Arm Liftin Nashville

Name: Arm Lift
Brand: Music City Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.9 (212 reviews)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose skin and stubborn, diet-resistant fat from the upper arms during an outpatient surgery that typically takes two to three hours. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks, and the trade-off for a tighter, more sculpted contour is a permanent scar along the inner arm. Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf performs arm lift surgery at Music City Plastic Surgery in Nashville, tailoring his technique to each patient's degree of skin laxity.

Achieve Sleek Arms with Dr. Burgdorf's Expert Arm Lift in Nashville

As one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in the area, Dr. Burgdorf helps patients wave goodbye to flabby, drooping arm skin and achieve the sleeker upper-arm contour they have been working toward. Schedule a consultation to find out whether an arm lift in Nashville fits your goals.

Why Choose Music City Plastic Surgery for an Arm Lift in Nashville

Patients choose Dr. Burgdorf for a combination of surgical skill, compassionate care, and national recognition in body contouring, including:

Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic and cosmetic surgery
Best-selling author of two body contouring books, The Mommy Makeover and The Daddy Do-Over
Four-time recipient of the Vitals.com Most Compassionate Doctors award
Recognition among Tennessee's Top Ten Plastic Surgeons and multiple Doctor's Choice Awards
Nashville's only plastic surgeon to receive the Mom's Choice Award
More than 3,000 patients treated in the Nashville area since founding Music City Plastic Surgery in 2012

Dr. Burgdorf believes in empowering patients with honest information so they can actively participate in their treatment plans. He understands that every procedure is an emotional undertaking that calls for support from start to finish. Review Dr. Burgdorf's CV or read more on choosing a plastic surgeon before scheduling your consultation.

What is an Arm Lift?

Consistently following a healthy diet and exercising cannot tighten skin that has already lost its elasticity, nor can it eliminate stubborn, localized fat. An arm lift addresses both, removing excess skin and fat through an incision placed along the inner arm. Surgeons generally perform three types:

Type	Incision	Best For
Mini (axillary) arm lift	Short incision limited to the armpit	Mild skin laxity
Full arm lift	Runs from the armpit to the elbow	Moderate to significant excess skin
Extended arm lift	Continues onto the side of the chest	Patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight

Upper arm lifts are also among the fastest-growing body contouring procedures nationally: ASPS member surgeons performed 26,088 of them in 2025, a 21% increase over 2024, according to the ASPS 2025 Procedural Statistics Report. The Cleveland Clinic confirms this growth reflects rising demand tied to weight loss and the natural effects of aging on arm skin. Dr. Burgdorf tailors the technique to each patient's degree of skin laxity and aesthetic goals.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

Restores firmness and shape in the upper arms
Reduces stubborn pockets of fat
Trims redundant skin folds
Delivers a more sculpted physique
Expands clothing options
Boosts self-confidence
Corrects chafing, irritation, and discomfort
Maximizes the results of workouts

Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:

Have tried dieting and exercise without achieving the results you want
Struggle with drooping, loose skin on your upper arms
Experience "bat wings" that catch on clothing or make you self-conscious in sleeveless tops
Want lasting, noticeable results rather than a temporary fix
Do not smoke
Are free from uncontrolled medical conditions
Have reached a stable weight, including after significant loss from GLP-1 medications
Have realistic expectations for your outcome
Are ready to follow Dr. Burgdorf's pre- and post-operative instructions

Patients who have lost significant weight, whether through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications, generally see the best results once their weight has held steady for several months. Those still losing weight may be better candidates for body contouring after weight loss planning first.

What Can I Expect From the Procedure?

An arm lift in Nashville typically takes two to three hours, performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation at Nashville South Surgery Center, a state-licensed, accredited surgical facility.

Step by Step

Dr. Burgdorf marks the planned incision and excision pattern while the patient is standing, accounting for arm position and skin laxity
The patient receives anesthesia and is positioned for surgery
Dr. Burgdorf may use SAFE liposuction to remove stubborn fat and refine the arm's contour
An incision is placed along the inner arm, following the planned pattern
Excess skin and underlying tissue are excised, and the remaining tissue is tightened
The incision is closed in layers to support a smooth, stable result

Where Will My Arm Lift Scar Be?

The incision for a standard arm lift runs along the inner arm, from the armpit toward the elbow, where it is easiest to conceal under most clothing and swimwear. An extended arm lift carries the incision onto the side of the chest to address additional skin. Dr. Burgdorf uses a conservative, layered closure to support the best scar outcome possible, though a permanent scar is part of the trade-off for the improved contour.

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Expect mild to moderate swelling and bruising, managed with prescription pain medication and a compression garment provided by Dr. Burgdorf
1 to 2 weeks: Many patients return to desk work
3 to 4 weeks: Patients can typically resume heavier lifting and more strenuous exercise, as advised by Dr. Burgdorf

Compression garments are generally worn for several weeks to support healing and manage swelling. Some results are visible right away, though the final contour becomes clear once residual swelling has resolved.

Arm Lift Risks and Scarring

Like any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries risks, and scarring is the trade-off patients weigh most carefully before moving forward.

Scarring along the incision line, which can become raised, widened, or discolored
Temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness
Wound healing complications, including delayed closure
Asymmetry or irregularities in contour
Rare risks such as infection, bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia

A systematic review and meta-analysis of brachioplasty outcomes found that roughly 1 in 10 patients develop some degree of aberrant scarring, and about 7 in 100 go on to have a secondary procedure for aesthetic reasons. The same research found that incisions placed on the inner, or medial, arm carried a higher complication risk, while performing liposuction alongside the lift was linked to fewer complications overall, a combination Dr. Burgdorf factors into his surgical planning.

Because the incision runs the length of the inner arm, some permanent scarring should be expected regardless of technique. Scar care in the months following surgery, including silicone sheeting, sun protection, and massage once Dr. Burgdorf clears the incision, can help improve how a scar matures over time. Patients concerned about how their scar is healing can also ask Dr. Burgdorf about scar revision during a follow-up visit.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Nashville?

The cost of an arm lift in Nashville varies based on the extent of correction needed, whether liposuction is performed at the same time, and the type of anesthesia used. Most health insurance plans classify arm lift surgery as cosmetic and do not cover it, though our team can walk you through what to expect for your specific case. Music City Plastic Surgery works with financing partners, including Cherry, CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi, to help make treatment more manageable. Visit our financing page to learn more. Your exact price will be provided during your consultation, once Dr. Burgdorf has evaluated your anatomy and goals.

Arm Lift FAQs

How long do arm lift results last?

Can I combine an arm lift with a breast lift or tummy tuck?

Is an arm lift covered by insurance?

What is the difference between a mini arm lift and a full arm lift?

Will I lose sensation in my arm after surgery?

When can I lift weights after an arm lift?

How long is the recovery after an arm lift?

Will I have a visible scar after an arm lift?

How is an arm lift different from arm liposuction?

How long do arm lift results last?

Results are long lasting as long as weight stays stable, since the surgery removes excess skin and fat that will not return unless significant weight is regained. Natural skin aging continues after surgery, but the firmer, smoother contour is designed to hold up well over time.

Can I combine an arm lift with a breast lift or tummy tuck?

Yes, many patients combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as a breast lift or a tummy tuck, to address multiple areas in a single recovery period. Dr. Burgdorf will discuss whether combining procedures suits your goals and health history during your consultation.

Is an arm lift covered by insurance?

Arm lift surgery is considered cosmetic, so most insurance plans do not cover it. Music City Plastic Surgery works with financing partners, including Cherry, CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi, to help make the cost more manageable.

What is the difference between a mini arm lift and a full arm lift?

A mini or axillary arm lift uses a shorter incision limited to the armpit and suits mild skin laxity, while a full arm lift addresses moderate to significant excess skin with an incision running from the armpit to the elbow. Dr. Burgdorf will recommend the approach that matches your anatomy during your consultation.

Will I lose sensation in my arm after surgery?

You may experience temporary numbness along the incision while nerves heal, with sensation gradually returning for most patients over the following months. Permanent numbness is uncommon but possible, and Dr. Burgdorf will discuss this risk during your consultation.

When can I lift weights after an arm lift?

Most patients can resume light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and return to heavier lifting or more strenuous exercise around 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, though Dr. Burgdorf will set your timeline based on your individual healing.

How long is the recovery after an arm lift?

Most patients need one to two weeks before returning to desk work and three to four weeks before resuming strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week and are managed with prescription pain medication and a compression garment, with the final contour becoming clear once residual swelling has resolved.

Will I have a visible scar after an arm lift?

Yes, an arm lift leaves a permanent scar along the inner arm, since the incision itself is what allows Dr. Burgdorf to remove the excess skin and fat. The scar typically fades and flattens over the first year, and scar care such as silicone sheeting and sun protection, started once Dr. Burgdorf clears the incision, can help it mature well.

How is an arm lift different from arm liposuction?

Liposuction removes excess fat but cannot tighten loose skin, so it works best for patients with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging. An arm lift removes both excess fat and excess skin, making it the better option for patients with noticeable skin laxity or "bat wings." Dr. Burgdorf will recommend the approach, or combination, that fits your anatomy during your consultation.

Contact Our Office for an Arm Lift in Nashville, TN

Come experience Music City Plastic Surgery and let us help you Build Your Beautiful. Whichever procedure you seek, our Nashville Natural™ approach will allow your inner beauty to shine through while enhancing your appearance. Discover the Dr. Burgdorf difference and get ready for an unparalleled plastic surgery experience. You can schedule your consultation with Dr. Burgdorf today by calling 888-530-7307.

Because Dr. Burgdorf sees a limited number of new patients each week, your first step is a free phone call with our patient care coordinator, who responds the same day during office hours. From there, you will schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Burgdorf, who will take the time to listen to your needs, answer all your questions regarding your unique aesthetic goals, and ensure that you are comfortable and confident with your treatment plan. We look forward to meeting you!

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Whether you’re a mom or a dad, Dr. Burgdorf is here to educate you on what extraordinary plastic surgery can do for your self‐confidence and overall quality of life. You deserve the best care and we are here whenever you are ready to get started!

✔The Mommy Makeover: Restoring Your Body After Childbirth
✔The Daddy Do‐Over: Boost Your Confidence in the Boardroom and the Bedroom

About the Author

Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Music City Plastic Surgery in Nashville. He is the best-selling author of The Mommy Makeover and The Daddy Do-Over, has been recognized among Tennessee's Top Ten Plastic Surgeons and as a four-time Vitals.com Most Compassionate Doctors award winner, and is Nashville's only plastic surgeon to receive the Mom's Choice Award.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Arm Liftin Nashville

Table of Contents

Achieve Sleek Arms with Dr. Burgdorf's Expert Arm Lift in Nashville

Why Choose Music City Plastic Surgery for an Arm Lift in Nashville

What is an Arm Lift?

Benefits of an Arm Lift

Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

What Can I Expect From the Procedure?

Step by Step

Where Will My Arm Lift Scar Be?

Recovery Timeline

Arm Lift Risks and Scarring

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Nashville?

Arm Lift FAQs

How long do arm lift results last?

Can I combine an arm lift with a breast lift or tummy tuck?

Is an arm lift covered by insurance?

What is the difference between a mini arm lift and a full arm lift?

Will I lose sensation in my arm after surgery?

When can I lift weights after an arm lift?

How long is the recovery after an arm lift?

Will I have a visible scar after an arm lift?

How is an arm lift different from arm liposuction?

Contact Our Office for an Arm Lift in Nashville, TN

Don’t Miss Dr. Burgdorf’s #1 Amazon Best-Selling Books

About the Author

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Enter your contact information to download the first three chapters of Dr. Burgdorf’s bestselling book.

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