What Is Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
Brachioplasty — commonly called an arm lift — is a plastic-surgery procedure that removes loose, hanging skin and excess fat from the upper arm to reveal a firmer, more toned contour. It is one of the most rewarding procedures after major weight loss, when the skin can no longer retract on its own, leaving the classic “bat wing” appearance.
At ALO Aesthetic in Tijuana and Guadalajara, México, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform brachioplasty using the technique best suited to your anatomy — standard, short-scar, extended, or combined with liposuction — in three accredited hospitals: Hospital DREAMS, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, and Hospital Innovare.
Brachioplasty Techniques at ALO Aesthetic
Standard Brachioplasty
The classic arm lift technique. The incision runs from the elbow to the armpit along the inner arm, allowing maximum removal of skin and fat. Best for patients with significant loose skin from major weight loss or aging.
Short-Scar (Mini) Arm Lift
The incision is limited to the armpit area. Ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity confined to the upper portion of the arm. Smaller scar, faster recovery, but removes less tissue.
Extended Brachioplasty
The incision extends from the inner arm into the chest or back. Necessary for patients with very large amounts of excess skin extending beyond the arm into adjacent areas — common after massive weight loss.
Liposuction-Only Arm Contouring
For patients with good skin elasticity and excess fat (no significant skin laxity), liposuction alone refines arm shape with no visible scars. Often combined with a tummy tuck or BBL for total body sculpting.
Real Arm Lift Results
Real ALO Aesthetic brachioplasty patients. Sleeker arms, restored confidence, the freedom to wear what you want without hiding. Photos coming soon.
Are You a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
An arm lift is most effective when the skin has lost its elasticity and won’t respond to exercise. You may be a strong candidate if:
- You have loose, hanging skin on the upper arms (“bat wings”) that doesn’t improve with strength training.
- Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months.
- You’ve experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy-related changes, or natural aging effects on the arms.
- You are in good general health, non-smoker (or willing to stop 4–6 weeks before/after).
- You’re prepared for a visible scar along the inner arm — the trade-off for dramatic skin removal. With proper scar care it fades significantly over 12–18 months.
- You can dedicate 2–3 weeks for the initial recovery.
Our Step-by-Step Process
1
Free Consultation
In-person or online. We review your goals, medical history, and present surgical options with before/after photos of similar cases.
2
Planning & Quote
Surgical technique selection, implant size (if applicable), tentative date, and all-inclusive package quote.
3
Pre-Op Studies
Blood work, EKG, and mammogram if applicable. Can be done in your home city and sent before traveling.
4
Surgery
Performed at Hospital DREAMS (Tijuana), Hospital Puerta de Hierro, or Hospital Innovare (Guadalajara), under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
5
Hospital Recovery
1 night hospital stay with 24/7 nursing care. Compression garments and pain management included.
6
Recovery House
4-7 days at our medical recovery house with daily check-ins, English-speaking staff, and hospital-airport transportation.
Recovery and Results
Brachioplasty recovery is faster than larger body procedures, but the arm incisions need careful attention to heal optimally.
Days 0–3: Most brachioplasty cases are outpatient or 1-night observation. Compression sleeves on both arms. Small surgical drains (sometimes). Walking from day 1.
Days 4–10: Daily check-ins. Arm elevation when resting. Avoid lifting more than 5 lb. Most patients fly home around day 5–7.
Weeks 2–4: Return to desk-based work after 5–7 days. Continue compression sleeves. Light range-of-motion exercises.
Weeks 4–6: Resume light cardio. Scar care begins. Gradual return to lifting.
3–12 months: Scars mature significantly. Final contour emerges as residual swelling resolves.
Where We Operate
We operate at three accredited hospitals — one in Tijuana and two in Guadalajara — all meeting international medical standards, fully equipped for plastic and reconstructive surgery, and offering 24/7 nursing care.
Hospital DREAMS
Tijuana, México
Modern surgical center in Zona Cacho, Tijuana. Board-certified anesthesiologists, fully accredited operating rooms, and complete post-operative care. 30 minutes from San Diego, USA.
Hospital Puerta de Hierro
Guadalajara, México
One of Mexico’s top private hospitals, internationally accredited. State-of-the-art operating suites and inpatient care. International airport (GDL) with direct flights from major US cities.
Hospital Innovare
Guadalajara, México
Modern hospital in Zapopan with state-of-the-art operating rooms, certified anesthesia teams, and bilingual recovery support.
Cost of an Arm Lift in Mexico
Brachioplasty pricing at ALO Aesthetic represents 50%–70% savings vs US and Canadian rates. Every quote is all-inclusive: surgeon fees, hospital (DREAMS, Puerta de Hierro, or Innovare), anesthesia, medications, compression sleeves, and standard follow-up.
Final pricing depends on the technique (standard, short-scar, extended, or lipo-only) and on whether the procedure is combined with other body-contouring surgeries (very common: arm lift + thigh lift, or arm lift + tummy tuck). A personalized quote is part of your free consultation.
Why Choose ALO Aesthetic
Board-Certified Surgeons
Surgeons board-certified by the Mexican Council of Plastic Surgery (CMCP) with thousands of successful procedures performed.
Certified Hospitals
Tijuana: Hospital DREAMS. Guadalajara: Hospital Puerta de Hierro and Hospital Innovare. All three facilities meet international standards.
Bilingual Care
Coordination, surgery, and follow-up in English or Spanish. Zero language barrier for US and Canadian patients.
Proven Medical Tourism
Extensive experience with US and Canadian patients. We coordinate flights, lodging, transportation, and recovery house.
No Hidden Costs
All-inclusive pricing from the start: surgery, hospital, anesthesia, medications, compression garments, and follow-up.
12-Month Follow-Up
Bilingual post-operative care for a full 12 months, with your medical team always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard brachioplasty runs 2–3 hours. Combined procedures (arm lift + thigh lift, or extended brachioplasty) can take 4–5 hours.
For a standard brachioplasty, the scar runs from the elbow to the armpit along the inner arm — typically hidden when the arm is at your side. Short-scar variations limit the scar to the armpit area. Scars mature significantly over 12–18 months with proper care.
Liposuction-only arm contouring leaves no significant scars but only works if you have good skin elasticity. If your skin won’t retract, you’ll need actual skin removal (and accept the scar). Your surgeon will tell you honestly during consultation.
You will feel sore and tight for the first week, especially raising your arms above your head. Pain is well-controlled with the medications included in your package.
No lifting more than 5 lb for the first 2 weeks. Gradual increase from week 3. Full strength training cleared at 6–8 weeks.
Desk-based work: 5–7 days. Physical work with overhead lifting: 4–6 weeks.
If your weight stays stable, no. Significant weight gain can stretch the remaining tissue. Aging may bring some natural skin laxity decades later.
Yes. Common combinations: arm lift + thigh lift (same recovery zone), arm lift + tummy tuck, or arm lift as part of a total body lift after major weight loss.
No. The muscles beneath the skin are not altered. After the initial soreness, your strength returns fully.
In one of three accredited hospitals: Hospital DREAMS in Tijuana, or Hospital Puerta de Hierro or Hospital Innovare in Guadalajara.
Schedule Your Free Arm Lift Consultation
Send us photos of your arms (front and side, both at your side and raised) plus your medical history. Our plastic surgeon will recommend the right technique for your skin elasticity and goals. Free consultation, no obligation.