Arm Lift in Costa Mesa, CA

If you’ve been living with loose, sagging skin on your upper arms that no amount of exercise seems to address, you’re not alone, and arm lift surgery may be exactly the conversation worth having. At Tehrani Plastic Surgery, serving patients throughout Costa Mesa, CA, and the greater Orange County area, Dr. Ali Tehrani helps patients reclaim confidence in their arms with thoughtful, personalized care. Whether your arm skin concerns stem from the natural aging process, significant weight loss, or simply genetics, this procedure is designed to address excess skin and fat that diet and fitness may not always address. (949) 867-6806, reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step.

What Is Arm Lift Surgery?

An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, reshaping the area from the underarm down toward the elbow for a smoother, more toned appearance. It’s one of the more personal cosmetic surgery decisions a patient can make, because arm skin is visible in so many everyday moments, from reaching for something on a shelf to wearing a sleeveless top on a warm Orange County afternoon.

The arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure involves surgically excising loose skin from the upper arm, tightening the remaining skin, and sculpting the underlying tissue to create a more defined contour. When unwanted fat is also present, Dr. Tehrani may incorporate techniques to remove excess fat alongside the skin excision, depending on your individual anatomy and goals.

Results from arm lift surgery can include a noticeably firmer upper arm contour and reduced skin laxity, though individual results may vary, and outcomes typically become more apparent over the weeks and months following the procedure as swelling subsides and proper healing takes place.

Arm Lift Brachioplasty What It Treats

Brachioplasty patients most often seek this procedure because of one or more of the following concerns:

• Excess skin hanging beneath the upper arms, sometimes referred to as “bat wings.”
• Skin laxity caused by the natural aging process
• Loose arm skin following major weight loss or massive weight loss after bariatric surgery
• Upper arm skin that has lost elasticity despite maintaining a healthy weight
• Excess skin and fat that persists despite a consistent exercise routine
• Sagging skin that affects clothing choices or physical comfort

It’s worth noting that arm lift surgery is not a substitute for weight loss. Ideal brachioplasty patients are those who have already reached a stable weight and are committed to maintaining it. Ongoing weight gain or plans to lose weight after surgery can affect your results, so timing matters.

Are You a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

A good candidate for arm lift surgery is generally someone who is in good overall health, has a stable body weight, and has realistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish. Patients who are still actively working to lose weight are typically encouraged to reach a healthy, stable weight before moving forward.

During your consultation, Dr. Tehrani will review your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine whether this plastic surgery procedure is the right path for you. He takes a genuinely individualized approach, no two patients’ arms look the same, and no two treatment plans should either.

You may be a particularly strong candidate if:

• You have achieved significant weight loss and are experiencing loose skin as a result
• Your upper arm skin has lost elasticity due to the natural aging process
• You maintain a stable body weight and do not plan to lose or gain significant weight
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking well before and after surgery
• You are in good health with no uncontrolled conditions such as high blood pressure
• You have consulted with a board-certified plastic surgeon and understand the expected trade-off of visible scarring in exchange for improved arm contour

What to Expect During the Arm Lift Procedure

Arm lift surgery at Tehrani Plastic Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients return home the same day. Dr. Tehrani typically performs brachioplasty under general anesthesia, though your anesthesia plan will be discussed thoroughly during your pre-operative consultations.

During the surgical procedure, Dr. Tehrani makes carefully planned incisions along the inner arm, typically running from the underarm area toward the elbow, to remove excess skin and fat and recontour the upper arm. Incision placement is designed to minimize visibility, though scarring is a natural part of any brachioplasty procedure and should be understood as part of the process.

Recovery and Healing

After arm lift surgery, most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and manageable discomfort in the initial healing period. Dr. Tehrani will prescribe appropriate pain medication and provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your healing process.

Compression garments or sleeves are an important part of recovery. Wearing your garment as directed helps reduce swelling and support the contour of your arms as they heal. Keeping your arms elevated in the first few days also supports the healing process and may reduce swelling more effectively.

Most patients are advised to avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks following surgery, and your exercise routine should be gradually reintroduced only after Dr. Tehrani gives clearance. Sun exposure to incision sites should be minimized during the healing phase to help protect skin appearance in the long term. Follow-up appointments are an essential part of your care, during which Dr. Tehrani monitors your progress throughout recovery to ensure optimal results.

Recovery time varies by individual, but most patients find they can return to desk work and light daily activities within one to two weeks. More strenuous activities typically require a longer pause. As with any surgical procedure, individual recovery varies, and Dr. Tehrani’s team will guide you through each stage.

Why Patients Throughout Orange County Choose Tehrani Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ali Tehrani is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring and reconstructive procedures. Elected Chief Plastic Surgery Fellow during his training at prestigious institutions, including Hahnemann University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Tehrani brings a depth of surgical knowledge that goes well beyond cosmetic technique. 

His approach to plastic surgery is rooted in a love of fine arts, an influence from his mother, a gifted painter and sculptor, and it shows in the thoughtfulness he brings to each patient’s outcome. He doesn’t see bodies as problems to solve. He sees individuals with stories, goals, and a desire to feel at home in their own skin.

Patients from Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and across the greater Orange County region choose Tehrani Plastic Surgery because the experience feels different from the start. The practice philosophy, Be Naked Ready™, reflects something deeper than a single procedure; it’s about feeling genuinely confident in your own body, whatever that means for you.

Dr. Tehrani also serves as an international trainer and speaker in hi-def body sculpting, and his work extends beyond his Newport Beach practice to surgical missions through the Paul Chester Children’s Hope Foundation. Patients here aren’t just choosing a skilled surgeon; they’re working with someone whose commitment to people runs through every dimension of his work.

Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation in Costa Mesa, CA

If excess skin on your upper arms has been affecting how you feel about yourself, arm lift surgery may offer the natural-looking results you’ve been looking for. Dr. Ali Tehrani and the team at Tehrani Plastic Surgery welcome patients from Costa Mesa, CA, and throughout Orange County to begin the conversation.

We invite you to schedule a consultation by completing the online contact form or call us directly at (949) 867-6806. Our Newport Beach practice is conveniently accessible from Costa Mesa and the surrounding communities. Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery in Orange County

What is an arm lift in Costa Mesa, CA, and how does it work?

An arm lift in Costa Mesa, CA, also called brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a smoother, more contoured appearance. Dr. Tehrani makes incisions along the inner arm, removes excess tissue, and reshapes the skin for a firmer result. Individual results may vary, and the best way to understand what the procedure can accomplish for your specific anatomy is to schedule a consultation.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for an arm lift?

Good candidates for arm lift surgery are generally adults who are at a stable body weight, in good overall health, and experiencing loose skin or excess skin and fat on their upper arms that has not responded to diet or exercise. Those who have undergone massive weight loss are often strong candidates. Dr. Tehrani will evaluate your medical history and goals during a personal consultation to determine the right approach for you.

Will arm lift surgery leave visible scars?

Arm lift surgery does involve incisions, typically placed along the inner arm between the underarm area and the elbow. The visibility of scars tends to fade over time with proper healing and sun protection, but it is a realistic part of the trade-off in arm lift (brachioplasty). Dr. Tehrani will walk you through what to expect and how to care for your incision sites during recovery.

What is recovery like after an arm lift procedure?

Most patients can return to light daily activities within one week after arm lift surgery, though recovery time varies by individual. You will wear compression garments or compression sleeves as directed, keep your arms elevated when resting, and avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks. Dr. Tehrani provides detailed aftercare guidance and schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and progress.

How long do arm lift results last?

Arm lift results are long-lasting for most patients, particularly when a stable weight is maintained after surgery. Weight gain or loss following the procedure can affect the appearance of results over time. While the natural aging process will continue, many patients find their arm lift results remain satisfying for years with a healthy lifestyle. 

Is arm lift surgery performed under general anesthesia?

Arm lift surgery at Tehrani Plastic Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Your anesthesia plan will be reviewed in detail during your pre-operative consultations, taking into account your medical history and health status. Dr. Tehrani prioritizes patient safety and comfort throughout every stage of the surgical procedure.

Can arm lift surgery be combined with other procedures?

Many patients choose to combine arm lift surgery with complementary plastic surgery procedures as part of a broader body contouring plan. During your consultation, Dr. Tehrani will listen to all of your goals and help you understand which combination of procedures and which timing makes the most sense for your health and desired outcomes. Individual plans are always customized.

What should I avoid before arm lift surgery?

Before your arm lift surgery, Dr. Tehrani will provide a full list of preparation instructions based on your medical history. Generally, patients are advised to stop smoking, avoid certain herbal supplements and blood thinners that may affect healing, and maintain a stable weight in the weeks leading up to surgery. Following pre-operative guidance carefully supports optimal results and a smoother recovery.

How soon will I see results after brachioplasty?

Some improvement in arm contour may be apparent immediately following arm lift surgery, but initial swelling will be present. As swelling subsides over the following weeks and months, arm lift results become more visible. Most patients find that their final results develop gradually over several months as the healing process completes. Individual results may vary based on anatomy, age, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Goals

Understanding arm lift surgery in Costa Mesa, CA, begins with recognizing that your procedure is entirely your own. No two patients, no two arms, and no two treatment plans look exactly alike. Dr. Ali Tehrani brings board certification, extensive fellowship training, international recognition in advanced body contouring techniques, and a patient-first philosophy to every consultation at his Newport Beach practice. Call Tehrani Plastic Surgery at (949) 867-6806 or complete the online contact form.