Arm Lift in Charlotte, NC
Restore, Refine, and Feel Like You Again
An arm lift is a powerful body contouring procedure that removes loose, sagging skin from the upper arms to create a smoother, firmer, more defined shape. Whether your skin has changed due to weight loss, aging, or genetics, an arm lift can restore confidence in sleeveless clothing and everyday life.
At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center in Charlotte, NC, we take a personalized approach to arm lift surgery. Dr. Andrew Gear combines surgical precision with refined artistry to create natural-looking results that feel proportionate to your body. Arm lift surgery is one of the many body contouring procedures
To learn more about arm lift surgery in Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, or Fort Mill, call us at (704) 771-1747 or schedule your consultation online.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It is especially popular among patients who have:
- Lost a significant amount of weight
- Developed skin laxity with age
- Struggled with “bat wings” that don’t respond to exercise
- Experienced discomfort or irritation from excess arm skin
This procedure is not designed for weight loss. Instead, it refines contour by tightening loose tissue and improving arm shape.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Gear may recommend:
- Traditional arm lift: incision from the underarm down to the elbow
- Mini arm lift: smaller incision limited to the underarm
- Arm lift with liposuction: for improved contour and smoother transitions
For patients after major weight loss, this procedure may be part of a broader Body Contouring Surgery plan.
What Are the Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery?
Benefits of arm lift surgery include but are not limited to:
- Eliminates loose, hanging skin that cannot improve with exercise
- Creates a smoother, firmer upper arm contour
- Improves balance between the arms and the torso
- Refines the silhouette after significant weight loss
- Reduces chafing, moisture buildup, and skin irritation
- Allows clothing to fit more comfortably and predictably
- Restores confidence in sleeveless clothing and athletic wear
For many patients, the change is not dramatic in size, but dramatic in definition. The arms look tighter, cleaner, and more aligned with the rest of the body.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Arm lift surgery is best suited for patients who have achieved weight stability but are left with excess skin that does not retract.
You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Have loose, deflated, or hanging skin along the upper arms
- Are at or near your goal weight and able to maintain it
- Have completed major weight loss or body changes
- Experience discomfort, hygiene concerns, or clothing limitations due to excess arm skin
- Are in good overall health without uncontrolled medical conditions
- Do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery)
- Understand that tightening skin requires an incision and resulting scar
An arm lift procedure is appropriate for both women and men. During your consultation, Dr. Gear will determine whether skin removal alone is needed or if liposuction should be incorporated to refine contour before tightening.
Andrew Gear, MD
Dr. Gear is a leading plastic surgeon on the East Coast, known for his expertise in breast and body contouring. With nearly two decades of experience, he combines advanced techniques with a natural touch to deliver exceptional results. At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, he leads an award-winning team of skilled injectors, estheticians, and a CoolSculpting master—offering both surgical and non-invasive treatments tailored to each patient’s goals.
Why Choose Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center?
At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, our care is as personal as it is advanced. Patients throughout Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, and Fort Mill trust us for thoughtful surgical planning and honest communication.
Here’s what makes our practice different:
- Surgical innovation rooted in science. Gear was the first in the Southeast to implement enhanced recovery protocols in outpatient surgery and continues refining techniques to improve safety and recovery.
- Concierge-level experience. Consultations are personal and unrushed. We take time to understand your story before recommending a surgical plan.
- Multilingual, inclusive team. We speak Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish.
- Refined, natural results. Gear focuses on smooth contour and proportion, not over-tightening or exaggerated change.
- Warm, welcoming environment. Our Charlotte office is designed to feel comfortable, private, and respectful.
How Arm Lift Surgery Works
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited Charlotte surgical suite. The procedure typically takes 2–3 hours and is often performed as an outpatient surgery. Dr. Gear will
The process includes:
- Strategic incision placement (underarm or along the inner arm)
- Removal of excess skin and underlying tissue
- Liposuction when needed to refine contour
- Tightening and reshaping of the upper arm
- Layered closure to reduce tension and optimize healing
Dr. Gear carefully positions incisions to keep scars as discreet as possible while achieving meaningful tightening. After the surgery is completed, we’ll take you to our recovery suite where we’ll monitor you until you wake up and are ready to return home with the help of a friend or family member.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery after an arm lift varies depending on the extent of surgery, but most patients:
- Return home the same day
- Take 10–14 days off from work
- Resume light activity within 2–3 weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting for about 6 weeks
- Wear compression garments to reduce swelling
Bruising and swelling are normal and gradually resolve. We provide clear instructions, scar care guidance, and ongoing follow-up support to ensure your recovery stays on track. Our team is here for you and happy to help with questions or follow up care.
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Charlotte, NC?
The cost of arm lift surgery in Charlotte varies based on your specific anatomy and surgical plan. No two procedures are identical, and pricing reflects the level of correction required.
Factors that influence cost include:
- Whether you need a traditional or mini arm lift
- If liposuction is added to improve contour
- The degree of skin laxity and tissue removal required
- Anesthesia and accredited surgical facility fees
During your consultation, you will receive clear, personalized pricing with no hidden surprises. Our team will walk you through your options and answer any financial questions openly. Financing plans are available to make your procedure manageable and accessible.
View Real Patient Results
Our extensive range of services guides our patients to an improved quality of life with an enhanced self-image. When we’re comfortable in our own skin, we feel confident and empowered to pursue our goals.
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation with Dr. Gear Today
If loose upper arm skin is holding you back from feeling confident in sleeveless clothing or workouts, an arm lift may be the right solution.
Call Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center at (704) 771-1747 or schedule your private consultation online. We proudly serve Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, Fort Mill, and surrounding communities.
Arm Lift Surgery FAQs
An arm lift does require an incision because excess skin cannot be removed any other way. The length of the scar depends on how much tightening you need. Some patients qualify for a smaller incision hidden in the underarm, while others require an incision that runs along the inner arm toward the elbow. Dr. Gear places scars strategically along the least visible part of the arm and closes them carefully to reduce tension. With proper scar care and time, most scars fade significantly and become much less noticeable.
Not always. If the primary issue is loose, deflated skin after weight loss, skin removal alone may be enough. However, if excess fat is present, liposuction is often performed first to create smoother contours before tightening the skin. This combination approach prevents irregularities and produces a more refined, balanced result.
Arm lift results are long-lasting, especially when your weight remains stable. The excess skin that is removed does not come back. While natural aging continues, most patients enjoy firmer arm contour for many years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your outcome.
Dr. Gear does not believe in over-tightening. His approach focuses on restoring proportion and creating smooth, natural transitions between the arm and torso. The goal is to eliminate hanging skin while preserving normal movement and contour. Your arms should look firmer and more defined, not artificial.
Most patients return to desk work within 10 to 14 days. Light walking is encouraged early to promote circulation. More strenuous upper body exercise and weight training typically resume around 6 weeks, once healing is secure. Dr. Gear provides personalized recovery guidance based on your procedure and overall health.
No. An arm lift removes excess skin and tissue but does not alter muscle function. After healing, patients maintain full strength and range of motion. Temporary tightness during early recovery is normal and gradually resolves as swelling decreases.
Yes. Arm lift surgery is especially effective for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose, hanging skin that cannot retract. In these cases, brachioplasty can dramatically improve comfort, hygiene, clothing fit, and overall body balance.
Yes. Many patients combine arm lift surgery with tummy tuck, thigh lift, or other body contouring procedures. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and allow for more comprehensive reshaping. Dr. Gear will evaluate whether a combined approach is appropriate and safe for you.