Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes extra skin and fat to create a more toned, balanced contour.

In Grand Rapids, MI, brachioplasty is often chosen by:

  • Adults who have lost a significant amount of weight
  • People who notice loose, hanging upper arm skin with age
  • Patients with conditions like lymphedema that can cause arm swelling and skin changes

Local residents who experience major weight loss—sometimes after bariatric surgery at hospitals like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids—may consider an arm lift as part of their body-contouring journey.

Why Upper Arms Sag – And What Exercise Can (and Can’t) Do

Upper arm skin tends to droop due to:

  • Aging and loss of skin elasticity
  • Significant weight loss
  • Genetic factors
  • Certain medical conditions (including lymphedema)

While strength training at local Grand Rapids gyms or community centers can:

  • Improve muscle tone in the upper arms
  • Enhance overall arm strength and function

…it cannot tighten loose skin that has already stretched and lost elasticity. Brachioplasty is the only way to surgically remove that extra skin.

Considering an Arm Lift in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about the appearance of your upper arms or are exploring cosmetic surgery in Grand Rapids to boost your confidence, it’s important to:

  • Understand the procedure and its risks
  • Consider non-surgical options
  • Be realistic about scars and long-term results
  • Think about cost and recovery time

Non-surgical and Lifestyle Alternatives

Before choosing brachioplasty, you may want to try:

  • Healthy lifestyle changes

    • Eating a balanced, low-fat diet (helpful for heart health, which is especially important in Michigan where cardiovascular disease is common)
    • Regular exercise to reduce overall body fat and improve muscle tone

  • Clothing choices

    • Wearing long-sleeved or three-quarter-sleeve tops to cover areas you feel self-conscious about

  • Emotional and psychological support

    • Talking to a counselor or psychologist in the Grand Rapids area
    • Working on body image and self-acceptance—you may decide you like yourself the way you are

If, after exploring these options, you still feel an arm lift is right for you, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Grand Rapids is the next step.

Important Things to Know Before Brachioplasty

You Will Have a Permanent Scar

Brachioplasty usually leaves a scar:

  • On the inner surface of your upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow
  • Occasionally on the back of the arm

Over time, the scar typically fades and softens, but:

  • It may always be visible
  • It can be more noticeable on lighter skin in winter when arms are covered most of the time and then suddenly exposed in warmer Grand Rapids summers

Discuss scar placement and healing expectations with your surgeon.

Financial Considerations in Michigan

Brachioplasty is usually considered cosmetic surgery, so:

  • It typically is not covered by Medicare or most private health insurance plans
  • You will likely need to pay out of pocket

Ask your Grand Rapids plastic surgery clinic about:

  • Total cost (surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fee, follow-up visits)
  • Payment plans or financing options
  • Whether any portion could be considered medically necessary (rare, but sometimes in cases of severe skin issues)

Smoking and Surgery Risks

Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery, including:

  • Poor wound healing
  • Higher risk of infection
  • More visible scarring

If you are serious about having brachioplasty in Grand Rapids:

  • Your surgeon will likely ask you to quit smoking well before surgery and during recovery
  • The Kent County Health Department and local programs in Grand Rapids offer smoking cessation resources and support groups

Choosing a Brachioplasty Surgeon in Grand Rapids

When looking for a surgeon or clinic in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Ask your primary care doctor for referrals
  • Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in body-contouring and arm lift surgery
  • Consider major health systems such as:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health locations in West Michigan

Questions to Ask at Your First Consultation

At your initial visit, ask the surgeon:

  • What training and board certifications do you have?
  • How many brachioplasty procedures have you performed?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos of your arm lift patients?
  • Where will the surgery be performed (hospital or accredited surgery center in Grand Rapids)?
  • What type of anesthesia will be used?
  • What is the expected recovery time for someone with my health profile?
  • What are the most common complications you see, and how do you handle them?

Choose a surgeon who:

  • Listens to your goals
  • Explains risks clearly
  • Makes you feel comfortable and informed

Medical Evaluation Before Arm Lift Surgery

Before scheduling brachioplasty, your surgeon will review several medical issues:

Physical Health

  • A physical exam will help determine if you are a good candidate
  • They may order blood tests or other investigations, especially if you have:
    • Heart disease (more common in Michigan’s older population)
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • History of blood clots

Medical History

Your surgeon will ask about:

  • Past surgeries (including weight-loss surgery)
  • Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, lymphedema)
  • Previous problems with anesthesia
  • Any history of poor wound healing or keloid scars

These factors can influence:

  • Whether brachioplasty is recommended
  • The type of anesthesia used
  • Your risk of complications

Medications and Supplements

Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements, including:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter drugs (like ibuprofen or aspirin)
  • Vitamins and herbal supplements (e.g., fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo)

Some can increase bleeding risk or interfere with anesthesia. Your surgeon may:

  • Ask you to stop certain medications or adjust doses before surgery
  • Coordinate with your primary care doctor or specialists in Grand Rapids

Past Reactions to Medications

Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you have ever had:

  • Allergic reactions to medications
  • Problems with anesthesia
  • Severe nausea or vomiting after surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Your surgeon will give you detailed pre-surgery instructions, which may include:

  • When to stop eating and drinking before surgery
  • Which medications to take or avoid
  • Arranging a ride home from the surgery center or hospital
  • Planning time off work and help at home (especially important in winter, when icy sidewalks and snow can make getting around Grand Rapids more challenging)

Follow All Instructions Carefully

Careful preparation reduces your risk of complications and helps your recovery go more smoothly.

How Brachioplasty Is Performed

Brachioplasty is usually done:

  • Under general anesthesia
  • As an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay, depending on your health and the extent of surgery
  • In an accredited surgical facility, often within a Grand Rapids hospital system or specialized cosmetic surgery center

Typical Steps of the Operation

  1. Incision

    • The surgeon makes a cut along the inner side of your upper arm from the armpit to the elbow
    • Sometimes the incision is placed on the back of the arm

  2. Liposuction (if needed)

    • Extra fat is removed using a thin tube (cannula) inserted under the skin
    • The fat is suctioned out with a pump or syringe to improve contour

  3. Tightening of Underlying Tissues

    • The underlying tissue and muscle are tightened with sutures
    • This helps define the shape of the upper arm

  4. Removal of Extra Skin

    • The surgeon trims away the loose, hanging skin

  5. Closing the Incisions

    • The incisions are closed with stitches
    • Dressings or bandages are applied

The procedure may take up to three hours, depending on the complexity.

Immediately After Arm Lift Surgery

After brachioplasty, you can usually expect:

  • Compression garments on your upper arms

    • Help reduce swelling and support the new arm contour

  • Drainage tubes

    • These may be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid from under the skin

  • Bruising and swelling

    • Common and typically most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks

  • Pain and discomfort

    • Managed with prescribed pain medication

  • Possible numbness

    • Temporary changes in sensation in the upper arm or forearm

You will receive post-operative instructions on:

  • How to care for your incisions and drains
  • When to follow up with your surgeon (usually in a Grand Rapids clinic within a few days)
  • When to resume normal activities

Risks and Complications of Brachioplasty

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Your personal risk may be higher if you have:

  • Certain medical conditions
  • A history of smoking
  • Obesity or significant weight fluctuations
  • Allergic reaction (rare, but potentially life-threatening)
  • Breathing problems
  • Very rarely, complications that can be fatal

Surgical Risks

Possible complications of brachioplasty include:

  • Bleeding or hematoma (blood collection)

  • Infection

  • Blood clots, which may lead to:

    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
    • Pulmonary embolism (clot in the lung)
    • Heart attack or stroke (though uncommon, these can be life-threatening)

  • Collapsed lung (very rare)

  • Fluid build-up under the wound (seroma)

  • Tissue death along the wound (skin loss)

  • Prolonged swelling

  • Damage to underlying tissues, such as muscles

Nerve and Sensory Changes

  • Sensory nerve damage may cause:
    • Prolonged or permanent numbness in the upper arm
    • Numbness or altered sensation in the forearm

Cosmetic Concerns

  • Asymmetry (unevenness) between arms
  • Unsightly, thickened, or itchy scars
  • Need for further surgery to correct complications or improve cosmetic results

This Is Not a Complete List

Your medical history and lifestyle may increase your risk of certain complications. Discuss all potential risks with your surgeon and make sure you understand them before deciding on surgery.

Recovering at Home After Brachioplasty

Your surgeon will provide specific recovery instructions. In general, self-care after an arm lift in Grand Rapids includes:

  • Rest

    • Allow your body time to heal, especially in the first 1–2 weeks

  • Wound care

    • Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed
    • Follow all directions on how to care for your bandages and drains

  • Avoid strenuous activity

    • No heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for at least one month or as advised
    • Be extra cautious in winter months in West Michigan—avoid slipping on ice, which could stress your healing arms

  • Compression garment use

    • You may need to wear a compression garment for several weeks

  • Monitor for problems

    • Contact your surgeon or doctor immediately if you notice:
      • Bleeding
      • Severe or worsening pain
      • Fever or chills
      • Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision sites
      • Shortness of breath or chest pain

Follow All Instructions Carefully

Careful adherence to your surgeon’s advice helps reduce complications and supports a smoother recovery.

Long-Term Results and Expectations

Brachioplasty can:

  • Improve the contour of your upper arms
  • Make clothing fit better
  • Enhance self-confidence

However, it is important to understand:

  • Scarring is permanent, though it usually fades over time

    • Visible scars may be more of a concern in summer when you wear short sleeves in Grand Rapids’ warmer, humid weather

  • Aging and gravity continue

    • Some natural sagging will still occur over the years

  • Weight changes matter

    • Significant weight gain and loss after surgery can cause your arms to sag again
    • Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise is important

Be patient—scar improvement can take a year or more. Your surgeon may recommend scar care options such as silicone sheets, gels, or laser treatments available at some Grand Rapids dermatology and plastic surgery practices.

Alternatives to Brachioplasty

If you decide surgery is not right for you, alternatives include:

  • Healthy lifestyle

    • Eating a nutritious, low-fat diet
    • Regular exercise focused on overall fitness and upper body strength

  • Non-surgical cosmetic options

    • While they will not remove loose skin, some body-contouring or skin-tightening treatments offered in Grand Rapids med spas may provide mild improvement for selected patients

  • Clothing and styling choices

    • Wearing sleeves and styles that make you feel comfortable and confident

  • Counseling and support

    • Speaking with a counselor, therapist, or psychologist about body image
    • Learning strategies to improve self-esteem and self-acceptance

Many people find that a combination of healthy habits and emotional support helps them feel better about their appearance, with or without surgery.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are considering brachioplasty in Grand Rapids, you may find support and information from:

  • Your primary care physician or GP

    • First point of contact to discuss your overall health and get referrals

  • Board-certified plastic surgeons at:

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
    • Other accredited cosmetic surgery centers in the Grand Rapids area

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health resources

    • For smoking cessation programs
    • General health education and support

Key Points About Brachioplasty in Grand Rapids

  • Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery; quitting before and after brachioplasty is strongly recommended.
  • All surgery carries some degree of risk, including anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, blood clots, and scarring.
  • Your medical history and lifestyle can raise your risk of certain complications—be honest and thorough when discussing your health with your surgeon.
  • Report any bleeding, severe pain, fever, breathing problems, or unusual symptoms to your surgeon or doctor immediately.
  • Brachioplasty can improve upper arm contour, but scars are permanent, and results depend on maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle in the long term.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, MI and are thinking about an arm lift, a consultation with a qualified local plastic surgeon is the best way to understand your options, risks, and expected outcomes.