Arm Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX

Arm Lift in Houston, TX

An arm lift is a body contouring procedure that can remove excess skin from around the upper arms to restore a more slender and sculpted look. It can address the lasting physical changes that rapid weight loss and aging can cause, allowing you to live with an appearance that aligns with the work you have put into yourself. (1)

Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery is one of Houston’s leading aesthetic practices, and Dr. Oren Paul Mushin leads their accomplished team. Dr. Mushin is a board-certified plastic surgeon who possesses skills and expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He graduated from one of the most respected medical schools in the country, and throughout his career, he has coauthored more than 50 abstracts and publications. He then went on to present his work at both the national and international levels.

To begin working with Dr. Mushin, please schedule your consultation online. Alternatively, you may call (713) 722-7400 to reach the front desk of our Houston office.

About Arm Lifts

An arm lift, or a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that restores a smoother, more contoured look to the arms by reducing drooping and sagging skin.

Over time, several factors can wear down the skin and cause it to lose elasticity, with the most common one being weight fluctuations and weight loss. (2) As patients lose weight quickly, they often find that their skin has started to hang down rather than retract to their new figure. This can diminish their appearance, lower their confidence, and may even create physical discomfort.

Benefits

You can experience several advantages and benefits when undergoing an arm lift. A few of these include:

  • Enhanced Contours: An arm lift can contour the upper arms to address the appearance of “bat wings,” or sagging skin that may be diminishing your natural silhouette.
  • Tighter Skin: An arm lift can remove redundant skin to restore a tighter, smoother look and feel.
  • Improved Comfort: Removing your redundant skin can eliminate skin irritation caused by chafing.
  • Enhanced Confidence: After seeing their results, many of Dr. Mushin’s patients report feeling more empowered when wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless tops.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, with many of Dr. Mushin’s patients experiencing their results for several years on end.
  • Tailored Solutions: Dr. Mushin designs each surgical plan around your specific anatomy and desired results.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for an arm lift if you have recently undergone significant weight loss or age-related changes and now struggle with sagging or loose skin around your upper arms. You should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect your results or recovery. You should have a stable BMI and a body weight you can maintain long-term. You should also lead a nicotine-free lifestyle or be willing to quit smoking.

Dr. Mushin will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is the first step to restoring the appearance of your arms. During this visit, Dr. Mushin and his team will review your medical history, which includes any allergies you have, your medication intake, and any previous treatments or procedures you underwent. They will ask you about your aesthetic concerns and goals. They will also perform a physical evaluation to examine your natural anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Mushin will use this information in combination with your goals to finalize your candidacy and begin creating your custom treatment plan. He will review the risks, preparation steps, downtime, and recovery instructions for your arm lift so you understand what to expect. He will also answer any questions you may have prepared.

If you are ready to meet with Dr. Mushin and receive your tailored treatment plan, we invite you to contact us online or call (713) 722-7400.

Preparation

Once Dr. Mushin has established your treatment plan, he will give you a set of preoperative instructions. It is imperative that you follow them as he directs, as doing so will optimize your procedure, recovery, and results.

  • Avoid Certain Medications: Under the proper medical guidance, discontinue taking any medications or supplements that have blood-thinning properties.
  • Arrange Time Off: Make preparations to take time away from your professional and personal responsibilities.
  • Coordinate Care: Have a trusted friend or relative transport you home after your procedure and have them stay with you for the first few days of your recovery.
  • Make Certain Preparations: Pick up any medications you will need and rearrange your home so anything you need as you recover is within reach.
  • Stop Using Substances: If applicable, stop consuming nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Mushin will perform your arm lift at his accredited surgical center with general anesthesia. The exact length of your procedure will vary, but you can expect it to last for approximately 3 hours.

Dr. Mushin will first place an incision either along the inside of your upper arm or along the back of the upper arm. He will proceed to excise any redundant skin and tissue and will tighten the underlying supportive tissues to recontour and sculpt the area. If there are noticeable fat deposits, he may also elect to integrate liposuction to remove them.

Recovery

Dr. Mushin performs arm lifts on an outpatient basis, which means that he will release you from his care on the same day he completes your corrections. You can expect to experience some initial swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. These effects will subside on their own, but you may also manage them using medications and plenty of rest.

You may return to nonstrenuous activities and desk work after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to continue avoiding heavy lifting or other demanding activities until you have fully recovered. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Mushin will also have you return to his office so that he may monitor your healing progression.

Results

Once you have recovered, your arms will appear smoother, tighter, slender, and more sculpted. They will appear more proportionate and balanced with your body, and you may feel more confident when wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. You may also notice improvements in your personal comfort and skin health after Dr. Mushin removes any redundant tissue.

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting and durable, with effects you can enjoy for several years to come. You will need to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve your results, as weight fluctuations will alter them over time.

Cost of Arm Lifts in Houston, Texas

The cost of your arm lift will vary depending on each factor of your treatment plan, such as the surgical techniques Dr. Mushin performs, the amount of skin he removes, and the extent of your corrections overall. Once he has met with you to establish each of these details, he will provide you with a comprehensive pricing estimate. Financing to make this procedure more accessible to those who qualify is available.

For more information about our pricing, you may request a consultation online or call (713) 722-7400.

FAQ

What concerns can an arm lift address?

An arm lift can remove sagging and redundant skin from around the upper arms. Many patients undergo this procedure to address age-related changes or the physical effects of weight loss, allowing them to achieve a smoother and more slender look to the arms.

How long will it take Dr. Mushin to perform my arm lift?

The length of your procedure will vary depending on its extent, but you can expect Dr. Mushin to complete it in approximately 3 hours. If you choose to combine your procedure with another, this timeframe will be longer.

How much skin will Dr. Mushin remove during my arm lift?

The amount of skin he removes during your arm lift will vary depending on your natural anatomy and desired results. During your consultation, Dr. Mushin will let you know what you can expect.

How long will it take for me to recover from my arm lift?

Many of Dr. Mushin’s patients may return to nonstrenuous activities and tasks after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from heavy lifting or arduous activities until you have fully recovered from your procedure.

How long will the results of my procedure last?

The results of an arm lift can last for many years, but you will need to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to preserve them.

Will my arm lift leave noticeable scarring?

Every surgical procedure will leave some degree of scarring, but any scars will fade and flatten as you continue to heal. Dr. Mushin will also provide you with scar minimization tactics to help conceal their appearance.

Can Dr. Mushin combine my arm lift with another surgical procedure?

Yes, Dr. Mushin may combine your procedure with another to achieve a more comprehensive sculpt. During your consultation, he can provide you with more personalized recommendations based on your desired results.

References

  1. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. 2023. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
  2. Bishara A, Chalhoub R, Chrabieh E, et al. Arm Contouring in Patients With Massive Weight Loss: A Literature Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025;13(9):e7126. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007126