Loose, drooping skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially when exercise and weight loss do little to change it. Aging, genetics, and major weight changes can all leave the arms looking less firm than you would like, sometimes making you hesitant to wear sleeveless clothing. An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a body procedure that removes excess skin and shapes the upper arms for a smoother, more defined appearance.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery near Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Lori Cherup uses decades of plastic surgery experience and a personalized approach to give patients the body contours that better reflect how they want to look and feel.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a body surgery that removes loose skin and, when appropriate, excess fat from the upper arms. The goal is to create a firmer contour between the underarm and elbow.
Unlike exercise, which strengthens muscle but cannot remove stretched skin, brachioplasty directly addresses skin that has lost its elasticity. Dr. Cherup customizes the procedure based on the amount of excess tissue and each patient’s desired outcome.
Benefits of an Arm Lift
Potential benefits include:
- Removing loose or hanging upper-arm skin
- Creating smoother, firmer arm contours
- Reducing localized excess fat when needed
- Improving arm proportion after significant weight loss
- Making sleeveless and fitted clothing more comfortable
- Providing longer-lasting contour improvement when weight remains stable
An arm lift is one of several body plastic surgery options available at Radiance Plastic Surgery. Patients concerned primarily about stubborn fat with good skin elasticity may also discuss nonsurgical options such as CoolSculpting Elite.

Candidates for Brachioplasty
You may be a good candidate if loose upper-arm skin bothers you and does not improve with healthy lifestyle habits. Candidates should be generally healthy, have realistic expectations, and maintain a relatively stable weight.
Arm lift surgery is often considered by people who have:
- Experienced significant weight loss
- Developed sagging skin with age
- Inherited a tendency toward loose upper-arm tissue
- Reached or approached their preferred stable weight
- Become self-conscious about the appearance of their arms
During your consultation, Dr. Cherup evaluates your skin, tissue, overall health, and aesthetic goals to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
What Happens During an Arm Lift?
Arm lift surgery removes excess tissue and reshapes the remaining skin around the upper arm. The exact surgical plan depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
An incision is typically made along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, although its length varies from patient to patient. Excess skin is removed, underlying tissue may be tightened, and liposuction may be incorporated when localized fat contributes to fullness.
Dr. Cherup carefully plans incision placement and contour changes to create a natural-looking, balanced result.
Why Choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Arm Lift Surgery
Radiance Plastic Surgery is a private outpatient aesthetic center in Bridgeville serving patients throughout the Pittsburgh area. Led by Dr. Lori Cherup, the practice combines surgical body contouring with nonsurgical and skin-focused treatments, allowing patients to explore options based on their anatomy, goals, and comfort level.
Dr. Cherup’s philosophy centers on using plastic surgery to create meaningful outward changes that can also support how patients feel about themselves. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all procedure, she works with each patient to understand their expectations and develop a personalized surgical plan designed around their desired body contour.
Reveal Smoother, More Defined Arms With an Arm Lift in Pittsburgh, PA
An arm lift can help address sagging skin that diet and exercise cannot correct, creating a firmer, more proportional upper-arm shape. With personalized planning, realistic expectations, and proper recovery, brachioplasty can provide lasting improvements in both contour and confidence in your clothing.
To learn whether the procedure fits your goals, call Radiance Plastic Surgery at 412-220-8181 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lori Cherup and discuss an arm lift in Pittsburgh, PA.
