Mini Brachioplasty

Mini Brachioplasty is Ideal for Those Looking to Tighten and Contour Their Upper Arms with Minimal Scarring.

A mini brachioplasty (mini arm lift) is a less invasive surgical approach to improving the appearance of the upper arms. The procedure uses a crescent-shaped incision hidden within the armpit to remove mild to moderate excess skin and fat.

At the Gladstone Clinic, Dr. Gladstone combines mini brachioplasty with arm liposuction and Renuvion Plasma skin tightening for optimum results — delivering improved arm contour with a faster recovery and far less visible scarring than a traditional brachioplasty.

Am I a Good Candidate for Mini Brachioplasty?

The mini brachioplasty is ideal for patients who have mild skin laxity concentrated near the armpit area rather than significant sagging throughout the entire length of the upper arm. Good candidates are typically at or near their ideal body weight and are bothered by a small amount of loose skin or fullness in the upper arm that has not responded to diet and exercise.

If you have more extensive skin excess—for example, following significant weight loss—a full brachioplasty may be the more appropriate option. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Gladstone will evaluate your arms and discuss which procedure will achieve the best outcome for your goals.

The Procedure

During a mini brachioplasty, a crescent-shaped incision is made within the axilla. Through this incision, Dr. Gladstone removes excess skin and tightens the tissues of the upper arm. The procedure is frequently combined with liposuction to further refine the arm’s contour by reducing stubborn pockets of fat.

When appropriate, Renuvion Plasma skin tightening is also performed to stimulate collagen contraction beneath the skin, providing an additional layer of tightening that enhances the overall result.

Because the incision is limited to the armpit, scarring is much shorter and far less visible compared to a full brachioplasty. For many patients, this minimal scarring is one of the most appealing aspects of the procedure.

Recovery

One of the advantages of a mini brachioplasty is a shorter recovery compared to a traditional arm lift. Most patients are able to return to daily activities within about one week. Swelling, bruising, and some numbness in the treated area are common during the first several days and will gradually subside.

A compression garment is typically recommended to support healing and improve the final outcome. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks following the procedure to ensure proper healing.

Mini Brachioplasty vs. Full Brachioplasty

The key difference between the two procedures is the extent of the incision and the degree of skin laxity they address. A mini brachioplasty is confined to the axilla and is best suited for patients with mild to moderate laxity near the armpit. The scar is short and hidden.

A full brachioplasty, on the other hand, involves an incision that extends from the armpit down toward the elbow along the inner arm. This approach is preferred for patients with major skin excess, such as those who have undergone significant weight loss.

While the full brachioplasty produces a longer, more visible scar, it allows for a greater degree of skin removal and tightening along the entire upper arm.

Dr. Gladstone will help you determine which approach is right for you during your consultation, taking into account your anatomy, your goals, and the degree of improvement you are looking to achieve.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with mini brachioplasty. If excessive skin is removed, it can result in a wider scar. Other potential risks include swelling, bruising, numbness, and infection. Dr. Gladstone takes a conservative and precise approach to minimize these risks and ensure the most natural-looking result possible.

Renuvion Plasma Skin Tightening

Renuvion is a combination of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma that selectively tightens collagen fibers beneath the skin. When combined with arm liposuction and mini brachioplasty, Renuvion can significantly enhance the skin tightening effect, delivering results that exceed what surgery or liposuction alone can achieve. For patients who may not be candidates for a full brachioplasty but want more tightening than liposuction alone can provide, the addition of Renuvion offers an excellent middle-ground solution.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

The Gladstone Clinic is committed to providing the best care and service for our patients. Contact our office to learn more about mini brachioplasty and to schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if the procedure is right for you. We proudly serve the residents of San Ramon, Danville, Pleasanton, San Francisco, and the surrounding communities in California.

*Individual results may vary.