Arm Lift Baltimore
An arm lift in Maryland is an excellent procedure for individuals suffering from sagging, drooping arms associated with significant weight loss, poor genetics, or changes that occur as the body ages. While diet and exercise are important components of a healthy lifestyle, they are not always sufficient for toning the upper arms when there is a significant degree of arm ptosis. Therefore, surgery may present the best option for improvement, as results are considered permanent and long-lasting.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm to address “bat wings” and restore a firmer, more contoured shape. Dr. Michele Shermak is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a national reputation for her innovations in body contouring. She applies advanced surgical techniques and a deep understanding of anatomy to achieve beautiful, balanced results while minimizing visible scarring.
1 of 15
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin, fat, and contour irregularities of the arm, smoothing and tightening the skin to achieve a more toned appearance.
Brachioplasty is a powerful operation that may be performed in conjunction with breast surgery, abdominoplasty, a back lift, or liposuction for more complete rejuvenation tailored to your specific goals.
There are different approaches to brachioplasty depending on patient presentation, with scars varying from those falling in the crease of the underarm, to scars that travel between the underarm and elbow, to an approach developed by Dr. Shermak that extends from the arm down the side of the chest wall and even into the breast area for a composite, comprehensive approach to the upper body. The approach taken is agreed upon by the patient, who will understand how to best achieve his/her goals.
An arm lift in Baltimore is performed under general anesthesia at our Baltimore outpatient medical center and usually lasts one to two hours. During the operation, Dr. Shermak will surgically excise extra skin and tighten underlying supportive tissue that contributes to a sagging contour.
Once the underlying tissue is tightened, the remaining skin is carefully redraped to create a smoother, firmer contour that aligns naturally with the rest of the upper body. Dr. Shermak will close the incisions with sutures, dress the arms with compressive elastic bandages, and place the client in our recovery suites to begin healing prior to discharge to home about an hour later.
An arm lift addresses several common issues that affect the upper arm region. These include:
Through carefully planned incisions and precise tissue removal, Dr. Shermak reshapes the upper arm, restoring a smoother, more youthful contour.
Smoother, Firmer Arms with Lasting Results
Arm lift surgery can dramatically improve the shape and proportion of the upper arms. Many patients feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing and describe an increase in confidence and body image. The removal of sagging skin also means better hygiene and comfort, especially in warmer climates where friction or moisture can cause irritation.
Clothing That Fits More Comfortably
After an arm lift, clothing tends to fit more proportionally. Blouses and dresses often hang better, and tailored sleeves no longer feel restrictive due to bulky tissue or loose skin.
Physical and Emotional Comfort
Patients report both physical relief and emotional empowerment. Many arm lift patients are pleased to regain control over a part of their body that previously felt resistant to change, despite dedicated diet and exercise efforts.
Good candidates for brachioplasty are men and women in good mental and physical health who are non-smokers and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing. Brachioplasty is suitable for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and for individuals who suffer from loss of skin elasticity due to aging, sun exposure, pregnancy, or heredity.
Brachioplasty may be combined with abdominoplasty, liposuction, a back lift, or breast surgery to rejuvenate the entire torso. During the initial consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Shermak what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve the desired result.
Surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight stay at a local hospital. One may experience discomfort, swelling, and numbness. Patients are up and walking within hours of surgery but require recuperation for several weeks. Most people return to regular activities and resume work after 2 weeks.
Swelling and numbness may take months to resolve. Dr. Shermak will fit you with a compression garment and fluid drains, which will be removed shortly after the procedure. These are in place to facilitate a seamless recovery and to ensure that your arms maintain their new shape.
Maryland arm lift patients are advised to sleep with their arms elevated on pillows for about 7 days, as this may help to minimize swelling. It is also important to avoid putting undue pressure on the arms at first, so it may be prudent to find a friend or family member to help with chores and childcare.
You’ll see a visible difference in arm shape immediately after your surgery, though some swelling will remain for the first few weeks. As the body heals, the arms will continue to refine in appearance, with final results typically visible around 3 to 6 months post-operatively.
Because arm lift surgery removes excess skin and fat, the improvement is permanent as long as you maintain good general fitness and a stable body weight. While scarring is unavoidable with this type of procedure, Dr. Shermak uses discreet incision placement and guides patients through scar care protocols to ensure results that are as refined as they are transformative. Most patients report a dramatic improvement not just in arm appearance but in how they feel about their overall upper body.
Dr. Michele Shermak is a nationally recognized leader in body contouring with over two decades of experience helping patients achieve elegant, natural-looking results through customized surgical care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and former member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery's Board of Directors, she combines exceptional technical precision with a deep understanding of aesthetic harmony and body proportion.
Her work in arm lift surgery—especially for patients after massive weight loss—has been published in peer-reviewed journals and featured in surgical textbooks, making her one of the foremost authorities in this area. Dr. Shermak is known for developing advanced techniques that address both the upper arm and the adjacent chest wall, minimizing visible scarring while maximizing the beauty and longevity of the result.
Patients choose Dr. Shermak not only for her surgical skill but for the personalized attention and integrity she brings to every consultation. From your first visit through your final follow-up, you’ll feel seen, supported, and guided by a surgeon who prioritizes safety, communication, and a result that reflects your goals.
We invite you to call Dr. Shermak’s Baltimore, Maryland, plastic surgery office at (410) 616-3000 to schedule your personal, discreet arm lift consultation today.
During this session, the doctor will ask you about your preferences and concerns regarding your upper arms, examine your body, and record your detailed medical history, including any previous cosmetic treatments. This is a great opportunity for Dr. Shermak to address all your questions and concerns in depth, as she believes that an educated and well-informed client leads to the most successful outcomes.
Additionally, Dr. Shermak will invite you to view our online library of before-and-after photographs of former Baltimore arm lift patients. If you do not immediately see photos that speak to you, do not hesitate to ask for more.
The cost of arm lift surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with other treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Shermak will provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific goals and anatomy.
Yes, as with any surgical procedure that removes excess skin, there will be scars. Dr. Shermak strategically places incisions to minimize their visibility and will guide you through aftercare techniques, including massage, moisturizers, and compression garments, to improve scar appearance over time.
Initial swelling typically peaks within the first week and gradually subsides over the next 4 to 6 weeks. You will wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the tissue as it heals. Full results may take 3–6 months to settle in.
You’ll be able to resume light activities after about one to two weeks, but upper body exercise and lifting should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks, depending on your healing progress. Dr. Shermak will give you customized guidance at each follow-up visit.
For some patients, liposuction is combined with arm lift surgery to remove pockets of fat in the upper arm and improve contour. This involves using a thin tube called a cannula to precisely suction out excess fat. Whether liposuction is used depends on your specific goals, which will be assessed during your consultation.
Like any surgical procedure, brachioplasty carries some risks, including infection, poor scarring, fluid accumulation, or excessive blood collection at the surgical site (a condition known as hematoma). There is also a small risk of changes in skin sensation or delayed wound healing, particularly in patients with certain health conditions. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Michele Shermak, greatly reduces these risks, as she applies meticulous technique, evidence-based protocols, and careful postoperative monitoring to ensure the safest possible outcome.
