ERA Aesthetics: Kimberly Jones, M.D.
2395 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, NC 27518
Phone: (919) 342-9844
Fax: 919-342-9794
Hours
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Brachioplasty is about more than removing excess skin; it’s about restoring confidence in how your arms look and move. Dr. Jones performs arm lift surgery with a meticulous approach, using techniques designed to improve contour while keeping scars as hidden and refined as possible.
What Is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, also called an arm lift, removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms for a smoother, firmer appearance. This procedure is especially helpful for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, age-related skin laxity, or changes after pregnancy.
While exercise can strengthen muscles such as biceps and triceps, it cannot tighten loose or stretched skin. An arm lift addresses this concern directly, creating arms that look more proportional and feel more comfortable in everyday clothing.
What Is a Drainless Arm Lift?
Drainless brachioplasty involves using advanced internal suturing techniques to minimize fluid buildup and improve comfort during recovery. During a traditional arm lift, a surgeon stitches in temporary drains, small plastic tubes connected to small bulbs where fluid collects. The patient periodically empties the bulbs during recovery until the surgeon removes the drains.
While effective in managing fluid accumulation, these traditional drains can sometimes be uncomfortable and inconvenient. The drainless technique can significantly improve the patient’s postoperative experience, enabling a more streamlined and comfortable recovery.
Request a ConsultationBenefits of a drainless arm lift include:
- Eliminates the need for postoperative drains, improving comfort during recovery
- Reduces fluid buildup through advanced internal suturing techniques
- Minimizes tension on incisions for smoother healing
- Supports a more discreet scar placement within the posterior axillary fold
- Promotes a more streamlined recovery experience with fewer postsurgical inconveniences
Dr. Jones
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly Jones blends surgical expertise with genuine empathy. Known for mommy makeovers and body contouring, she offers personalized, natural-looking results in a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel comfortable, understood, and confident from consultation through recovery.
Get to Know Dr. JonesHow Is an Arm Lift Performed?
A unique advantage of Dr. Jones’ technique is her attention to the posterior axillary fold, the natural crease near the back of the armpit. By carefully shaping and rejuvenating this area, she helps create a more youthful-looking transition between the arm and chest wall.
She also strategically conceals incisions instead of making them on the back of the arm. The resulting scars are much less noticeable when the arms are at rest or raised.
Her goal is always to balance effective skin removal with thoughtful scar placement—so your results look natural from every angle.
Request a ConsultationWho Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Women and men with loose or hanging skin on the upper arms, often called “bat wings,” are excellent candidates for an arm lift. If your skin retains elasticity but you have excess fat, liposuction of the upper arms is the best approach.
Good candidates for an arm lift also:
- Have lost a significant amount of weight
- Are bothered by arm skin that limits clothing choices
- Are in good overall health and at a stable weight
- Want a long-term solution rather than temporary tightening
Dr. Jones will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine whether an arm lift—or a combination of procedures—is the best option.
Combining Brachioplasty With Other Procedures
An arm lift is often performed alongside other body contouring procedures, such as:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Liposuction
- Thigh lift
- Mommy makeover or post–weight loss surgery
Combining procedures can improve your body’s contours while consolidating recovery time. Dr. Jones prioritizes safety and will only recommend combinations that make sense for your health and goals.
Arm Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual, but most patients can expect:
First few days
- You’ll go home the same day with detailed instructions and support.
- Gentle walking is encouraged right away to promote circulation and reduce stiffness.
- You should walk slightly hunched over to minimize tension on your stitches.
- You may shower starting on day 2.
1–2 weeks
- Continue walking frequently in short intervals throughout the day.
- Pain and swelling are most noticeable this week but gradually improve.
- Wear your compression garment 23 hours a day for the first 4 weeks to help reduce swelling and enhance your results.
- Many patients begin feeling ready to return to light activities by the end of the week.
- Expect to remain slightly bent at the waist. You will walk slightly hunched for about 2 weeks, slowly straightening more each day.
4–6 weeks
- Most patients feel well enough to return to work 10 to 14 days after the surgery, depending on the physical nature of their job.
- By the end of week 4, most patients can stand upright comfortably.
- Continue wearing your compression garment.
You’ll receive detailed postoperative instructions and close follow-up to support healing and long-term results.
Brachioplasty FAQs
Will I have visible scars after an arm lift?
Scars are unavoidable, but Dr. Jones places incisions so they are far less visible than traditional arm lift scars.
Is brachioplasty painful?
Discomfort after an arm lift is usually mild to moderate and well controlled with medication. Most patients describe tightness rather than pain.
How long do arm lift results last?
The results of brachioplasty surgery are considered permanent when you maintain a stable weight.
Can liposuction replace an arm lift?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not address loose skin. Many patients with skin laxity benefit most from brachioplasty.
How is this different from nonsurgical treatments?
An arm lift surgically removes excess skin and fat, while nonsurgical treatments provide gradual, more subtle improvement. Nonsurgical options may help with mild laxity, but they cannot address significant loose skin.
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Discussion
With Dr. Jones
A consultation with Dr. Jones never feels rushed. She takes the time needed to listen to your concerns and answer all of your questions, so you feel confident in your choice. You can use the online form to request a consultation or call us at (919) 342-9844. Women and men considering brachioplasty in Raleigh, Cary, or throughout the Research Triangle trust Dr. Jones for outstanding care and results.