Arm Lift in Bellevue
Slim, Sculpted Arms You're Proud to Show Off
An arm lift (brachioplasty) at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery removes the excess, sagging skin along the inner upper arm that often does not respond to exercise. Whether your loose skin is the result of aging, significant weight loss, post-pregnancy changes, or the natural effects of time, Dr. Kristopher Day — double board-certified and Ivy League trained — designs each procedure around your unique anatomy to create smoother, firmer, more proportionate arms.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What Is Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
A brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and localized fat deposits from the upper arm — the area between the shoulder and elbow. The result is a tighter, more toned arm contour that reflects your actual fitness level and weight.
The inner upper arm is one of the areas most resistant to diet and exercise changes. When skin elasticity decreases — due to age, rapid or significant weight loss, or genetic factors — the skin is unlikely to retract on its own. An arm lift surgically removes that excess tissue, tightening the remaining skin across the newly sculpted arm.
Dr. Day performs arm lifts as a standalone procedure or as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan, including Mommy Makeover or post-weight-loss transformation packages. Every surgical plan is individualized — the incision length, placement, and technique are determined by the amount and location of excess skin specific to each patient.
Benefits Of an Arm Lift Surgery
Patients who choose brachioplasty with Dr. Day consistently describe the same outcome: arms that finally match the effort they put into their overall health. Beyond the visible transformation, arm lift surgery delivers functional and emotional benefits that reshape how patients move through the world.
Physical Benefits | Emotional & Lifestyle Benefits |
|---|---|
Smoother, tighter upper arm contour | Confidence to wear sleeveless clothing |
Removal of hanging or drooping skin | Arms that reflect your actual fitness level |
Reduced skin irritation or chafing | Renewed motivation to maintain results |
Improved arm mobility and comfort | Completion of a broader body transformation |
Optional liposuction for fat reduction | Long-lasting results with stable weight |
"Skilled surgeon, inclusive office, reasonable wait-list, highly recommended! I have undergone multiple procedures with Dr. Day and would again."
— Leah W., Arm Lift Patient • Google Review
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
The best arm lift candidates are individuals who have achieved a stable, healthy weight but are dealing with skin laxity that hasn’t responded to exercise. During your personal consultation, Dr. Day will assess your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to confirm whether brachioplasty — or a combination approach — is the right path for you.
- You may be a good candidate if...
- Excess, sagging skin on the upper inner arm
- Weight is stable and at or near goal
- Non-smoker, or able to quit 4+ weeks prior
- In good overall health with no uncontrolled conditions
- Realistic expectations about incision placement
- Significant weight loss (bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medication, or lifestyle change)
- When to Consider Waiting
- Planning significant future weight loss
- Active smoker (increases complication risk)
- Uncontrolled diabetes or circulatory issues
- Expecting results from liposuction alone (excess skin requires excision)
- Unable to take adequate recovery time
- Seeking resolution for loose skin below the elbow (not addressed by standard brachioplasty)
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Day to discuss your goals and options.
Your Arm Lift Journey
Your Consultation
Every arm lift begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Day. He will review your medical history, examine the degree of skin laxity and any excess fat deposits in the upper arm, and discuss your goals for your overall body contour. If you are pursuing arm lift as part of a broader post-weight-loss transformation, Dr. Day will help you sequence procedures appropriately for safety and optimal recovery.
The Surgical Procedure
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction needed. The incision is placed on the inner surface of the arm — from the armpit toward the elbow — to keep scarring as discreet as possible. Excess skin is excised, the underlying tissue may be tightened, and the arm is contoured for a smoother, slimmer profile. When additional fat removal is appropriate, liposuction may be incorporated into the same procedure.
"Dr Day and staff are wonderful. They care for their patients and strive for the best possible outcome from the procedure. Dr Day informs you step by step, pre surgery and post surgery. Whatever procedure you are looking to have, Dr Day is the best at what he does."
— Karen C., Arm Lift Patient • Google Review
Recovery Timeline
Phase 1: Day 1 Post-Op
What to Expect
Low-grade activity like walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal. Arms should be kept elevated when resting. A compression garment is worn 23 hours a day.
Phase 2: Weeks 1–2
What to Expect
Continue frequent low-intensity activity. Most patients return to sedentary/desk work during the first week. Avoid any activities that cause grimace, grunt, strain, or sweat. Lifting restrictions remain in place.
Phase 3: Weeks 2–4
What to Expect
Begin a gradual return to exertional activities, starting at 50% of your pre-op maximum and increasing by 5% per day. Light exercise and full range of motion can resume.
Phase 4: Weeks 4–6
What to Expect
Complete return to your pre-operative baseline, including high-impact exercise and all other unrestricted activities, as cleared by Dr. Day at your follow-up visit.
Phase 5: Months 2–6
What to Expect
The incision line continues to fade and mature. The final arm contour becomes visible as all residual swelling fully resolves.
Arm Lift After Significant Weight Loss
The dramatic weight loss many patients achieve — whether through bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, or sustained diet and lifestyle changes — often reveals a new challenge: loose, hanging skin that doesn’t snap back, especially along the inner upper arm. This is one of the most common concerns we hear from post-weight-loss patients at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue.
When you lose 40, 60, or even 100+ pounds, the skin that stretched to accommodate that weight often lacks the elasticity to retract. No amount of resistance training will tighten that excess skin — that requires surgical removal. An arm lift is frequently the first procedure post-weight-loss patients pursue, often paired with a tummy tuck or thigh lift for a complete transformation.
Key Considerations for Post-Weight-Loss Arm Lift Patients
- Weight should be stable for at least 6 months before surgery
- Nutritional status must be optimized — patients who have lost significant weight may have vitamin or mineral deficiencies that affect wound healing
- If you are currently taking a GLP-1 medication, timing around surgery should be discussed with both Dr. Day and your prescribing physician
- Many patients address multiple areas (arms, abdomen, thighs) in a staged approach to minimize recovery time
- Day has experience with post-bariatric and post-weight-loss body types and understands the unique tissue characteristics involved
What Results Can I Expect from an Arm Lift?
Most arm lift patients notice a meaningful improvement immediately after surgery — the hanging or drooping skin is gone, and the arm profile is dramatically smoother. While swelling will be present for several weeks, the final contour becomes fully visible around months 3–6.
Results are long-lasting when weight is maintained. The removed skin does not return, and the arm maintains its improved shape over time. Incision scars fade progressively and are positioned on the inner arm to remain largely concealed in most everyday activities and sleeveless clothing.
"Very thorough, described potential benefits and drawbacks for each type of approach we discussed. Very professional, skilled, and gentle. No 'upselling' or added services pushed which was a relief! He and his staff are a wonderful addition to our area! Thank you and you did beautiful work!"
— Stacy S., Arm Lift Patient • Google Review
Arm Lift Cost in Bellevue
The largest factor in determining your arm lift cost is the time required in the operating room. The facility fee covers anesthesia, equipment, surgical staff, and post-operative recovery. Additional factors include the extent of skin removal required, whether liposuction is combined, and your overall surgical plan. Dr. Day provides a detailed, personalized cost estimate at your consultation.
What Affects Your Price
- Extent of skin removal (full vs. limited)
- Whether liposuction is combined
- Anesthesia type and surgical duration
- Surgical facility fees
- Procedures combined in a single surgery
What’s Included in Your Investment
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end compression garment (Isavella)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
Financing Options
Financing available through CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit.
Starting from $7,000
Your final cost is determined by your individualized surgical plan.
Call (425) 818-8991 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Kristopher Day for Your Arm Lift in Bellevue?
Arm lift surgery requires a precision approach to skin excision, incision placement, and arm contouring that varies significantly from patient to patient. Dr. Day’s double board-certified background, combined with more than a decade performing body contouring procedures, gives him the experience to deliver results that are both technically precise and aesthetically refined.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Dr. Day holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery — a combination that reflects his commitment to surgical safety and excellence across all body procedures.
Ivy League Trained
Dr. Day completed his surgical training at one of the nation’s top Ivy League institutions before advancing to plastic and reconstructive surgery. This rigorous foundation in anatomy, precision, and surgical planning informs every procedure he performs — including the detailed approach required for exceptional arm lift results.
Boutique, Patient-First Practice
At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, you work directly with Dr. Day from consultation through recovery. Our small, dedicated team — led by our patient care coordinator, whose attentiveness patients frequently praise — ensures every patient feels heard, supported, and prepared
Surgical Facilities
Dr. Day operates at accredited surgical facilities in the Bellevue area — among the most respected surgical centers in the region.
Conveniently Located for Eastside Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout Bellevue and the greater Eastside — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arm lift, and what does the procedure include?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and, when needed, localized fat from the inner upper arm. The procedure typically involves an incision along the inner arm from the armpit toward the elbow, excision of the excess tissue, and closure that creates a smoother, more toned arm contour.
Am I a good candidate for an arm lift in Bellevue?
The best candidates have achieved a stable weight and have loose, sagging skin on the upper inner arm that has not responded to diet or exercise. Both post-pregnancy patients and those who have lost significant weight through diet, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications are frequently excellent candidates. A personal consultation with Dr. Day is the only way to confirm candidacy for your specific anatomy.
How much does an arm lift cost in Bellevue?
Arm lift surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery starts from $7,000. Your final investment depends on the extent of correction, whether liposuction is included, and your complete surgical plan. Dr. Day provides a detailed estimate at your consultation. Financing is available through CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit. Call (425) 818-8991 to get started.
How long is the recovery after an arm lift?
Most patients return to light desk work within the first week. A compression garment is worn 23 hours per day for a minimum of three weeks (the 23-and-3 Rule). Lifting restrictions apply for four to six weeks. Full arm contour and final results are typically visible by months three to six as all swelling resolves.
Will there be visible scarring after an arm lift?
Yes — an arm lift produces a scar that runs along the inner arm. Incisions are placed strategically to remain as hidden as possible when the arm is at rest. Over time, with proper scar care, the incision line typically fades significantly. Dr. Day will discuss scar placement and management at your consultation.
How long do arm lift results last?
Arm lift results are long-lasting when weight remains stable. The removed skin does not return. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight after surgery is the most important factor in preserving your results over time.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes — arm lift is commonly performed alongside tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast procedures, or as part of a Mommy Makeover or post-weight-loss transformation. Dr. Day will advise on the safest and most effective combination based on your anatomy and goals.
Is arm lift surgery safe?
When performed by a double board-certified plastic surgeon at an accredited surgical facility, arm lift is considered a safe, well-established procedure. Dr. Day will discuss all risks, including scarring, swelling, infection risk, and changes in arm sensation, during your consultation.
What is the difference between liposuction and an arm lift for the arms?
Liposuction removes excess fat but does not address loose skin. If the primary issue is sagging skin, liposuction alone will not create the smooth, toned result most patients are seeking. An arm lift removes excess skin — and can include liposuction as part of the same procedure when fat reduction is also appropriate.
How do I schedule an arm lift consultation at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery?
Call us at (425) 818-8991 or use the online scheduling form on our website. Our team will connect you with Dr. Day for a personal, no-pressure consultation at our Bellevue office at 1260 116th Ave NE, Suite 100.
Do you offer financing for arm lift surgery?
Yes. Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery offers financing through CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit, both of which provide monthly payment plans designed for healthcare expenses. Ask our patient care coordinator about financing options during your consultation.
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation
You deserve to feel confident in your body again. Dr. Day and the Pacific Sound team create personalized transformation plans tailored to your unique goals.