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

Yes, arm lifting can be done under local anesthesia but I would not recommend it, in most cases. Generally I perform this procedure under general anesthesia, under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist.  This allows for maximal control of patient safety, comfort, and the mobility concerns.  Best wishes.

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.