Brachioplasty in Puerto Vallarta
Arm Lift: firmness and streamlined contours
Surgical removal of excess loose skin and fat deposits on the inner side of the arms, restoring a youthful, firm, and toned contour.
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a body contouring surgical procedure that trims excess sagging skin and fat from the upper arm.
Our philosophy prioritizes ethical and transparent scar planning. An arm lift is a highly rewarding procedure for patients who have experienced massive weight loss or severe skin aging, but it requires accepting a longitudinal scar. We take meticulous care to place the incision in the innermost crease of the arm to camouflage it from both front and back views when the arm is at rest.
The goal is to sculpt slim, firm, and toned arms that harmonize proportionally with the rest of your upper body anatomy.
What changes
- ✓Definitive removal of sagging skin ('bat wings')
- ✓Reduction of the diameter and fat volume of the arm
- ✓A more defined and toned contour when wearing sleeveless clothing
What doesn't change
- •Muscle tone (requires strength training)
- •The complete absence of marks (the scar is inevitable)
- •Skin elasticity during future drastic weight changes
What does the plan usually include?
Arm rejuvenation and contouring is planned by evaluating the degree of skin laxity:
Longitudinal Incision
Designed for severe excess skin. It extends from the armpit to the elbow, allowing for the uniform removal of large aprons of sagging skin.
Short or Axillary Incision
For mild cases of sagging localized exclusively near the armpit. The scar is hidden entirely within the fold of the armpit.
Lipo-Brachioplasty
Combining deep liposuction in the arms before skin resection to thin the subcutaneous fat layer and facilitate a more uniform tightening.
* The rigorous use of the elastic compression sleeve during the first month optimizes skin adhesion and prevents seroma.
This procedure might be for you if...
- ✓You have obvious excess sagging, hanging skin on the inner side of your arms after massive weight loss.
- ✓Your arms appear disproportionate or lack firmness due to loss of skin elasticity from aging.
- ✓You understand and accept the necessity of an internal longitudinal scar in exchange for restoring the firmness of the arm.
- ✓You maintain a stable weight and are in good overall health.
It is best to evaluate alternatives if...
- •You have fat pockets but your skin has excellent elastic tone; simple arm liposuction is a preferred alternative.
- •You are not willing to accept the longitudinal scar on the arm (even though it fades over time).
- •You are an active smoker and do not wish to stop nicotine use, which severely increases the risk of poor healing and necrosis of the skin edges.
How we define your plan
An individualized clinical consultation is essential. During the evaluation, we measure the fat thickness of your arms, skin elasticity and laxity, and the exact length of the excess skin to decide the correct technique and incision design.
“We aim to restore proportion to your arms. We evaluate your skin honestly to define whether you require a full or mini brachioplasty.”
We determine the centimeters of redundant skin hanging from the arm to trace the exact line of removal.
We analyze the retraction capacity of your arm skin to estimate if using complementary liposuction is feasible.
We position the future scar in the inner fold of the arm to hide it from ordinary front or back views.
The procedure, explained simply
A longitudinal incision on the inner aspect of the upper arm, from the armpit toward the elbow.
Excess loose skin and fat are excised, and a meticulous closure is performed in multiple deep layers.
Carried out under controlled general anesthesia or regional block with deep intravenous sedation.
The procedure takes approximately 2 hours, and the patient is discharged as an outpatient on the same day.
Preparing for your surgery
Responsible preparation is essential to optimize surgical safety and facilitate a smooth, comfortable postoperative recovery.
Recovery timeline
Recovery from an arm lift requires discipline in limiting arm abduction during the first few weeks.
Days 1 to 3 — Rest and arm elevation
Swelling and bruising are normal. You must rest with your arms supported on pillows at chest level and wear compression sleeves.Day 10 to 14 — Suture removal
We remove external stitches in the office. The scar will look pink. You can begin extending your elbows gently and gradually.Week 3 — Return to office work
Return to sedentary office activities. You must continue using the elastic compression garment for arms and avoid lifting weights over 3 kg.Month 2 — Return to arm exercises
You are cleared to resume regular physical exercise, including very progressive arm strength training. The scar softens, and silicone gel sheets are applied for scar care.
Safety and surgical excellence
Each procedure is performed under the highest standards of quality, backed by solid medical training and official certifications.
CMCPER certification, active member of AMCPER and ISAPS.
Surgeries performed at CMQ Premiere Hospital (PV) and Puerta de Hierro (Tepic).
Strategic placement of the scar on the most hidden side of the arm.
Deep layer closure to reduce skin tension and prevent widening.
Healing monitoring and clinical support throughout your postoperative recovery.
Planning combined with liposuction to achieve a homogeneous arm thickness.
Surgical safety and realistic expectations
Like any body contouring surgery, brachioplasty requires an ethical clinical analysis. During your medical consultation, we review your skin laxity, subcutaneous fat volume, and medical history to reduce risks and confirm if surgery is appropriate for your case.
An in-person clinical evaluation determines the anatomical viability of your arm lift.
Care for out-of-town patients
If you live outside the region or abroad, we facilitate your medical journey through a preliminary virtual consultation and clinical guidance logistics provided by our team.
What's included
- ✓Guidance through scheduling and medical appointments
- ✓Preoperative clinical and logistical recommendations
What's not included
- •Flights and direct lodging reservations
- •Logistical services outside of clinical coordination
Cost of brachioplasty: what determines the quote
The cost of an arm lift should not be defined generically or without a prior medical evaluation. Each surgical quote is individualized and corresponds to the specific needs of your case.
During your surgical evaluation, Dr. Uriel Muñoz will examine your anatomy and define a tailored surgical plan. The final quote for the procedure is determined based on the following factors:
- •Use of a full longitudinal incision vs. a short mini-brachioplasty.
- •Addition of arm liposuction to remove subcutaneous fat excess.
- •Operating room fees and anesthesiologist's fees.
- •Surgical team fees and postoperative follow-up consultations.
Common questions about brachioplasty
World-Class Medical Infrastructure
For your peace of mind and medical safety, all surgical procedures are performed exclusively in certified hospitals with intensive care units and valid sanitary accreditation.
Puerto Vallarta, JaliscoCMQ Premiere Hospital
The most prestigious hospital facility in Puerto Vallarta for elective surgeries. Features premium amenities focused on patient comfort and comprehensive surgical safety.
- High-tech equipped surgical suites
- Fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Nationally certified facilities
- Specialized bilingual medical staff
Tepic, NayaritPuerta de Hierro Hospital
High-specialty hospital and member of the region's most prominent medical network. Provides international-level infrastructure and comprehensive tertiary medical support.
- High-specialty surgical blocks
- State-of-the-art Intensive Care
- Accredited by the General Health Council
- International hospital safety standards
Personalized Consultation
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Medical Review: Content prepared under the supervision and approval of Dr. Uriel Muñoz, Plastic Surgeon certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (CMCPER Registration #2585). Last medical review: July 8, 2026.
Scientific Sources & Clinical Reference Guidelines: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) - Brachioplasty guides; Mayo Clinic - Arm Lift surgery overview; CMCPER.
This information is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Individual results, recovery, risks, and recommendations vary by patient.