The answer is dependent on what you’re looking for. Arm lifts are for specific purposes and carry with them specific possibilities. Here’s some information that might help you decide:
What Exactly Is an Arm Lift?
The first step in deciding whether an arm lift is for you is determining exactly what the procedure does. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that “[r]educes excess sagging skin that droops downward”, “[t]ightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm”, and “[r]educes localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region”.
Who Might Benefit from an Arm Lift?
If you have excess skin that sags below your arms and reduces their toned appearance, and this skin bothers you, you might want an arm lift. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that this excess skin (and some fat) is caused by weight fluctuations, aging, and heredity. So if you’ve lost a lot of weight, were born with this excess skin, or are finding that as you age, the skin under your upper arms droops, you could be a good candidate for an arm lift. The society also points out that this excess skin will not disappear with exercise. You could be in great shape otherwise and find that this one area of your body doesn’t respond to your efforts.
Mama’s Health explains that the procedure is not meant to be used to lose weight; instead, it is meant to contour the arms. Good health overall is important, and smokers should quit smoking a few months before the procedure, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
How Much Do Arm Lifts Cost and What Is the Recovery Time Like?
In Ontario, an arm lift (brachioplasty) typically ranges from $6,500 to $15,000+ CAD, depending on the technique (mini vs. full vs. extended), surgeon experience, anesthesia, and facility fees. More extensive contouring, combination procedures (e.g., adding liposuction), or significant skin laxity after weight loss can increase the price.
Recovery at a glance: Most patients resume light daily routines in 1–2 weeks, return to desk work and gradual activity by 3–4 weeks, and are generally cleared for full exercise around 4–6 weeks—as long as healing is on track and your surgeon gives the green light. Expect swelling and tightness to improve steadily over the first month, with scars maturing for 6–12 months.
What affects your price
- Surgical approach (mini, standard, or extended brachioplasty)
- Whether liposuction is combined for enhanced contouring
- Surgeon’s expertise and operative time
- Anesthesia and accredited surgical facility fees
- Post-op garments, medications, and follow-up care
What to expect during recovery
- Week 1–2: Rest, compression sleeves, and gentle arm movement; avoid heavy lifting.
- Week 3–4: Gradual return to work and light cardio as advised; swelling continues to decrease.
- Week 4–6: Many patients resume full workouts; scars begin to soften and fade over time.
Are You Thinking About an Arm Lift?
If this sounds like a procedure you would be interested in, you should consult a plastic surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate, and you can get any questions you have about the procedure answered.
If you are a resident of Barrie, you’re in luck: with over 20 years experience in the field, Dr. Kenneth Dickie has helped countless people. Contact us today at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie, and have all your arm lift plastic surgery questions answered.