Arm Lift

Plastic Surgery Patients Share Their Experiences With Dr. Sterry

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Have you lost 50 pounds, 100 pounds or more—yet still feel awkward about wearing short sleeves or going sleeveless? Do you wear long sleeves year ’round to hide all the excess skin hanging from your upper arms? An arm lift in New York City with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sterry can help you have slimmer, more shapely arms and feel confident again.

To find out more, request a consultation with Dr. Sterry in Manhattan or call  (212) 249-4020.

Embarrassed to go sleeveless? Find out about arm lift surgery.

Arm Lift
 Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 7
Before & After Arm Lift Case 38 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift

This patient had lost about 100 pounds with bariatric surgery and asked for an arm lift operation in New York City to get rid of her loose skin. As a performer, she was particularly concerned that her arm scar would be noticeable.



An "L" shaped scar was created from the axilla to the elbow using a supportive layer of de... Read More
Before & After Arm Lift Case 18 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift

This patient had lost about 110 pounds through diet and exercise alone. She came in asking me for an arm lift operation at my New York City practice to remove the loose skin. She wanted her skin to be as tight as she was fit.

An "L" shaped scar was created from the axilla to the elbow because of the gradual slope that her ex... Read More
Before & After Arm Lift Case 20 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift & Breast Lift

This patient had lost about 123 pounds with a gastric bypass operation and asked me to get rid of her loose arm skin. An "L" shaped scar was created from the axilla to the elbow using a supportive layer of deep sutures to minimize her scarring. As you can see, her arm lift at my New York City practice was quite successful. She also... Read More
Before & After Arm Lift Case 21 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift

This patient wanted an arm lift (brachioplasty) at my New York City practice because she said her arms "kept waving" after she stopped. A deep layer of supportive sutures help to minimize the scar that resulted.

Patient Age:

51

Brachioplasty Technique:

L shape scar

Supporting PDS sutures

Arm... Read More
Before & After Arm Lift Case 40 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift

This patient asked for an arm lift operation at my New York City practice after losing a significant amount of weight.

Patient Age:

44

Brachioplasty Technique:

Axilla to elbow

Supportive PDS sutures used deep

Dr. Sterry wants you to have a nice contour and a subtle scar when your arm lift is done. Tha... Read More
Before & After Arm Lift Case 136 View #1 View in New York, NY
Before & After

Arm Lift as Part of an Upper Body Lift

I perform arm lift and upper body lift surgeries together at my New York City practice to remove loose arm skin as well as loose skin on the upper back.This patient had lost more than 160 pounds with bariatric surgery and asked for an arm lift operation. An "L" shaped scar was created from the axilla to the elbow.  The... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.


If you are looking to get rid of excess arm skin consider brachioplasty, often called an arm lift, by Dr. Sterry to help tighten sagging skin.

If loose skin hangs down from your upper arms when you hold your hands out to the side, an arm lift can trim those “bat wings” and make you proud to go sleeveless.

The images in this video show an actual patient who had the most dramatic form of arm lift by Dr. Sterry. Her “after” photo shows the results—and scars—three months after surgery.

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry Get to Know

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry

Thomas Sterry, MD, is a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has been president of both the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, he sits on the executive council of the New York County Medical Society and has been a delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York for years. At his inviting, boutique-style practice in Manhattan, he focuses on each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals so that he can provide the most attractive and natural-looking outcomes possible.

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Credentials you can trust

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Dr. Thomas P. Sterry

Arm Lift FAQ

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift or brachioplasty is a cosmetic body contouring operation to remove excess skin hanging from the upper arms—especially after weight loss surgery. There are a number of surgical methods I can use to perform an arm lift. The one that’s right for you will depend on your desires—and your willingness to accept a scar.


How big of a scar does an arm lift involve?

That depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed. Sometimes I can do an arm lift with a scar only in the armpit, or a short scar down the arm—but often the scar has to extend down the inner arm to the area inside of the elbow. The length of the scar is determined by what you want to accomplish with the surgery.”

One patient recently remarked that the scar will only be seen sometimes, but this flabby skin is showing all the time.


Dr. Sterry offers an array of body contouring procedures

While an arm lift can involve a long scar, it is typically hidden from the rest of the world unless your arm is raised up and rotated outward. One patient recently remarked that the scar will only be seen sometimes, but this flabby skin is showing all the time.


Is an arm lift a new plastic surgery procedure?

No. This operation was introduced many years ago, but lost popularity when liposuction became widely available.


Wouldn’t liposuction be a better choice?

No. Liposuction alone is typically a bad choice for people with massive weight loss. Why? Because the problem is excess skin, not really excess fat. Liposuction is designed to remove fat, not skin—so it tends to make the problem worse for most weight-loss patients.

A Reputation Built on Results

Thomas P. Sterry is a very reputable, respectful and amazing surgeon! I was fortunate to undergo his...
I was so pleased with Dr Sterry and his entire staff! They are all extremely welcoming and made me feel...
I got chin / neck lipo done in January of 2024 and I am so pleased with the results. Dr. Sterry and...
Excellent surgeon and so kind. Moreover he was willing to repair a botched job (tummy tuck ) and scar...

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