Arm Lift in Chevy Chase, MD

Name: Arm Lift
Brand: Congressional Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (348 reviews)

Restore a firmer, more toned contour to your upper arms.

Go Sleeveless With Confidence

For many patients, the frustration isn't about strength or fitness; it's that loose, hanging skin along the upper arm persists no matter how consistent they are with exercise. This tends to happen after significant weight loss or gradually over time as skin loses elasticity with age. The result is often referred to as "bat-wing" arms, tissue that sways or dangles during everyday movements like waving, reaching overhead, or even just walking. Our team offers arm lift surgery in Chevy Chase specifically to correct this kind of skin laxity that exercise alone can't fix.

What Is an Arm Lift?

Formerly known as brachioplasty, an arm lift surgically removes excess skin and fat along the upper arm, then tightens the remaining tissue to create a smoother, more defined contour. Unlike liposuction alone, which addresses fat but not skin laxity, an arm lift specifically targets loose, stretched-out skin that has lost its ability to spring back on its own. Depending on the extent of your concern, incision length and placement will vary to achieve the most proportionate, natural-looking result.

The Benefits of an Arm Lift

Removes What Exercise Can't Fix: Skin laxity doesn't respond to strength training the way fat does; an arm lift addresses this directly.
Reshapes the Entire Upper Arm: Rather than just reducing volume, the procedure recontours the arm for a more toned, streamlined appearance.
Opens Up Your Wardrobe: Many patients rediscover sleeveless tops, fitted sleeves, and swimwear they'd previously avoided.
Supports Your Active Lifestyle: A firmer arm contour often complements the results patients have already achieved through diet and exercise.
Durable, Long-Term Results: As long as your weight remains stable, results from an arm lift tend to hold up well over time.

Related Procedures

Brazilian Butt Lift Liposuction Mommy Makeover Thigh Lift Tummy Tuck Waist Contouring

Schedule A Consultation

Schedule Consultation

Are You a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

If loose skin under your arms bothers you regardless of your fitness level, this procedure was designed with you in mind. You may be a good candidate if:

Skin hangs loosely from your armpit to your elbow, independent of your muscle tone underneath
You've experienced significant weight loss or notable weight fluctuations over time
Your weight has been stable for some time and you're in good general health
You're comfortable with the trade-off of a resulting scar in exchange for a smoother arm contour

Our Chevy Chase team will evaluate your arms directly and talk through your goals during a consultation to determine whether an arm lift is the right fit.

woman smiling over her shoulder | woman touching her neck | bridge

The Arm Lift Process What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your provider will evaluate the degree of excess skin and fat in your upper arms and discuss your goals to determine your candidacy.

Personalized Surgical Plan

Your provider will determine the appropriate incision pattern and technique based on the extent of correction needed.

Procedure Day

Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours to complete.

Initial Healing Phase

You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions as you begin your recovery.

Expert Care From Two Skilled Surgeons

At Congressional Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from the combined expertise of two board-certified providers, each bringing a distinct depth of training to every treatment plan.

Dr. Christopher Chang, founder of Congressional Plastic Surgery, is double board-certified in plastic surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His training spans Harvard College, NYU School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and a craniofacial fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Hillary Jenny is a board-eligible plastic surgeon trained at MIT, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, with additional fellowship training in aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills. She is known for her precision and commitment to natural, patient-specific outcomes.

Results and Recovery

The first couple of weeks tend to involve the most noticeable swelling and discomfort, which are generally manageable with rest and prescribed medication. Many patients ease back into light daily activities within that same window.

However, your provider will likely ask you to hold off on more demanding arm movements, like heavy lifting or intense upper-body workouts, for around four to six weeks. As swelling fully resolves, the smoother, more contoured shape of your arm becomes increasingly clear.

Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase?

Expert Arm Lift Surgeon You Can Trust: Dr. Christopher Chang brings extensive training and experience to every arm lift procedure, delivering natural-looking, proportionate results.
A Personalized Surgical Approach: Our Chevy Chase team evaluates your specific anatomy to recommend the technique best suited to your degree of excess skin and fat.
Convenient Chevy Chase Location: Our office offers easy access for patients throughout Maryland and the greater Washington, DC, area seeking expert arm lift surgery.
Backed by Established Expertise: With Dr. Chang's double board certification and years of clinical experience, our team brings the same precision to arm lift surgery as we do to every procedure we perform.

Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions

I've heard the scar from an arm lift can be pretty long. Is that always the case?

Scar length depends on how much skin needs to be removed. More significant laxity typically requires a longer incision, while milder cases may be addressed with a shorter scar or combined with liposuction alone.

Can I get an arm lift if I'm not planning to lose any more weight, just dealing with genetics or aging?

Yes, an arm lift isn't limited to post-weight-loss patients. Some people simply have skin that's lost elasticity due to genetics or age, independent of any weight change.

Will my arms feel tight or restricted after surgery?

Some tightness is normal during the initial healing period as your skin adjusts to its new contour, but this typically eases as swelling resolves and tissue settles.

How do I know if I need an arm lift versus just liposuction?

This comes down to skin quality. If your main issue is fat without much loose skin, liposuction alone may suffice. If skin has lost elasticity and hangs loosely, a lift is usually necessary to achieve a tightened result.

Is it common to combine an arm lift with a breast or body procedure in the same surgery?

Yes, some patients choose to combine an arm lift with other procedures, such as a breast lift or tummy tuck, particularly after major weight loss affecting multiple areas.

Will scars from an arm lift be visible when I raise my arms, like at the gym?

Incisions are typically placed on the inner or back portion of the arm, specifically to minimize visibility in common positions. However, some visibility is possible depending on scar placement and healing.

Testimonials What Our Patient Say

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across.

"Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across. I thoroughly trust him, and his work is absolutely impeccable. Besides being a talented and professional surgeon, he is...

Sanja B.

5 out of 5 stars

He is a consummate professional, and his integrity and personal manner are outstanding.

"My husband had a cyst that was supposed to be a simple removal procedure. It was very deep and much more complicated to remove than initially diagnosed by a dermatologist. Dr. ...

Ellen S.

5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results.

"Highly recommend Dr. Christopher Chang. I had a relatively minor procedure that nonetheless required an 'artist's eye,' and I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Chang's mann...

Kevin R.

5 out of 5 stars

I would HIGHLY recommend you as a doctor!

Hi Dr. Chang, I am doing very well, and I would HIGHLY recommend you as a doctor!

Female (51, mommy makeover)

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much!

I went back to work today, and someone complimented me, saying I looked tiny! Lol, totally made my morning. Thank you so much!

Female (30, tummy tuck)

View all Testimonials

Arm Lift in Chevy Chase, MD

Go Sleeveless With Confidence

What Is an Arm Lift?

The Benefits of an Arm Lift

Related Procedures

Schedule A Consultation

Are You a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

The Arm Lift Process What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Personalized Surgical Plan

Procedure Day

Initial Healing Phase

Expert Care From Two Skilled Surgeons

Results and Recovery

Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase?

Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions

I've heard the scar from an arm lift can be pretty long. Is that always the case?

Can I get an arm lift if I'm not planning to lose any more weight, just dealing with genetics or aging?

Will my arms feel tight or restricted after surgery?

How do I know if I need an arm lift versus just liposuction?

Is it common to combine an arm lift with a breast or body procedure in the same surgery?

Will scars from an arm lift be visible when I raise my arms, like at the gym?

Testimonials What Our Patient Say

Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across.

He is a consummate professional, and his integrity and personal manner are outstanding.

I am very pleased with the results.

I would HIGHLY recommend you as a doctor!

Thank you so much!

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