An arm reshaping (or an upper arm lift) is a body contouring procedure that removes excess tissue from the arm creating a slimmer, shapelier appearance. Patients who seek out this procedure are usually those who cannot improve this area with diet or exercise, have lost significant amounts of weight, or have lost skin elasticity. It should be noted that patients who have had a mastectomy or other operations involving the armpit lymph nodes should not undergo this procedure.

The most common type of procedure involves an incision running along the inner side of the arm from the elbow to the armpit. The excess tissue is removed and the arm is reshaped in order to make it tighter and smaller. If tissue removal is minor, it is possible to keep the incision to only the armpit, where it can be easily hidden. Liposuction can also be used to remove unwanted tissue.

Bandages will be used to aid in healing and to control swelling. Risks such as infection and bleeding are possible but unlikely. Stitches will be removed in one to two weeks, the same amount of time needed before returning to work. Most activities can be resumed after two weeks and scars will begin to fade after a few months. It is best to diet and exercise as it will help keep the results of the surgery optimal and will leave you feeling more youthful and comfortable wearing short sleeves and dresses.