Arm & Thigh Lift (Brachioplasty & Thighplasty)
Arm and thigh lift surgery (also called brachioplasty for the arms and thighplasty for the thighs) is a cosmetic body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat to restore smoother, firmer arms and legs. These procedures are frequently recommended for individuals who’ve experienced significant weight loss, aging-related skin laxity, or changes in tissue quality that lead to sagging and loss of contour — problems not corrected by diet or exercise alone. Your surgeon evaluates skin elasticity, fat distribution, and underlying muscle support to design a personalized plan that enhances body proportions, improves silhouette, and increases comfort in daily activities and clothing. Both arm and thigh lifts can be performed separately or in combination for comprehensive body rejuvenation.
How the Procedure Works
During arm and/or thigh lift surgery, your surgeon makes precise incisions in areas where excess skin and tissue are present. In a brachioplasty (arm lift), incisions typically run along the inner arm or underarm to remove sagging skin and refine contour. In a thighplasty (thigh lift), incisions are placed in the groin or inner thigh to excise loose skin and reshape the leg. Liposuction may be used in some cases to further refine the contour. The remaining tissues are tightened and closed with sutures to support healing and improved shape.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for arm and thigh lifts are adults in good overall health who have excess, sagging skin in the upper arms or thighs often due to significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. Candidates should be at or near a stable weight, have realistic expectations, and be committed to post-operative care for safe healing. Ideal candidates are nonsmokers or able to stop smoking before and after surgery, as smoking can impair healing. A consultation helps match the right technique to your anatomy and goals.
Why Consider an Arm & Thigh Lift?
Many people who’ve lost a lot of weight or experienced aging find that loose, sagging skin on the arms and thighs persists despite fitness efforts. This excess skin can affect clothing fit, daily comfort, and confidence, as well as create skin irritation or chafing in certain areas. Arm and thigh lifts offer a solution by surgically removing this redundant skin and sculpting the underlying tissues to provide smoother, firmer contours that align better with your body’s proportions. Beyond cosmetic benefits, these procedures can enhance physical comfort, improve mobility, and make everyday activities — from wearing sleeveless clothes to walking comfortably — more enjoyable. Recovery includes a period of swelling and temporary limitations on strenuous activity, but most patients notice significant improvements in both appearance and confidence once healing progresses. Results are long-lasting when a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are maintained.
Before and after Arm & Thigh Lift (Brachioplasty & Thighplasty)
Disclaimer: These photos are published for illustrative purposes only to provide information on the nature of the procedure. They do not constitute a guarantee of results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arm and thigh lifts focus on removing excess skin and firming the contours of the upper arms and thighs. A brachioplasty targets sagging skin on the inner or under portion of the arms, while a thigh lift reshapes the inner or medial thigh area. Both procedures aim to create smoother, more refined lines where exercise alone is no longer effective.
These procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia for comfort and safety. Surgery duration depends on whether one or both areas are treated — arm lifts may take one to two hours, while thigh lifts can take longer based on the extent of skin removal. Your surgeon will provide an individualized timeline during your consultation.
Yes — incisions from brachioplasty and thighplasty result in scars that are placed in strategic locations to be as discreet as possible (e.g., inner arms or groin/inner thighs). Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable, but their visibility varies based on skin type and healing.
Recovery involves managing swelling and discomfort with prescribed medications and wearing compression garments to support healing. Most patients can resume light activities within one to three weeks and should avoid strenuous exercise for about six weeks. Final results take time to settle as swelling diminishes.
Yes — liposuction is often combined with arm or thigh lifts when localized fat deposits are present. This enhances contouring and provides a smoother overall result, tailored to your anatomy.
Results are long-lasting when a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are maintained. Significant weight fluctuations or aging can affect skin elasticity over time, but most patients enjoy improved contours for many years when followed by proper care.
Those with uncontrolled health conditions that impair healing, unstable weight, or unrealistic expectations may not be ideal candidates. Your surgeon will evaluate your complete medical profile and discuss whether the procedure is right for you.
