Quick Facts: Arm Lift in Medellín 2026
You've done the hard work. Lost the weight. Hit the gym. But no matter how many tricep dips you do, that excess skin on your upper arms won't budge. It sags, it jiggles, and it keeps you covering up in sleeves no matter how hot it is outside. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and you're not imagining it. Once skin has stretched beyond a certain point, no exercise can tighten it back. Only surgery can.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a firmer, more contoured appearance. It's one of the most transformative procedures for post-weight-loss patients—and one of the most popular reasons Americans travel to Medellín for surgery.
Why Medellín? Because the same surgery that costs $8,000–$16,000 in the United States runs $2,500–$5,000 here—performed by SCCP-certified surgeons who see high volumes of body contouring patients and have refined their techniques accordingly. Colombian surgeons are particularly skilled at post-bariatric procedures because the country has become a hub for these transformations.
What This Guide Covers
Is an Arm Lift Right for You?
Not everyone with arm concerns needs a full brachioplasty. Understanding what causes your specific issue helps determine the right solution.
You're a Good Candidate If:
- ✓ Significant loose, hanging skin on upper arms (especially after weight loss)
- ✓ Skin that sags when you extend your arms horizontally
- ✓ Exercise and diet haven't improved the appearance
- ✓ Weight has been stable for at least 6 months
- ✓ Non-smoker or can quit 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
- ✓ Willing to accept visible scars in exchange for tighter arms
- ✓ Good overall health
Liposuction Alone Might Be Better If:
- • You have good skin elasticity
- • The issue is primarily excess fat, not loose skin
- • Skin isn't significantly sagging
- • You want to avoid visible scars
Your surgeon will assess your specific anatomy during consultation and recommend the best approach.
Surgical Techniques: Understanding Your Options
The extent of your arm lift depends on how much excess skin you have. There's a spectrum from minimal incisions to full brachioplasty:
Mini Arm Lift (Limited Incision)
For patients with mild skin excess limited to the area near the armpit.
Technique: Incision hidden in the armpit crease. Small amount of skin removed from upper arm near the underarm area.
Scar: Hidden in the armpit—usually invisible when arms are at sides.
Best for: Mild sagging, good skin elasticity, patients who want minimal scarring.
Limitation: Can't address significant skin excess extending down the arm.
Standard Brachioplasty
Most CommonThe workhorse procedure for moderate to significant skin excess—the most frequently performed arm lift.
Technique: Incision runs from the armpit down along the inner arm, typically stopping just above the elbow. Excess skin and fat removed, then remaining skin is tightened.
Scar: Visible scar on inner arm, positioned to be less noticeable when arms are at sides.
Best for: Most post-weight-loss patients, significant skin redundancy, noticeable "bat wings."
Results: Dramatic improvement in arm contour and shape.
Extended Brachioplasty
For massive weight loss patients with skin excess extending into the chest wall.
Technique: Extended incision continuing from the arm into the lateral chest. Addresses both arm and chest wall skin excess together.
Scar: More extensive, continuing onto the side of the chest.
Best for: Post-bariatric patients with massive weight loss (100+ lbs), severe skin laxity.
Often combined with: Upper body lift procedures.
The Scar Trade-Off: Let's Be Honest
Here's the truth that every arm lift patient needs to understand: you're trading loose skin for scars. There's no way around this. The question is whether you prefer the loose skin or the scar—and for most patients who pursue this surgery, the answer is clear.
Realistic Expectations for Scars
- • Scars are permanent—they fade but never disappear completely
- • They'll be visible when your arms are raised or you're wearing sleeveless tops
- • Initial scars are red/pink and prominent
- • Scars mature over 12–18 months, becoming thinner and lighter
- • Final appearance varies by genetics—some scar better than others
What Helps Scars Fade Better
- ✓ Sun protection during healing (no tanning the scar area)
- ✓ Silicone scar sheets or gel (start after incision heals)
- ✓ Massage after wound closure
- ✓ Not smoking—seriously impacts scar healing
- ✓ Good nutrition during recovery
- ✓ Following all surgeon instructions for wound care
The decision framework is simple: Will you feel more comfortable in a sleeveless top with a faded scar, or with sagging skin? For patients who've lost significant weight and worked hard to get healthy, the answer is usually that they'd rather have a scar they can explain than loose skin that makes them hide.
Complete 2026 Pricing
| Procedure | Medellín | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Arm Lift | $2,500–$3,500 | $5,000–$8,000 | 50–55% |
| Standard Brachioplasty | $3,000–$5,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | 50–60% |
| Extended Brachioplasty | $4,000–$6,000 | $8,000–$16,000 | 55–65% |
| Arm Lift + Liposuction | $3,500–$5,500 | $7,500–$14,000 | 55–60% |
Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week
Arm lift recovery is moderate—more involved than facial procedures but less intensive than body lifts. Here's your roadmap:
Day 1: Surgery Day
Procedure takes 2–3 hours under general anesthesia. You'll wake up with arms wrapped in compression bandages. Drains are typically placed to prevent fluid buildup. Most patients go to a recovery house or hotel that evening. Arms will feel tight, sore, and possibly numb.
Days 2–7: Early Recovery
Arm movement is limited—you'll need help with tasks above your head. Keep arms elevated when resting to reduce swelling. Drains are usually removed around day 5–7. First follow-up appointment to check healing. Swelling and bruising peak around day 3–4, then start improving.
Week 2: Preparing to Travel Home
Significant improvement. Can handle most daily activities with care. Final in-person follow-up before flying. Sutures may be removed or will dissolve. Most patients can fly home around days 10–14. Continue wearing compression garments as directed.
Weeks 3–4: Home Recovery
Back to desk work if you haven't already. Still avoiding heavy lifting and overhead reaching. Light arm movements okay. Continue compression wear (usually 4–6 weeks total). Swelling continues to decrease gradually.
Weeks 6–8: Activity Resumption
Most restrictions lifted. Can resume exercise including arm workouts. Still no extremely heavy lifting. Scars are still prominent but beginning to fade. Can stop compression wear per surgeon instructions.
Months 3–12: Final Results
Swelling fully resolved by 3 months. Shape continues to settle. Scars mature over 12–18 months, becoming thinner and lighter. Final results become apparent.
Combining Arm Lift with Other Procedures
Many patients considering arm lifts have excess skin in multiple areas—especially post-bariatric patients. Combining procedures can reduce total cost and recovery time, but there are important safety considerations.
Safe Combinations
- ✓ Arm lift + breast lift: Common combination, both upper body
- ✓ Bilateral arm lift: Both arms done together (standard approach)
- ✓ Arm lift + limited liposuction: Often combined for best contouring
Should Be Staged (Not Same Day)
- ✗ Arm lift + thigh lift + tummy tuck: Too many incision sites increases infection risk dramatically—should be staged 3–6 months apart
- ✗ Full body lift in single surgery: Excessive operative time increases complications
Post-bariatric body contouring is typically done in 2–3 staged procedures spaced 3–6 months apart for safety.
Why Medellín Excels at Body Contouring
Medellín has become a destination of choice for post-weight-loss body contouring—and there are specific reasons why Colombian surgeons excel at procedures like arm lifts:
High Volume Builds Expertise
With 23,323 international medical tourists visiting in 2024, Medellín surgeons perform high volumes of body contouring procedures. That experience translates to refined techniques and better outcomes.
Culture of Aesthetics
Colombia has long placed cultural value on appearance, leading to a robust plastic surgery tradition. Surgeons train intensively in aesthetic outcomes, not just functional results.
Comprehensive Recovery Support
Recovery houses with 24/7 nursing, lymphatic massage readily available, compression garments easily obtained—Medellín has built infrastructure specifically to support surgical recovery.
The Value Proposition
For post-bariatric patients who often need multiple procedures, the savings compound. A staged body contouring plan that costs $50,000+ in the US might run $15,000–$25,000 total in Medellín—making comprehensive transformation financially achievable.
Ready to Complete Your Transformation?
You did the hard work of losing weight. An arm lift is the finishing touch that lets you finally enjoy the results—wearing what you want, moving how you want, without hiding. Medellín makes it affordable without compromising quality.
Request your free consultation →