Approximately how much does a arm lift cost? Is it possible to make the incision in the arm pit area?

Hello giajax, thank you for your question. This is a
difficult question to answer without photos. If you just have a moderate amount
of excess skin and fat, a modified-T or crescent arm lift may be the solution.
However, if you excess skin and fat around the elbow, you will need an extended
brachioplasty or arm lift. This excision will extend from the armpit to the
elbow. Many insurance companies approve arm lift surgeries when certain skin
conditions are present given that problems can occur with these rashes. Please seek a board certified plastic
surgeon with significant experience in submitting paperwork to insurance
companies regarding insurance authorization for arm lift surgeries. The price
will depend on your geographic location, your plastic surgeon, and if insurance
will cover your procedure. 



Sincerely,

J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

The axillary brachioplasty can be performed, but it offers little benefit.  Usually, patients who have significant skin laxity need a more comprehensive procedure.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for the question.    In my experience, most patients who benefit from arm lift surgery require more than an incision in the “arm pit” (axillary area) to achieve the outcome they are looking for. When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider… are some of the potential variables involved.
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Again, I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.   You may find the attached link, dedicated to arm lifting concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Costs vary depending on the doctor and where you live in the states.Probably $5000- 10,000 range is a good guess."Armpit only" scars are rarely useful and helpful mainly for people whose deformity is only in the proximal one third of the upper arm.It is similiar to a mini tummy tuck or mini facelift-that's what everyone wants but  they are usually not a good candidate for them and need the full procedure based on their anatomy and problem.