How Much Does Arm Lift Surgery Cost in 2026?
Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) costs between $4,500 and $10,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average hovering around $6,200. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone for brachioplasty is approximately $5,100 — but this figure does not include anesthesia, facility fees, or other associated costs.
Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a more toned, contoured appearance. The procedure has surged in popularity over the past decade, driven largely by the growing number of patients who have undergone significant weight loss through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. ASPS data shows a 4,959% increase in arm lift procedures since 2000.
Your final cost will depend on several factors including your geographic location, the type of arm lift performed, your surgeon's experience, and whether any portion qualifies for insurance coverage. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan and budget with confidence.
Cost by Surgery Type
Not all arm lifts are the same. The extent of excess skin, the technique used, and whether liposuction is added all influence the total price.
| Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Arm Lift (Limited Incision) | $4,200 | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Standard Brachioplasty | $6,200 | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Extended Brachioplasty | $8,000 | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| Liposuction-Only Arm Contouring | $4,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Arm Lift with Liposuction (Combined) | $7,200 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
A mini arm lift is best for patients with mild skin laxity concentrated near the armpit. Standard brachioplasty addresses excess skin from the armpit to the elbow with an incision along the inner arm. Extended brachioplasty continues the incision onto the chest wall and is typically reserved for massive weight loss patients.
Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest cost drivers for arm lift surgery. Coastal cities and major metropolitan areas consistently charge more than Midwestern and Southern regions.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $8,200 | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| New York | $8,500 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Florida | $6,000 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Texas | $5,800 | $4,200 – $7,500 |
| Illinois | $6,500 | $5,000 – $8,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,200 | $4,800 – $8,000 |
| Ohio | $5,200 | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Georgia | $5,500 | $4,200 – $7,000 |
| North Carolina | $5,600 | $4,300 – $7,200 |
| Arizona | $5,400 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Michigan | $5,300 | $4,000 – $6,800 |
| Colorado | $6,100 | $4,800 – $7,800 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance
The vast majority of arm lift procedures are classified as cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. However, there are important exceptions, particularly for patients with documented medical complications from excess arm skin.
| Coverage Type | Typical Patient Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (Approved) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility; patient pays deductible, copay, and coinsurance |
| Medicare (Approved — Rare) | $1,200 – $2,500 | Part B covers 80% of approved amount after deductible; patient pays 20% coinsurance |
| Medicaid (Approved — Very Rare) | $0 – $500 | Full or near-full coverage if medical necessity is documented; varies by state |
| Without Insurance (Self-Pay) | $4,500 – $10,000 | Patient pays all costs; some practices offer cash-pay discounts of 10-20% |
To qualify for insurance coverage, you typically need documented evidence of chronic skin rashes (intertrigo), recurrent infections, skin breakdown, or functional impairment. Most insurers require 3-6 months of conservative treatment failure, photographs, and a letter of medical necessity from your physician. Prior bariatric surgery with significant weight loss (typically 100+ pounds) strengthens your case considerably.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
When you receive a quote for arm lift surgery, make sure it includes all of the following components. Some practices advertise only the surgeon's fee, which can be misleading.
| Cost Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $600 – $1,200 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $800 – $2,000 |
| Pre-Operative Lab Work | $100 – $300 |
| Compression Garments | $50 – $150 |
| Prescription Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Post-Operative Follow-Up Visits | $0 – $300 (often included) |
Always request an all-inclusive quote in writing before scheduling your procedure. Reputable practices will provide a detailed breakdown without hesitation.
Factors That Affect Cost
Geographic Location
Surgeons in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco charge 30-60% more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. This reflects higher overhead costs, real estate, and local demand for cosmetic procedures.
Surgeon Experience and Credentials
Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive brachioplasty experience typically charge premium fees. A surgeon who performs 50+ arm lifts per year will likely cost more than a general cosmetic surgeon, but their expertise often translates to better outcomes and fewer complications.
Extent of the Procedure
A mini arm lift addressing a small area near the armpit costs significantly less than an extended brachioplasty that removes skin from the armpit to the elbow and onto the lateral chest. Adding liposuction increases the cost by $1,500 to $3,000.
Facility Type
Procedures performed in a hospital setting cost more than those done in an accredited outpatient surgical center or office-based surgical suite. Hospital facility fees can add $1,000 to $3,000 compared to ambulatory surgery centers.
Anesthesia Type
General anesthesia costs more than local anesthesia with sedation. Most standard and extended brachioplasties require general anesthesia, while mini arm lifts may be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation at a lower cost.
Combined Procedures
Many patients combine arm lifts with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks, thigh lifts, or breast lifts. While the total cost increases, combining procedures typically saves $2,000 to $4,000 compared to having each surgery separately due to shared anesthesia and facility fees.
How to Save Money on Arm Lift Surgery
- Get Multiple Consultations: Consult with at least 3 board-certified plastic surgeons. Prices can vary by $2,000-$4,000 for the same procedure in the same city. Many surgeons offer free or low-cost initial consultations.
- Consider Nearby Cities or States: Traveling 1-2 hours to a less expensive market can save thousands. For example, patients in New York City can save 25-40% by choosing a surgeon in upstate New York or New Jersey.
- Choose an Outpatient Surgical Center: Accredited ambulatory surgery centers charge significantly lower facility fees than hospitals. Arm lifts are safely performed on an outpatient basis in the vast majority of cases.
- Ask About Cash-Pay Discounts: Many practices offer 10-20% discounts for patients who pay the full amount upfront in cash or by check, since they avoid credit card processing fees and billing overhead.
- Pursue Insurance Coverage: If you have excess arm skin following massive weight loss that causes documented medical problems, invest the time to pursue insurance pre-authorization. The process takes 2-4 months but can save you thousands.
- Bundle Procedures: If you need multiple body contouring procedures, scheduling them together saves on anesthesia and facility fees. Discuss a package price with your surgeon.
- Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts: If your procedure qualifies as medically necessary, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving 20-35% depending on your tax bracket.
Financing Options
| Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most plastic surgeons | 0% APR for 6-24 months; 14.9-26.99% APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans | $2,000-$100,000; 5.99-24.99% APR; 24-84 month terms |
| In-House Payment Plans | Offered directly by the surgeon's practice | Varies; often 3-12 monthly payments with no interest |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax health savings; must be medically necessary | Tax savings of 20-35%; annual contribution limits apply |
| Personal Loan | Through bank, credit union, or online lender | 6.5-18% APR; 12-60 month terms; credit score dependent |
| 0% APR Credit Card | Introductory offer on new credit cards | 0% for 12-21 months; requires good credit (700+) |
Pro Tips from the Experts
Verify Board Certification: Always confirm your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — not just any board certification. Check at abplasticsurgery.org. This is the single most important factor in ensuring a safe outcome.
Ask to See Before-and-After Photos of Similar Patients: Request photos of patients with a similar body type and degree of skin laxity to yours. This gives you the most realistic expectation of your potential results and helps you evaluate the surgeon's skill with brachioplasty specifically.
Don't Choose Based on Price Alone: The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Revision surgery costs $3,000-$7,000 and is almost never covered by insurance. Investing in an experienced, board-certified surgeon the first time is far more cost-effective than correcting a poor result.
Time Your Surgery Strategically: Many plastic surgery practices offer seasonal promotions during slower months (January-March). Scheduling during these periods can save you $500-$1,000. Also, having surgery in winter gives you months to heal before summer when you'll want to show your arms.