthesia, but the suitability hinges on your individual pain tolerance. For those with a high pain threshold, it may be a viable option. However, there's a limitation to the quantity of local anesthetic that can be administered safely in one session. Consequently, in most instances, only one arm would be treated in a session due to this restriction. This is a key reason why many plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia for arm lift procedures. But, if you're open to having each arm done separately and have a good tolerance for pain, local anesthesia might work for you.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

I would not recommend getting a full brachioplasty under local anesthesia. The amount of local anesthesia you would likely require could be toxic and much more dangerous than general anesthesia. Also, the plastic surgeon has much less opportunity to make precise adjustments, like using liposuction, or extending the scar.

An arm lift may be performed under local anesthesia, especially if it is a smaller case.  Most often, however, the arm lifts are bigger cases where patients benefit from a deeper anesthetic provided by an anesthesiologist for maximum safety and comfort. 

Arm lift and/or smart lipo of the arms can be performed under local, provided you are a candidate.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to discuss your options and expectations. 

Thank you for your question.  Using tumescent solution, yes, an armlift can be done under local anesthesia and some sedation.  Practices such as ours routinely perform this surgery.  I recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consult.  All the best,