Hi Theresa, thank you for your question about an arm lift. First, an arm lift is also called a brachioplasty. However, an arm lift is really an arm reduction, not just an arm lift. Second, pain is subjective. That means some patients feel pain after an arm lift, whereas some patients barely feel any pain after an arm lift. In general, the majority of my arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty patients have some pain for three to five days. Most arm lift patents take pain medciation for several days then taper and discontinue their pain medications by day five to seven. There are several types of arm lift: crescent arm lift, mini-T arm lift, and the full arm lift from the arm pit to the elbow. Most arm lift procedures take 2 to 3 hours to perform. Most arm lifts are performed under general anesthesia. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Pplease seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.)