Brachioplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin or fat from the upper arms.The decision to perform brachioplasty depends on how much of the undesirable contour of the upper arms is due to excess fat and how much due to sagging and excess skin. If the problem is fat excess with minimal skin excess, then liposuction is the indicated procedure. Significant sagging with loose skin requires brachioplasty and excision of the skin. Liposuction is done in addition for excess fat.

Incision usually extends from the hollow of the underarm down toward the elbow. The greater the sagginess, the further toward the elbow the incision must extend. The incision is placed to minimize any visibility unless the arms are elevated.

Brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. The arms are wrapped with elastic or ace bandages for a week. The scar often has a tendency to become raised and red. Use of silicone gel sheeting or silicone ointment can be recommended to improve scar quality and shorten the healing period. Scar redness gradually fades over 6-12 months. Time off work is usually one week.