Arm Lift in
Scottsdale, AZ

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Arm lift in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.

Scottsdale Arm Lift Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures · Scottsdale Arm Lift Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures ·

Tired of Your Sagging Upper Arms?

Losing weight, getting older, or changes in body size can leave the skin under the upper arms loose. That skin may swing when you move, rub against clothing, or make it hard to feel good in short sleeves.

Some people try strength training but still see loose skin. Others avoid raising their arms or wearing sleeveless tops because the extra skin bothers them every day.

An arm lift helps by removing that loose skin and making the upper arm area firmer so you can move more freely, feel more confident, and wear clothes you like without worry.

Our arm lift experts will help you decide whether this procedure is the right choice for you. We proudly serve patients from Scottsdale, Paraise Valley and the greater Phoenix area.

What to Know About Arm Lift in Scottsdale

An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a surgery that removes loose skin and some fat from the upper arms¹. It treats skin that droops between the underarm and the elbow. The goal is to reduce the extra skin so motion is easier and skin no longer swings or rubs.

There are several techniques depending on how much skin is loose and where it is: short scar (smaller incision usually under the armpit), full (incision from armpit down toward the elbow), and extended (incision continues toward the side of the chest for larger areas). Dr. Mark will review which technique matches your case.

The surgery also helps reduce irritation, improves hygiene under the arms, and can let you wear sleeves more comfortably.

Begin your journey toward arms that look firmer, leaner, and more defined.

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Benefits of an Arm Lift

An arm lift can improve comfort, confidence, and appearance by removing excess skin and refining arm contours. Here’s what patients often notice:

Smoother Arm Contours: Removes loose or hanging skin for a tighter look when lifting, waving, or moving your arms.
More Clothing Options: Allows you to wear sleeveless tops, dresses, and fitted clothing comfortably without worries.
Reduced Skin Irritation: Eliminates chafing and friction that can occur when extra skin rubs during daily activities or exercise.
Balanced Body Proportions: Creates arm contours that align naturally with your torso for a more balanced upper body.

Ideal Candidates
for an Arm Lift

An arm lift can be an excellent plastic surgical procedure if you want to address loose, sagging skin and restore a smoother, more proportionate contour to your upper arms.

Loose or Hanging Skin

Notice sagging skin under the arms that does not improve with weight loss or exercise and causes irritation or frustration.

Stable Weight

Have maintained a consistent weight for several months, as fluctuations can change results and affect long-term skin tightness.

Good Overall Health

You are cleared for surgery, with no untreated medical conditions that would interfere with healing or raise surgical risks.

Realistic Expectations

Understand this procedure removes skin and shapes the arms but does not increase muscle size or tone.

Desire for Confidence

Want to wear sleeveless clothing and move freely without worrying about how your arms look or feel.

This procedure is designed to help you feel comfortable in your own skin and enjoy greater confidence every day.

Schedule your arm lift consultation in Scottsdale today to discuss your goals.

Take the Next Step

Arm Lift Consultation at Our Scottsdale Office

Dr. Mark will talk with you about what bothers you most, how loose the skin is, where it is, and how it affects you physically and emotionally. He will examine your arms, check your skin quality, fat distribution, and measure how much loose skin there is.

You’ll discuss which technique fits your needs, how big the incision will be, where scars will be, what risks apply to your health, and what recovery will look like.

By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a personalized plan, including which technique, what prep to do, expected healing time, and how best to achieve your goals.

How to Prepare for Your Arm Lift

Taking the right steps before surgery helps protect your results and makes recovery smoother and more comfortable:

Keep Arm Skin Healthy

Wash your upper arms gently every day and keep them moisturized. Calm skin lowers infection risk.

Avoid Irritants

Skip tanning, waxing, or abrasive scrubs on your arms. Healthy, irritation-free skin makes surgery safer.

Follow Pre-Op Instructions

Dr. Mark will guide you on fasting, which medications to stop, and how to prepare for anesthesia.

Eat Protein-Rich Meals

Focus on lean protein, vegetables, and whole foods in the weeks leading up to surgery to support tissue repair.

Stop Nicotine Use

Quit smoking, vaping, or nicotine products several weeks before and after surgery to maintain blood flow.

Set Up Recovery Space

Prepare a comfortable area with extra pillows, front-closing clothing, and easy access to limit unnecessary movement.

Taking time to prepare properly for arm lift surgery in Scottsdale helps your recovery go more smoothly.

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What are the Steps of an Arm Lift?

Arm lift is done for those in Scottsdale or Phoenix seeking slimmer arms. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on how much skin and which technique is used. Here is a step-by-step rundown:

On the day of surgery, you will receive general anesthesia so you are completely comfortable throughout the procedure. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors you closely, and checks your breathing, heart rate, and safety until the surgery is finished.

Dr. Mark reviews the markings made earlier to confirm exactly where skin will be removed. You are positioned carefully on the operating table with your arms supported to allow access to the treatment area. The skin is then cleansed with a sterile solution to lower the chance of infection and prepare for surgery.

The incision pattern depends on the technique selected for your needs. Dr. Mark may make an incision within the armpit, along the inner arm, or extending toward the side of the chest. Each incision is planned to remove the right amount of skin while keeping scars as discreet as possible.

Once the incisions are made, he lifts the excess skin to access the underlying tissue. Any remaining fat deposits that interfere with the contour of the arm may be trimmed or gently removed. The supportive tissue beneath the skin is tightened and reshaped to improve firmness and create a smoother, more defined arm contour. The skin is then carefully redraped to match your new arm shape without unnecessary tension.

After the desired shape has been achieved, the incisions are closed in several layers. The deeper layers are secured with absorbable sutures to support the tissues underneath, while fine sutures or skin adhesives are used on the surface for a neat closure. Small strips or surgical tape may be added on top to provide gentle support while healing begins.

When the incisions are fully closed, sterile dressings are placed to protect the area and keep it clean. If there is a possibility of fluid buildup, small surgical drains may be inserted temporarily to allow fluid to leave the body safely. Finally, a custom-fitted compression sleeve is placed on each arm to help minimize swelling.

Arm Lift Techniques

There are several approaches to arm lift surgery, and the right one depends on the amount of skin laxity, your anatomy, and your goals. We will recommend the technique that creates the most natural shape for your arms.

Short-Scar Arm Lift

A short-scar arm lift is best for patients with only mild to moderate loose skin near the underarm. The incision is hidden in the natural crease of the armpit², making it less noticeable.

This technique removes a smaller amount of skin and is less invasive than a full arm lift, so recovery can be a bit faster. However, because the incision is shorter, it cannot remove skin that hangs further down the arm. This approach works well for people who want a subtle improvement and have good skin elasticity.

Full Arm Lift

A full arm lift is the most common option and is recommended for patients with moderate to significant sagging along the upper arm. The incision runs along the inside of the arm from the armpit to the elbow, which allows Dr. Mark to remove a larger section of skin and tighten the tissue along the entire arm.

This method produces a more dramatic change and is ideal for patients after major weight loss or aging who have significant drooping. Recovery takes a little longer, but many patients feel the results are worth the tradeoff.

Extended Arm Lift

An extended arm lift is used when loose skin continues past the arm and onto the side of the chest. The incision follows the length of the inner arm and curves down onto the chest wall to allow the removal of even more skin.

This approach is often chosen by patients after massive weight loss who have skin folds not just on the arms but also along the sides of the body. Although the incision is longer and recovery may take more time, it can create the most complete improvement for these patients.

Schedule your arm lift consultation at our Scottsdale plastic surgery practice today, and browse through some of Dr. Mark’s patient reviews to get started.

Take the Next Step

Arm Lift Recovery Timeline

Recovery builds over time, and our team will provide the detailed instructions to make sure you’ll feel better gradually.

Day 1

The day of surgery, your arms will feel tight, sore, and swollen. You will have bandages, maybe drains, and a compression sleeve. You should rest with your arms slightly elevated.

Day 3

After the third day, you may still feel discomfort, and swelling may be at its worst. Pain medicine helps. Gentle walking around the house is good for recovery.

Week 1

One week post surgery, discomfort should be less intense. Bandages or dressings are still covering incisions. You should remain cautious with arm movement, no stretching or lifting.

Weeks 2-3

The swelling starts to go down visibly after two to three weeks. Bruising begins to fade. Light, gentle motions with the arms are allowed, and light walks are recommended to help with circulation.

Weeks 4-6

By weeks four to six, swelling has reduced significantly. The compression sleeve is still used most of the time. You may return to more usual daily activities that do not strain the arms.

Months 3-12

After three months have passed, your arms have changed shape, the swelling is mostly gone, and scars begin to fade. Over the next several months, scars flatten and lighten further.

Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips

Wear your compression sleeves as instructed
Keep your arms elevated on pillows to help swelling go down
Avoid lifting, reaching, or stretching your arms until cleared
Take short walks every day to keep blood moving

Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski

Dr. Mark Gruszynski is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Scottsdale with extensive experience performing arm lift and body procedures for patients with loose or hanging skin. Trained at UCLA, one of the country’s top surgical programs, he brings years of expertise and precision to each case.

He customizes every arm lift to your anatomy, focusing on incision placement, contouring, and skin redraping to achieve smooth, natural results. His goal is to create balanced arms that look proportionate to the rest of your body without overcorrection.

Beyond his technical skill, Dr. Mark is known for his approachable, patient-focused care. He takes time to discuss your goals, explain the surgical process, and provide clear guidance for preparation and recovery.

Meet Our Arm Lift Specialist

Frequently Asked
Questions About Arm Lift

Insurance will only cover part of an arm lift when the extra skin causes health problems like repeated infections, rashes, or pain that affects daily life. Purely cosmetic concerns generally are not covered, but you can still access our payment plan options for an arm lift.

You should plan for at least one to two weeks off for rest and basic activities. If your job requires lifting, reaching overhead, or physical work, you may need more time. By weeks four to six, many people return to lighter work, depending on how well healing is going.

Most people feel soreness and a tight feeling in the arms during the first few days. Pain medicine helps manage this. Over the first week, pain drops, and by weeks two to three, it becomes mild. Discomfort mainly shows when the arms are moved or stretched.

Yes. Scars are part of this surgery. Their length depends on the technique chosen. Early on scars are red and raised. Over months, they fade and soften. Proper scar care (keeping clean, protecting from sun, following doctor’s advice) helps them be less obvious.

Your arm muscles are not cut, but surgery removes skin and some fat. Strength returns as healing progresses. Motion is limited at first, but gradually, under your surgeon’s guidance, normal motion returns. By weeks four to six, most people can lift light objects and use the full range of arm motion.

Yes. Many patients combine an arm lift with procedures like a breast lift or body lift surgery. Doing more than one procedure requires care in planning and recovery. It may increase healing time, swelling, and time off, but can be more efficient overall.

Yes, usually. The loose skin removed does not come back. But weight changes, aging, or large fluctuations can stretch skin again. Following a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps keep results long-term.

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References

Frankeny, A. (2024, December 10). Solutions for toning the upper arms: Arm lifts, skin tightening and more. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/solutions-for-toning-the-upper-arms-arm-lifts-skin-tightening-and-more
Hill, S., Small, K. H., Pezeshk, R. A., & Rohrich, R. J. (2016). Liposuction-Assisted Short-Scar Brachioplasty: Technical Highlights. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(3), 447e–450e. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27556619/