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Augusta · Evans · Columbia County
Toned, defined, confident

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
in Augusta, GA

★★★★★ 5.0 594 Google reviews

An arm lift removes the loose, sagging skin that diet and exercise can’t — performed by Dr. Karen Szymanski and Dr. Troy Austin, our double board-certified plastic surgeons. Honest guidance on results, recovery, and yes, the scar.

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The truth about scars
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Arm Lift · Brachioplasty

Firmer arms, honestly done.

Dr. Troy Austin, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon in Augusta, GA

Medically reviewed by Dr. Troy Austin, MD — double board-certified plastic surgeon ◆ Updated July 2026

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is surgery that removes excess, sagging skin and fat from the upper arms to create a firmer, more toned contour. It’s the one reliable fix for the loose “bat wing” skin that lingers after major weight loss or comes with age — the kind that no amount of exercise can tighten. At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery in Augusta, GA, Dr. Karen Szymanski, our preferred surgeon for arm lifts, performs it as an outpatient procedure, usually in one to two hours. Dr. Troy Austin performs arm lifts as well.

See what it means for scars

Board certified

1 x

Dr. Austin is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery — a distinction not every surgeon in the CSRA holds.

Hours, typical

1-

An outpatient procedure in our own accredited on-site surgery center — you go home the same day to begin recovery.

Starting price

$ 1

We publish a real starting number and give you an exact, all-in quote at consultation. Financing available.

Austin
Dr. Troy Austin, board-certified plastic surgeon and supervising physician at 7 Seas Medical Spa in Augusta, GA
Dr. Troy Austin Double board-certified
Your surgeon

The scar is the art. Choose accordingly.

An arm lift lives or dies by incision planning — where the scar sits, how it’s closed, and how well it’s hidden. With Dr. Austin, the surgeon who plans your arm lift is the surgeon who performs it, every time. He’ll tell you honestly whether a full arm lift, a shorter mini incision, or liposuction alone is the right trade for your skin.

He is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, completed his plastic surgery fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia and his general surgery residency at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.

An arm lift trades loose skin for a fine scar. My job is to make that trade worth it — and to be honest with you about it before we start, not after. Dr. Troy Austin
Read his full bio

Credentials & affiliations

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery & American Board of Surgery
  • Fellowship — Medical College of Georgia
  • Member, ASAPS · ASPS · Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons
Is it right for you?

After the weight loss, the skin stays.

Arms are one of the first places loose skin shows after major weight loss — whether from bariatric surgery or today’s GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide — and one of the last places it responds to the gym. If you’re near a stable goal weight and bothered by skin that hangs or sways, you’re likely a strong candidate. If your skin tone is still good and it’s really just stubborn fat, liposuction alone may be the smarter, scar-light choice — and Dr. Austin will say so.

Compare your options
Compare your options

Full lift, mini, or lipo alone?

The right choice comes down to how much loose skin you have. Here’s the honest trade-off.

Full Arm LiftMini (Short-Scar)Liposuction Alone
Best forSignificant loose skin, often after major weight lossMild-to-moderate laxity near the upper armGood skin tone with stubborn fat only
Skin removedYes — substantialYes — limitedNone (fat only)
ScarAlong the inner/back arm, armpit toward elbowShort, hidden near the armpitA few tiny entry points
DowntimeMostLessLeast
Not ideal ifYou have very little loose skinYou have extensive hanging skinYour skin won’t retract on its own
The procedure

How an arm lift actually works.

An arm lift is a straightforward operation in experienced hands — the skill is in planning the incision so the result is firm and the scar is as discreet as possible.

Anesthesia & time

It’s performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under general anesthesia, and typically takes one to two hours — a little longer if it’s combined with liposuction or other body-contouring work.

The incision

Dr. Austin places the incision along the inner or back side of the upper arm, positioned so it falls where the arm naturally rests against the body. For significant loose skin it may run from the armpit toward the elbow; for lesser laxity, a shorter mini incision near the armpit can be enough.

Removing skin & fat

Excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened and smoothed. When stubborn fat is also present, liposuction is often combined in the same procedure to refine the contour.

Closing

The incision is closed in careful layers to take tension off the skin — the single biggest factor in how fine the final scar heals. You’ll go home the same day in a supportive compression sleeve.

Often combined. Arm lifts pair naturally with a thigh lift, breast procedure, or tummy tuck as part of a post-weight-loss contouring plan.

Honest answers

The scar — an honest look.

Let’s be straight about the one thing every arm lift patient asks. A full arm lift trades loose skin for a scar — that’s the deal, and it’s permanent. The goal isn’t to pretend otherwise; it’s to place that scar where it’s hard to see and help it heal as fine as possible.

Where it sits

The scar runs along the inner or back of the upper arm, in the natural seam where your arm rests against your body. It’s visible with your arm raised, but discreet with your arms down and in most clothing.

How it heals, month by month

  • First 6 weeks: the line is firm and pink or red — this is normal and expected.
  • 3 to 6 months: it begins to flatten and soften as it matures.
  • 6 to 12 months: it continues to fade toward a thin, pale line.
  • By 12–18 months: the scar reaches its final, settled appearance.

Dr. Austin guides your scar care throughout — tension-free closure, silicone, sun protection, and massage all help it heal well.

Is there a “scarless” or “invisible” arm lift?

Honestly, no — not for true excess skin. What’s real is a mini (short-scar) arm lift for limited laxity, which hides a much shorter scar near the armpit, and liposuction alone, which leaves only tiny marks but only works if your skin tone is good enough to retract on its own. Anyone promising a scarless full arm lift isn’t being straight with you.

The honest trade.

Most patients say a fine, fading scar is well worth trading for arms they’re no longer hiding.

Investment

How much does an arm lift cost in Augusta?

In the Augusta area, an arm lift typically ranges from $7,000 to $11,000 depending on how much skin is removed and whether liposuction is included. Your exact, all-in price is confirmed in writing at your consultation.

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Arm lift (brachioplasty) $7,500 +
Mini (short-scar) arm lift $5,500 – $7,500
Arm lift with liposuction $12,000
Liposuction of the arms alone $3,500 – $5,500
Consultation with Dr. Austin $100
Every quote is individualized. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after your consultation, once Dr. Austin has assessed your skin, goals, and whether one or both arms are treated.

What your quote includes

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Anesthesia
  • Accredited facility fee
  • Compression sleeve
  • All routine follow-up visits

Financing: monthly payment plans are available through Cherry, CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alle Financing, with fast pre-qualification that does not affect your credit score.

Candidacy & recovery

Timing it right, healing it well.

Are you a candidate?

Good candidates are bothered by loose upper-arm skin, are in good general health, don’t smoke, and are at or near a stable goal weight. If you’re still actively losing — especially on a GLP-1 medication — it’s usually best to reach your plateau first, so the result lasts and isn’t undone by further loss.

A note on weight-loss patients

Massive weight loss is the most common reason people seek an arm lift, and those patients often have the most dramatic, rewarding results. Dr. Austin will help you time surgery for when your weight and skin have settled.

Recovery, week by week

  • Days 1–3: soreness and swelling, well managed with medication; keep the arms elevated.
  • Week 1: many return to desk work; you’ll wear a compression sleeve.
  • Weeks 2–4: swelling settles; keep wearing the sleeve, typically about four weeks.
  • Weeks 4–6: most return to full activity and exercise; avoid heavy lifting until cleared.

Results are long-lasting for patients who maintain a stable, healthy weight — the skin that’s removed is gone for good.

Both arms together. Arm lifts are almost always done on both arms in one procedure, so your recovery happens once and your arms stay symmetric.

Good to know

Arm lift Questions.

What is an arm lift (brachioplasty)?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin and fat from the upper arms to create a firmer, more toned contour. It’s the reliable solution for loose “bat wing” skin after major weight loss or from aging that diet and exercise can’t tighten. Dr. Austin performs it as an outpatient procedure, usually in one to two hours.

Yes — a full arm lift trades loose skin for a scar, and it’s permanent. It runs along the inner or back of the upper arm, positioned where the arm rests against your body so it’s discreet with your arms down. Dr. Austin places and closes it to heal as fine as possible.

It matures gradually: firm and pink for the first six weeks, flattening and softening over three to six months, and fading toward a thin pale line by six to twelve months. By roughly 12 to 18 months it reaches its final settled appearance. Tension-free closure, silicone, sun protection, and massage all help it heal well.

Not for true excess skin. What’s real is a mini (short-scar) arm lift, which hides a much shorter scar near the armpit for limited laxity, and liposuction alone, which leaves only tiny marks but only works if your skin tone is good enough to retract. Anyone promising a scarless full arm lift isn’t being honest.

In the Augusta area an arm lift typically ranges from about $7,000 to $11,000 depending on how much skin is removed and whether liposuction is included. A mini arm lift costs less; adding liposuction costs more. Your written quote is confirmed at consultation, and financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alle Financing.

It depends on your skin. If you have loose, hanging skin, an arm lift is what tightens it. If your skin tone is still good and it’s really just stubborn fat, liposuction alone can work with only tiny marks. Dr. Austin will tell you honestly which fits — and sometimes it’s both.

Usually yes. It’s best to be at or near a stable goal weight before surgery so the result lasts. If you’re still losing on a medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide, reaching your plateau first gives the most durable outcome. Dr. Austin will help you time it.

Most patients return to desk work within about a week, wear a compression sleeve for roughly four weeks, and are back to full activity and exercise by four to six weeks, avoiding heavy lifting until cleared. Swelling settles over the first weeks and the result continues to refine.

Almost always, yes. Treating both arms in one procedure keeps them symmetric and means you recover once rather than twice.

Absolutely. Many body-contouring patients travel in from across Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond. Start with a virtual consultation so your plan is ready before you arrive, and we’ll help coordinate surgery and recovery around your travel. Augusta Regional Airport is about 20 minutes away.

Service area

Serving Augusta and the wider CSRA.

Our practice sits just off River Watch Parkway in Augusta, minutes from Evans and Martinez and a straight shot from I-20. Patients come to us from across Columbia and Richmond counties and from across the Savannah River in South Carolina.

Prefer to start from home? Virtual consultations are available, a convenient first step before you travel to Augusta.

See directions & drive times
Augusta
Evans
Martinez
Grovetown
Columbia County
Hephzibah
Harlem
Appling
North Augusta, SC
Aiken, SC
Thomson
Waynesboro

Traveling to Augusta for your arm lift?

Many of Dr. Austin’s body-contouring patients travel in — from Atlanta, Columbia, Savannah, Charlotte and beyond. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is roughly 20 minutes from our surgery center, with several hotels within a short drive.

Start with a virtual consultation — share your history and a few photos, and Dr. Austin will tell you which approach fits before you travel. Plan to stay in the Augusta area for about 5–7 days after surgery for your first follow-up. Our team helps coordinate scheduling, lodging, and remote aftercare.

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Patient experiences

What our patients say.

5.0 Based on 594 Google reviews
Ratings and reviews from Google Maps

From my initial consultation through my procedure, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. Every step of the process was informative, professional, and reassuring. Dr. Austin and his entire staff were incredibly patient, attentive, and always willing to answer any questions I had. The level of customer service and hospitality exceeded my expectations. Everyone made me feel comfortable, valued, and confident in my decision throughout the entire journey. Dr. Austin’s expertise, compassion, and dedication to his patients are truly remarkable. I feel extremely blessed to have had Dr. Austin as my surgeon and would highly recommend him and his facility to anyone considering a procedure. Thank you for providing such outstanding care and an amazing experience.

I had an amazing experience with Dr. Austin and the entire staff during my implants exchange procedure. From the very beginning, everyone made me feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Dr. Austin was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which gave me so much confidence throughout the process. The staff was kind, supportive, and welcoming every step of the way. I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and highly recommend Dr. Austin and his team!.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Austin and his team!!! From the time you walk in until the time you leave they make you feel like the only patient in the building. Dr. Austin is truly wonderful. Before surgery my consult was very thorough and he answered every question I had. The medical staff and Dr. Austin made surgery day and recovery a breeze. The surgery center is immaculate with wonderful pre and post op staff which was important to me as a nurse myself. Having my surgery with Dr. Austin and his team was the best decision I ever made. Book that consultation and surgery!!! You will NOT regret it. I have never been happier with my body and my confidence is back!

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Visit us

In Augusta — and worth the drive.

Our surgery center sits just off River Watch Parkway, an easy drive from Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and Columbia County, plus North Augusta and Aiken across the river. Many patients travel from across Georgia and the Southeast; Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is close by, and our team helps out-of-town patients coordinate every visit.

Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery

225 Cooper Ct
Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 854-2080
Mon–Thu 8:30am – 5:00pm · Fri 8:30am – 2:00pm

Approx. drive times

  • Martinez, GA 7 min
  • Evans, GA 11 min
  • Downtown Augusta, GA 17 min
  • North Augusta, SC 17 min
  • Grovetown, GA 22 min
  • Aiken, SC 38 min
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★★★★★ 5.0 594 Google reviews