Arm Lift Procedure In Miami, South Miami & Coral Gables, FL

Dr. Max Polo is an experienced surgeon in Miami. He was initially board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 2003 and successfully completed recertification in 2013. He has several decades of experience in nonsurgical and cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Polo has great experience and proficiency in breast and body procedures, including arm lifts.

Peers in his field have recognized Dr. Polo for his natural-looking results and individualized care. Dr. Polo is the current Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons president and served on the Board of Directors for several years prior. He also serves as a voluntary clinical assistant professor, dedicating much of his time toward educating medical students and fellows.

What Is An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, tightens, lifts, and smooths out sagging skin under the upper arm due to aging or weight loss. This procedure helps patients achieve firmer and more toned arm contours. At Miami Plastic Surgery®, we use arm lift surgery to help tighten muscles and loose skin of the upper arm after treatment without surgery (e.g., diet and exercise) has failed to improve or restore skin elasticity and muscle tone.

The type of arm lift surgery that Dr. Polo will recommend depends on the severity of hanging skin. For patients with minimal excess skin, your doctor may recommend a “mini arm lift surgery”. A mini arm lift only requires a small incision under the arm, preventing large scars.

Patients with greater levels of skin sagging may require an incision that extends from the elbow to the underarm. Other options may include the “invisible arm lift surgery,” which, like a mini arm lift, only requires a small incision made in the underarm.

If you have loose or sagging upper arm skin that is causing you discomfort or embarrassment, an arm lift may offer the following benefits:

• Tightened upper arm skin
• Enhanced definition of the upper arm
• Improved overall aesthetics of the body
• Increased self-confidence

Our Approach: Personalized Arm Lift Techniques

Dr. Polo utilizes custom treatment strategies to achieve his patients' goals. Each technique creates natural-looking and proportionate results. Dr. Polo’s custom treatment strategies include:

• Traditional brachioplasty: Traditional techniques are best suited for patients with major sagging. This procedure involves creating a long incision along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow. The goal is to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying tissue. Patients can see a dramatic improvement in arm contours with this technique because you can address upper and lower arm sagging.
• Minimal-scar arm lift: Mini brachioplasty techniques use shorter incisions, which are often hidden in the armpit. This procedure removes a smaller amount of skin compared to traditional methods, making it suitable for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. Patients looking for a subtle lift and a short, less visible scar often opt for this procedure.
• Liposuction-assisted techniques: This strategy leverages liposuction techniques to remove excess fat from the arm. Patients with minimal skin sagging may opt for this procedure. Some people combine this treatment with other options for enhanced contouring. The incisions for this procedure are small, minimizing scarring.

Real Patient Transformations

Dr. Polo has completed brachioplasty procedures for many men and women. Take a look at the before and after photos from his previous procedures to see the difference for yourself.

Want to learn more? Here's what some of our patients have to say about their experience with Dr. Polo:

“From consultation to surgery and throughout my post-op care, Dr. Polo and his staff have been nothing short of exceptional—caring, attentive, and highly professional. They took the time to answer all my questions, made me feel completely at ease, and ensured that I was well taken care of every step of the way. And the results? Absolutely incredible! I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Polo’s expertise and attention to detail truly show in his work. If you're considering plastic surgery, I 100% recommend him!” -Veronica Dominguez

“Dr. Polo's expertise and skill in his craft is unmatched. My surgery was a success and the recovery process was smooth and efficient. I am extremely satisfied with the entire experience, which has been nothing short of exceptional. I highly recommend Dr. Polo for anyone seeking top-notch plastic surgery.” -Jorge Mejia

“I have worked with Dr. Polo inside the OR and now as his patient. I have worked with several plastic surgeons. Dr. Polo stands out to me because of his attention to detail, patience, and professionalism. I am extremely happy with my results… it far exceeded my expectations :). His office staff are some of the nicest people and seem to truly love what they do. I am so grateful for Dr. Polo and his staff who made me feel so welcomed and confident that I was in great hands.” -Bernadette Antle

Consultation to Recovery: What to Expect From the Process

The actual arm lift procedure typically only takes a few hours, depending on the specific technique and your goals. However, it's beneficial to understand what happens during your initial consultation, on surgery day, and during your recovery period. Here's what you can expect from the initial consultation to post-op care:

What Can I Expect During an Arm Lift Consultation?

During your initial arm lift consultation, you will meet with the plastic surgeon and their team. Dr. Polo will review your medical history, skin quality, current medications, and your overall physical and emotional health. He will ask about your goals and determine which technique will benefit you most. You will also discuss the arm lift cost for both arms, procedure benefits, recovery time, possible risks, and any limitations.

A staff member may take pre-op photos to plan your procedure and create a comparison for after your treatment. You will also discuss treatment scheduling, costs, and patient financing options.

What Does an Arm Lift Procedure Involve?

Dr. Polo will perform your arm lift procedure as an outpatient procedure. Generally, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or other sedation methods. Once you are comfortable and relaxed, the procedure can begin.

Your surgeon will carefully make an incision in your arm. Depending on your treatment needs, the size and placement of the incision may vary. Some incisions may be as small as two inches, while other incisions may extend from your elbow to your armpit.

After making the incisions, your doctor will remove excess skin. If there is any excess fat, your doctor may remove it through careful excision or liposuction. After removing the skin and fat, your provider will tighten and shape the muscle beneath the affected skin with stitches. When your doctor is satisfied with the new form, the skin can be softly sculpted over the muscle.

Upon completion of the procedure, your doctor will close up any incisions with stitches. If your stitches are non-absorbable, you will need to return one to two weeks after the procedure so that your surgeon can remove them.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations for recovery. Immediately following your procedure, you'll likely have compression garments on your arms to support healing and maintain your new contour. If you had an extensive surgery, you may have drainage tubes to prevent fluid accumulation.

Over the next few weeks, you may need to apply dressings or bandages to your incisions and wrap your arms with a compression garment to minimize swelling after your procedure. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Many people heal within one to three weeks, but the final contour setting can take several months.

Arm Lift Cost Miami

The total cost for an arm lift procedure will vary based on your procedure specifics and goals. At Miami Plastic Surgery®, our price includes surgeon fees, post-operative garments, facility fees, anesthesia, and follow-up visits. You can discuss costs during your initial consultation. Patients can choose from our flexible payment plans and financing options to make reaching goals more affordable.

Why Board Certification Matters in Body Contouring

When you want to enhance your body, it's important to look for a board-certified surgeon. Board-certified surgeons, like Dr. Polo, have the skills and experience to ensure your safety and comfort while blending your aesthetic goals with industry best practices.

Being a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that a doctor has completed extensive training for patient safety. Certified surgeons can ensure quality results and a positive overall experience while adhering to ethical and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's important to feel comfortable and confident before undergoing surgery. Below, we've answered a few common questions about arm lifts.

1. Am I an Appropriate Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery  might be right for you if you have:

• Sagging, loose skin located at the underside of your upper arm
• Unwanted fat hanging from beneath your upper arm
• Good physical and emotional health
• Realistic expectations

2. Will There Be a Visible Scar?

Arm lift surgery may result in a scar depending on the treatment technique. Traditional methods often leave a long, visible scar from the armpit to the elbow. Fading may occur over time, and the scar will be less visible when your arms are at your sides. A mini arm lift typically leaves a small scar, often hidden in the armpit. Liposuction-assisted techniques can leave tiny scars at incision points that often fade.

3. Can I Combine an Arm Lift With Other Procedures?

You can combine an arm lift with other procedures, like liposuction and other body lifts. Many people seek multiple treatments to enhance contours. Speak with your doctor before scheduling multiple procedures.

4. How Long Do Results Last?

Your arm lift results can last several years or longer. However, it's important to note that the best way to maintain your new shape is to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.