What does an arm lift address?

An arm lift removes excess, loose skin from the inner upper arm and tightens the underlying tissue for a more defined, contoured profile. It is best suited for patients with skin laxity from significant weight loss or natural changes that exercise cannot correct.

Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates have significant loose or excess skin along the inner upper arm. Being at or near a stable weight before surgery is important — further weight loss afterward can affect the result. A consultation will assess the extent of skin excess and determine the most appropriate approach.

Is liposuction included?

Yes. Liposuction is incorporated into every arm lift at The SELF Institute to refine the contour before the skin is tightened. The combination produces a more sculpted, proportionate result than skin excision alone.

Where is the scar placed?

The incision runs along the inner surface of the upper arm — from the armpit toward the elbow — where it is concealed when the arms rest at the sides. Scar length depends on the extent of skin removal. Scars soften and fade over 12 to 18 months with appropriate care.

What does recovery involve?

Most patients return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous upper body activity and lifting are restricted for four to six weeks. Arm movement feels restricted in the first week and improves quickly.

How long do results last?

Skin removal from an arm lift is permanent. Maintaining a stable weight preserves the result. Significant weight gain afterward can stretch the skin and alter the contour.

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Most issues that arise after an arm lift are minor and resolve with proper care. Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will walk through everything relevant to your specific health history before surgery so you feel fully informed going in.

In the weeks before surgery, we provide a personalized preparation plan. This typically covers optimizing your health, pausing medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, and avoiding nicotine, which impairs healing. We’ll also help you plan the practical details — time off work, prescriptions, and arranging a ride home with some support for the first day or two.

What should I expect during the consultation?

Your consultation begins with a conversation. Dr. Armstrong wants to understand what you see and what you hope to change. She examines the area and walks you through your options with complete candour, including what surgery can and cannot achieve. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, a personalized quote, and answers to every question you came in with.

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Katie Armstrong is a Royal College–certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (FRCSC) with hospital affiliation in Toronto. Certification reflects years of accredited surgical training and a commitment to ongoing standards of safety and excellence.

Where is it performed?

Surgery is performed at GraceMed Mississauga, in partnership with the McLean Clinic — Dr. Armstrong’s primary practice, home to a fully accredited surgical facility and an experienced surgical team, with dedicated anesthesia care throughout. Your consultation, pre-operative appointments and follow-up care all take place at the same location: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Suite 343, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2.

Arm Lift Toronto | Brachioplasty | Dr. Katie Armstrong

Overview

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms to create a firmer, more toned contour — commonly sought after significant weight loss.

Liposuction is included to refine the contour before the skin is tightened, and Dr. Armstrong places incisions thoughtfully, tailoring the technique to the amount of skin to be addressed.

The process

What to expect

Step 1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.
Step 2
Surgical planning
We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Step 3
Pre-operative appointment
About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.
Step 4
Surgery day
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.
Step 5
Recovery & follow-up
Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

An arm lift tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

Loose upper-arm skin bothers you — often after significant weight loss
Your weight is stable
You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
You accept an inner-arm scar in exchange for a firmer contour
You have realistic expectations about healing and activity restrictions

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

Day 1
Home the same day in a compression garment, with a helper for the first night.
Week 1
Swelling eases; keep the arms rested and avoid reaching or lifting.
Weeks 1–2
Most patients return to desk-based work as comfort improves.
Weeks 2–4
Light activity resumes; lifting stays restricted while the arms heal.
Weeks 4–6
Cleared gradually for full activity as the inner-arm scar begins to fade with your scar-care plan.

Before & after

Arm Lift results

A few of Dr. Armstrong's most recent arm lift results, shared with patient consent. She'll walk you through more — matched to your goals — at your consultation. Every result is individual.

Before

After

Patient 1

Arm Lift

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 2

Arm Lift

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 3

Arm Lift

Individual results may vary.

View the full Arm Lift gallery →

Your investment

Planning for Arm Lift

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Arm Lift

What is an arm lift?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline