Awake Arm Lift
in Long Island, NY

If you’re looking to address sagging, loose skin on your upper arms, an awake arm lift in our Long Island clinic can dramatically improve your contours and restore your confidence. Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and fat, tightening the upper arm for a smoother, more youthful appearance. This transformative procedure is especially popular among individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity and want a lasting solution to cosmetic and functional concerns. Our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Gargiulo, performs arm lifts using local anesthesia and sedation, enabling patients to stay awake and avoid the risks of general anesthesia.

What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift (also known as brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arms by removing loose, hanging skin and excess fat. The goal is a firmer, more toned arm contour that reflects your hard work and healthy lifestyle. Many people turn to an arm lift when diet and exercise alone can’t address stubborn skin or tissue laxity.

What Causes Sagging Skin in the Upper Arms?

Sagging skin on the upper arms can result from a variety of factors:

Aging: Skin loses elasticity over time.
Weight Loss: Significant weight reduction can leave behind excess, stretched skin.
Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to store fat or develop laxity in their arms.

These influences often combine, leading to the “bat wing” appearance that many find challenging to correct without surgery.

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Arm Lift Options and Techniques

No two arms — or patient goals — are exactly alike. Our arm lift techniques are tailored to individual needs. Here are the main types of surgery:

Traditional Brachioplasty (Full Arm Lift)

Ideal for those with significant excess skin, this option extends from the armpit to the elbow, offering dramatic reshaping.

Mini/Minimal-Incision Brachioplasty

Designed for mild-to-moderate skin laxity, this approach uses a shorter incision placed in the armpit, resulting in minimal visible scarring.

Extended Brachioplasty

This technique addresses the upper arms and excess skin that may extend onto the chest wall, commonly needed after dramatic weight loss.

Liposuction-Assisted Arm Lift

Liposuction can be used alone or in combination with skin removal to target stubborn fat deposits and refine arm shape. Learn more about awake liposuction options available at AgeFocus.

Combination Procedures

For comprehensive rejuvenation, arm lifts are frequently performed alongside other body contouring treatments, such as a tummy tuck. Combining an arm lift with other surgeries can help achieve total body transformation while requiring only one recovery period.

Preparing for Your Arm Lift

Your arm lift journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Juan Gargiulo. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your concerns and desired outcomes and review your medical history. Dr. Gargiulo will evaluate your arm anatomy and explain the most suitable technique for your goals.

What to Expect Before Surgery:

Arm Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

The awake arm lift is performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to stay awake and avoid the risks of general anesthesia. This approach keeps the patient comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure while maintaining consciousness and stable vital signs. Local anesthesia also typically results in quicker recovery and fewer side effects than general anesthesia.

Incisions

Depending on the extent of correction needed, Dr. Gargiulo makes incisions along the inner arm, typically from the armpit to the elbow. In cases where only minimal contouring is required, a limited incision may be used near the underarm area. The location and length of the incision are carefully planned to minimize visible scarring while effectively addressing skin laxity.

Tissue Removal and Contouring

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Gargiulo removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to create a more defined and youthful contour. The remaining skin is carefully repositioned to create a smooth, taut appearance along the entire arm. In some cases, liposuction may be used to sculpt the arm further and eliminate unwanted fat deposits. Our advanced technique allows for real-time adjustments, creating a more precise and customized result.

Closure

After skin excision and the desired reshaping, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures to promote optimal healing. Surgical dressings are applied to support the new arm contours and minimize swelling. Patients spend a short time in our comfortable recovery room before being cleared to go home, typically accompanied by a friend or family member.

Recovery After Arm Lift Surgery

Recovery from an arm lift procedure typically involves moderate swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort. Compression garments are often recommended to support healing and optimize results. The first few weeks after surgery are crucial for proper healing, so patients should carefully follow all activity restrictions and wound care instructions.

Recovery Timeline and Tips:

First Week: Swelling and bruising peak; light activities may resume. Patients are advised to keep their arms elevated when possible and apply cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling.

2–3 Weeks: Most patients return to work and gentle daily routines.

4–6 Weeks: Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can usually be resumed.

Scar Maturation: Scars will continue to fade for up to a year post-surgery.

Following Dr. Gargiulo’s post-operative instructions closely will help ensure a smooth, successful recovery and return to normal activities. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Gargiulo will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results.

Ideal Candidate for Awake Facelift

An ideal candidate for an Awake Facelift:

Are bothered by loose, sagging skin or excess fat on your upper arms

Are at or near your ideal body weight and committed to maintaining it (significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise results)

Do not smoke, or are willing to quit before and after surgery

Are generally in good health and free from severe medical conditions that might cause poor wound healing

Factors to Consider:

Skin elasticity: Determines the extent of improvement and scarring.

Overall health: Ensures a safe healing process and optimal results.

Realistic expectations: Understanding the benefits and limitations of surgery is essential.

Benefits of an Arm Lift Procedure

An arm lift offers both aesthetic and functional advantages for those seeking a more sculpted silhouette. This surgery:

Removes excess, sagging skin for a toned appearance

Reduces localized fat deposits

Improves arm contours, making clothing fit better

Increases self-confidence in short sleeves and swimwear

Improves self-esteem in social situations

Provides long-lasting results with proper lifestyle maintenance and a healthy diet

Arm Lift Cost in Long Island

The typical cost of an upper arm lift in Long Island ranges from $6,500 to $12,500, depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgical technique employed, and individual patient factors. This range reflects regional averages and does not include additional care fees.

The exact cost of the procedure for each patient is determined during the initial consultation with Dr. Gargiulo.

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What Makes Our Cosmetic Surgery Practice Different From Others?

At AgeFocus, cosmetic surgery performed by Dr. Gargiulo reflects a rare combination of surgical precision, anesthetic expertise, and a deep understanding of the body’s healing processes. Arm lift patients benefit from this unique foundation, particularly during awake procedures, where preserving skin sensation and ensuring patient comfort without general anesthesia becomes paramount. Our approach to treating droopy skin isn’t standard; it has been refined through years of experience in body sculpting and functional medicine. Whether removing excess tissue from the arms or combining the procedure with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, our plastic surgeon prioritizes anatomical balance and natural-looking results. His commitment to detail, shaped by decades across surgical disciplines, sets a tone that elevates every outcome beyond the expected.

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Related Procedures

Explore other body contouring solutions, such as the awake mommy makeover and awake BBL, for a comprehensive approach to rejuvenation. These other procedures follow the same awake surgery philosophy, prioritizing patient comfort and safety while delivering exceptional results. For more information on Dr. Juan Gargiulo’s approach, visit the About the Doctor page.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

An arm lift offers a proven, effective way to restore confidence and comfort in your appearance by addressing sagging, excess upper arm skin. With personalized care from Dr. Juan Gargiulo in Long Island, NY, you can achieve smoother, more youthful-looking arms and enjoy results that reflect your lifestyle and goals.

Awake Arm Lift in Long Island, NY