When are the results of an arm lift complete? Also, can one lose additional fat after the procedure to tone arms?

Question

I’m just curious as to when the results of an arm lift are final. I know the arms are very swollen afterward, so I was just wondering if the results are final 3, 6, or 12 months after the procedure. I am also wondering if patients can lose additional fat after the procedure or tone the arms to improve the look.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, "When are the results of an arm lift completely? Also, can one lose additional fat after the procedure to tone arms?" Regarding your final results from your arm lift or brachioplasty, your final results show an appearance of the scar maturing at two years. This is for full maturation of the surgical field on a microscopic molecular level. However, in general, the arrival of the arms for approach the final results at approximately 6 to 8 months. Final score maturation takes another 18 months. I highly suggest resistance training in terms of toning your arm after an arm lift. You should focus on three muscle groups: biceps, triceps, and deltoids. There are numerous videos on YouTube designed to workout treatments for you to maximize the appearance of the arms in terms of working out these muscle groups. Alternatively, a personal trainer can come in handy to tone your arms after an armless. I hope this helps answer your question regarding how to tone your arms after an armless and when the final results are apparent after an arm lifter. Thanks. Good luck.
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please 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. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, 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, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Wehores6,
in most cases, you will be able to see the final results after 6 months. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Ideally in order to maintain the final cosmetic result, it would be advisable to lose any potential unwonted fat in preparation of surgery rather than after.

Depending on the amount of weight loss after the surgical procedure of  brachioplasty / armlift, you might experience some recurrence of the laxity.

I hope this helps.

All the best

Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
Manchester and London, UK

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Complete healing is at 12 months. Yes, you can loose fat, but if too much is lost, your skin may no longer be tight. Toning your arms with weight is always a good idea. In women, this will not change your skin result.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

The results of an arm lift, or brachioplasty, are typically noticeable once swelling subsides, which may take a few weeks. However, final results can take several months as the tissues heal and reshape. While an arm lift removes excess skin and fat, it doesn’t prevent future weight gain. Losing additional fat after the procedure through diet and exercise can help tone the arms further. It’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal results.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Although much of the swelling from an arm lift will have resolved by 3 months, final results won't be seen for a few more months.  The scar will continue to mature for at least a year.  You are still able to gain and lose weight after the procedure, which could impact your results.  You will be able to return to exercising once you have healed to keep up the benefits from your surgery.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Arm lifts should be resolved of swelling at the three month mark. However, the incision on an arm lift can persist in thickness for quite some time. Initially this incision can be feel tight, almost like a rubberband. At one year the incision is typically softer and less noticeable. Arm lift incisions are not full healed for up to 2 years.

When are the results of an arm lift complete? Also, can one lose additional fat after the procedure to tone arms?

Answers (7)

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