Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Vancouver, BC
Tighten, Sculpt, and Restore Upper Arm Definition
At 8 West Clinic, our arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure is designed to remove excess skin and stubborn fat from the upper arms, creating a smoother, more toned contour. Weight loss, aging, or genetics can lead to skin laxity that no amount of exercise can correct. Using advanced surgical techniques, our board-certified plastic surgeon sculpts and refines the upper arm area with precision, leaving natural, balanced results. The goal: arms that feel firmer, fit better in clothing, and reflect your healthiest, most confident self.
Introduction to Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. Over time, the skin in this area can lose elasticity, often due to significant weight loss or aging, leading to “bat wings” or loose folds. An arm lift addresses these changes directly, tightening tissue and restoring tone and contour to the arms.
At 8 West Clinic, we combine artistic precision with modern surgical methods to achieve elegant, natural-looking results. Our surgeons design a tailored surgical plan for each patient, ensuring that incisions are discreetly placed and contours flow smoothly from shoulder to elbow.
With extensive expertise in body contouring and post-weight loss surgery, the 8 West surgical team delivers beautiful, balanced outcomes with minimal downtime. Our patient-focused approach prioritizes safety, comfort, and confidence, guiding you from your first consultation through a seamless recovery experience.
Click below to learn more about Arm Lift (Brachioplasty).
Benefits of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift helps restore firm, contoured upper arms — improving both appearance and comfort. Many patients enjoy renewed confidence wearing sleeveless clothing and experience better mobility and ease of movement.
Key Benefits:
- Removes excess, sagging upper arm skin
- Refines and tones overall arm contour
- Enhances confidence in clothing and swimwear
- Reduces irritation or chafing caused by loose skin
- Improves arm symmetry and natural proportion
- Delivers long-lasting, sculpted results
Types of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Our surgeons customize every arm lift based on the amount of tissue to be removed, skin quality, and desired contour. Each technique is chosen to achieve optimal tightening with the least visible scarring possible.
Frequently Asked
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned, contoured appearance. It is ideal for patients who experience skin laxity from aging, weight loss, or genetics and want a firmer, smoother arm shape.
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals with loose, sagging upper arm skin that cannot be improved through exercise alone. Patients should be at a stable weight, non-smokers (or willing to pause smoking), and have realistic expectations about scarring and results.
Yes — an arm lift can remove both skin and fat. For patients with mild fat deposits, liposuction alone may be sufficient. For those with excess skin, combining liposuction with skin removal provides the most refined and natural-looking contour.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 5–7 days, depending on the extent of surgery. Swelling and tightness are common in early healing. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to ensure optimal results.
Yes — scarring is an important consideration. For full arm lifts, a thin scar runs along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow. For mini lifts, the scar is hidden within the armpit. With proper care, scars fade significantly over time and are placed as discreetly as possible.
Results are long-lasting when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging continues, the improved contour and skin tightening achieved by surgery remain visible for many years.
Absolutely. Many patients combine arm lift surgery with body liposuction, breast lift, tummy tuck, or other post-weight-loss procedures for comprehensive contouring. Combining treatments can deliver more balanced and cohesive results.
Liposuction alone works well for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated fat deposits. However, if there is significant sagging or loose skin, a skin-tightening arm lift is necessary to achieve a smooth, toned appearance.
No — once fully healed, patients regain full arm mobility. In fact, many patients enjoy improved comfort and movement due to the removal of excess, heavy, or restrictive skin.
Initial improvement is visible immediately, but final results develop gradually over 3–6 months as swelling subsides and tissues settle. Scars continue to fade for up to a year, revealing a more refined and natural contour over time.
Meet Dr. Masschelein
Dr. Geoff Masschelein, MD, FRCSC, is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at 8 West Clinic, specializing in breast and body aesthetics with a focus on chest contouring and gender-affirming top surgery. Trained at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. Masschelein combines advanced surgical expertise with an empathetic, patient-centred approach to deliver natural, balanced results that enhance both form and confidence.
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