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Refining Your Arms for a More Toned Appearance

An arm lift removes excess skin and tightens underlying tissue to create a firmer, more contoured upper arm. At Nashville Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Don Griffin approaches each arm lift individually, since the amount of correction needed varies significantly depending on skin laxity and the extent of change you're hoping to address. Ready to address loose skin along your upper arms? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Griffin.

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm, typically extending from the elbow toward the armpit. It's most often chosen by patients who've experienced significant weight loss or who've simply noticed increasing skin laxity with age, resulting in a looser, less defined appearance that persists regardless of exercise. Because the degree of correction needed varies so much from patient to patient, no two arm lift plans look exactly the same.

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Meet Dr. Don Griffin

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Your Nashville Body Surgeon

Dr. Don Griffin is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, recognized as a "Top Doctor" and "Best Plastic Surgeon" for his patient-centered approach. His fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham gave him a strong foundation in body contouring procedures that require careful attention to proportion. That attention to proportion matters, especially in arm lift surgery, where the goal is a natural, toned appearance rather than an overly tight or unnatural result.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

For many patients, arm lift surgery in Nashville addresses a concern that's been affecting their confidence and wardrobe choices for years.

  • Firmer, more toned upper arms
  • Removal of excess, loose skin
  • Improved arm definition and contour
  • Greater comfort in sleeveless clothing
  • A result that holds up well with a stable weight
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Are You a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty in Nashville if you have loose, sagging skin along your upper arms that doesn't respond to exercise, often following significant weight loss or as a natural part of aging. Good candidates are at or near a stable weight and don't smoke, since smoking can affect healing.

During your consultation, Dr. Griffin will evaluate your skin laxity and the extent of correction needed to help determine whether a full arm lift or a more limited procedure will best meet your goals.

Arm Lift Before & After

Browse our Before & After Gallery to see the outcomes our patients have achieved at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery.

*Every result is unique.

Types of Arm Lift

The right technique depends largely on how much excess skin needs to be addressed.

  • Full Arm Lift - Addresses excess skin along the entire upper arm, from the elbow to the armpit, typically for patients with more significant laxity.
  • Mini Arm Lift - A more limited approach for patients with moderate skin laxity concentrated closer to the armpit.
  • Combined With Liposuction - Often paired with liposuction to remove excess fat alongside loose skin for a more complete contour.
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My experience with Dr. Don Griffin and the team at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery has been truly life-changing. After being heavy most of my life, I lost a significant amount of weight and was left with a great deal of hanging skin that deeply affected my confidence. I highly recommend Dr. Griffin and Nashville Cosmetic Surgery to anyone considering body contouring after weight loss; the care, results, and ongoing support have exceeded my expectations in every way.

Anonymous

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What to Expect During Your Arm Lift

This procedure is performed at our private, accredited surgical center, typically taking one to two hours depending on the extent of correction needed. Anesthesia options will be discussed based on your specific surgical plan. Dr. Griffin removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue along the incision line, which is generally placed along the inner or back portion of the arm to minimize visibility. He'll walk you through your specific incision pattern and expected scarring in detail during your consultation. Most patients return home the same day with clear recovery instructions and direct access to our clinical team.

Recovery and Results Following an Arm Lift

Most patients take one to two weeks off work, with a gradual return to normal activity over the following few weeks. Swelling and tightness in the treated area are common in the early days and improve steadily. The final results continue to refine over the following months as swelling fully resolves and scars begin to soften. Our team checks in with you regularly throughout recovery, monitoring healing and addressing any concerns as they arise.

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Why Choose Nashville Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr. Griffin's patient-centered approach, recognized with honors such as the RealSelf Top 100 list, means every arm lift in Nashville is planned around your specific anatomy and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our private surgical center and concierge-style care ensure your recovery is closely supported from start to finish.

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Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Will an arm lift leave a visible scar?

Yes, some scarring is expected given the amount of skin removed, though incision placement is planned to be as discreet as possible and typically fades over the first year or two.

Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine an arm lift with liposuction, a body lift, or other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results.

Will my results last?

The results are long-lasting as long as your weight remains stable, since significant weight gain can affect the skin and underlying tissue again over time.

How much correction can an arm lift provide?

This depends on your specific skin laxity. Dr. Griffin will discuss realistic expectations for your degree of correction during your consultation.

Is an arm lift painful?

Most patients experience manageable discomfort that improves significantly within the first week, and can be controlled with prescribed medication during initial recovery.

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Schedule a Consultation

Receive the aesthetic care you deserve from one of the best plastic surgeons in Nashville. Contact NCS today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Don Griffin.

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