Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami
Our arm and thigh lift procedures are designed to eliminate excess skin and fat, providing firmer and smoother contours. Whether it’s the upper arms or thighs, our skilled plastic surgeons can help you achieve a more toned and youthful appearance.
Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami | Overview
THE PROCEDURE
What is an arm and thigh lift and how is it performed?
An arm and thigh lift combines two body-contouring surgeries in one session. The surgeon removes excess skin and some fat from the upper arms and the thighs, then tightens the remaining tissue for a firmer, smoother contour. It is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and the techniques used on each area are chosen during your free consultation based on how much loose skin you have and where it sits.
→ General anesthesia vs. local anesthesia: which is the best option?
Why combine an arm lift and a thigh lift in one surgery?
Combining both areas means one anesthesia, one recovery period and one set of pre-op and post-op visits instead of two. Upper and lower body are contoured at the same time, so your proportions stay balanced. The trade-off is a longer surgery and a more demanding first week, so your surgeon confirms whether combining is safe for you based on your health and how much skin needs to be removed.
→ Surgery combos at My Cosmetic Surgery
Will I have scars, and where will they be?
Yes. Because an arm and thigh lift removes skin, it leaves longer scars than liposuction. Arm lift scars usually sit on the inner upper arm, between the armpit and the elbow. Thigh lift scars are typically placed in the groin crease and, in some cases, along the inner thigh or near the hip. They start pink or red and fade significantly over the following 6 to 12 months, but leave a permanent line.
TECHNIQUES AND ALTERNATIVES
What arm and thigh lift techniques exist, and which do we offer?
The technique affects the length and placement of the scar and how much skin can be removed. Here is how the options compare:
| Technique | What it involves | Do we offer it? | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini arm lift | A short incision hidden in the armpit. | Yes | Mild loose skin close to the underarm. |
| Standard arm lift | An incision along the inner upper arm, from the armpit toward the elbow. | Yes | Moderate to significant loose skin on the upper arm. |
| Extended arm lift | The incision continues from the arm along the side of the chest. | Yes | Loose skin on the arm and chest wall, common after major weight loss. |
| Inner thigh lift | An incision in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh. | Yes | Sagging skin on the inner thighs. |
| Outer thigh lift | An incision near the hip that follows the underwear line. | Yes | Sagging on the outer thighs and hips. |
| Liposuction or J-Plasma add-on | Removes stubborn fat, and J-Plasma adds skin tightening, in the same session as the lift. | Yes | Patients with both loose skin and localized fat. |
→ Laser, Vaser, or J-Plasma: which is best for your body sculpting journey
What if I only want to treat my arms or my thighs?
Each procedure can also be performed on its own. If only one area bothers you, a single arm lift or thigh lift means a shorter surgery and a lighter recovery. Your surgeon will help you decide at your consultation.
Is an arm and thigh lift the same as liposuction, and is there a non-surgical option?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not remove skin, so it cannot correct skin that hangs or folds. An arm and thigh lift removes that excess skin. For mild laxity with good skin quality, liposuction or J-Plasma alone may be enough; once the skin hangs, surgery is the only way to remove it.
→ Arm liposuction vs. brachioplasty: which is right for you
→ Transform your body now with J-Plasma
CANDIDACY
Who is a good candidate for an arm and thigh lift?
A good candidate has loose or sagging skin on both the upper arms and the thighs, is in good general health and has kept a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months, with a BMI of 30 or less. Candidates should also be non-smokers, or willing to stop before and after surgery, and have realistic expectations about scars and results.
An arm and thigh lift is a skin-removal procedure, not a weight-loss method. If you are still losing weight, it is best to wait until you reach your goal, since further weight loss can create new loose skin. Your surgeon will confirm whether you are a candidate during your free consultation.
→ What is the ideal BMI for plastic surgery?
→ What makes you a good candidate for cosmetic surgery
Can I have an arm and thigh lift after bariatric surgery or major weight loss?
Yes. Patients who have lost a large amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, are among the most common candidates. The key is that your weight has been stable for for at least 6 months to 12 months and that you are in good nutritional health, since healing depends on it.
Can I have an arm and thigh lift if I smoke?
Smoking should be stopped at least a month before surgery and for a month afterward. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces circulation, which slows the healing of long incisions and increases the risk of complications.
Can an arm and thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Common combinations include:
- Liposuction, to remove stubborn fat in the same or other areas
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), to treat loose skin on the abdomen
- Breast lift, as part of a full body contouring plan
- Surgical combo
The right combination is decided at your consultation, based on your health and the total time required in the operating room.
MEDICAL TEAM AND SAFETY
What are the risks of an arm and thigh lift?
Like any surgery, an arm and thigh lift carries risks. The most common include:
- Infection at or around the incision sites
- Bleeding during or after the procedure
- Seroma, a buildup of fluid under the skin
- Slow wound healing or small openings along the incision
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation in the treated areas
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the body
- Visible or widened scars
Combining two areas in one surgery adds time under anesthesia, which carries additional risks, including:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- More serious complications, which are rare
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we follow all the Florida Health Safety Guidelines to keep these risks to a minimum.
PREPARATION AND RECOVERY
How do I prepare for surgery?
Stop smoking and nicotine products at least a month before and after surgery, since they slow healing. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, fish oil and some herbal supplements may increase bleeding and should be paused only with your surgeon’s authorization. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and help during the first few days, when raising your arms and walking long distances will be difficult. Have your compression garments ready before surgery, and set up a recovery space at home with pillows to keep your arms elevated.
→ Requirements before your surgery
→ Medications you should avoid before surgery
What does recovery look like week by week?
Days 1–3: Rest, with swelling and soreness managed by prescribed medication. Keep your arms elevated and take short, gentle walks to support circulation.
Week 1: Continue wearing the compression garments as directed. Avoid raising your arms above your shoulders, spreading your legs wide or sitting for long periods. Bandages are checked at your first follow-up visit.
Weeks 2–3: Return to desk work and light daily activity, around 15 days after surgery.
Weeks 4–6: Cleared for light exercise, progressing toward full activity and lifting once your surgeon confirms the incisions have healed.
Months 6–12: Final results become visible as swelling fully resolves and scars soften.
How long do I need to wear the compression garment?
The compression garments minimize swelling, support the new contour of your arms and thighs, and protect the incisions while they heal.
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we suggest wearing the compression garments for at least 4 to 6 weeks for 24 hours a day, only taking them off to shower or to wash them,
→ Maximizing recovery: the benefits of post-surgical compression garments
When can I return to work and to exercise?
Most patients with desk jobs return around 2 weeks after surgery. Light exercise such as walking is encouraged from the first days, while strenuous activity, lifting and exercises that stretch the arms or legs are typically cleared between weeks 4 and 6, once your surgeon confirms healing is on track.
→ Post-surgery care for a successful recovery
RESULTS
When will I see my final results?
You will notice firmer, smoother arms and thighs right after surgery, but swelling masks the full result at first. Most swelling resolves within a few months, and final results are typically visible between 6 and 12 months, once the tissue has settled and the scars have matured.
→ See arm lift before and after results
How long do the results last?
The skin removed during the surgery does not come back, so results are long-lasting. However, natural aging continues, and significant weight gain or loss after surgery can stretch the skin again, which is why maintaining a stable weight is important to preserving your results.
Will an arm and thigh lift remove stretch marks?
Only the stretch marks on the skin that is removed. Stretch marks on the remaining skin may look tighter and less noticeable, but they will not disappear. Stretch mark camouflage can help with the ones that remain once you have healed.
→ Stretch mark camouflage in Miami
COST AND LOGISTICS
How much does an arm and thigh lift cost in Miami, and do you offer financing?
Because the final price depends on the techniques used on each area and any combination with other procedures, your exact quote is confirmed during your free consultation with our coordinators. Combining both areas in one surgery can cost less than scheduling them separately. Financing is available through Cherry Financing and Alphaeon.
→ Payment options at My Cosmetic Surgery
Is there a charge for the consultation?
No. Consultations at My Cosmetic Surgery are completely free.
If I’m traveling from another city, how many days should I stay in Miami?
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we recommend planning enough time in Miami for your initial recovery and at least one postoperative follow-up before flying home. Because an arm and thigh lift involves long incisions and a higher risk of blood clots on long flights, our team will confirm the exact timeline for your case at consultation for at least 1 week, before coming back home, so you can have
→ Free remote evaluation for cosmetic surgery in Miami
Schedule your consultation
Book a free consultation with My Cosmetic Surgery to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine which arm and thigh lift techniques are right for you. Call us at (305) 264-9636 to schedule your consultation.
#madeinmcs
- All
- Fabian Fontaine Figueredo, MD
- Michel Bormey, MD
Why you'll love it
Our arm and thigh lift procedures are designed to eliminate excess skin and fat, providing firmer and smoother contours. Whether it's the upper arms or thighs, our skilled plastic surgeons can help you achieve a more toned and youthful appearance.
Overview
THE PROCEDURE
What is an arm and thigh lift and how is it performed?
An arm and thigh lift combines two body-contouring surgeries in one session. The surgeon removes excess skin and some fat from the upper arms and the thighs, then tightens the remaining tissue for a firmer, smoother contour. It is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and the techniques used on each area are chosen during your free consultation based on how much loose skin you have and where it sits.
→ General anesthesia vs. local anesthesia: which is the best option?
Why combine an arm lift and a thigh lift in one surgery?
Combining both areas means one anesthesia, one recovery period and one set of pre-op and post-op visits instead of two. Upper and lower body are contoured at the same time, so your proportions stay balanced. The trade-off is a longer surgery and a more demanding first week, so your surgeon confirms whether combining is safe for you based on your health and how much skin needs to be removed.
→ Surgery combos at My Cosmetic Surgery
Will I have scars, and where will they be?
Yes. Because an arm and thigh lift removes skin, it leaves longer scars than liposuction. Arm lift scars usually sit on the inner upper arm, between the armpit and the elbow. Thigh lift scars are typically placed in the groin crease and, in some cases, along the inner thigh or near the hip. They start pink or red and fade significantly over the following 6 to 12 months, but leave a permanent line.
TECHNIQUES AND ALTERNATIVES
What arm and thigh lift techniques exist, and which do we offer?
The technique affects the length and placement of the scar and how much skin can be removed. Here is how the options compare:
| Technique | What it involves | Do we offer it? | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini arm lift | A short incision hidden in the armpit. | Yes | Mild loose skin close to the underarm. |
| Standard arm lift | An incision along the inner upper arm, from the armpit toward the elbow. | Yes | Moderate to significant loose skin on the upper arm. |
| Extended arm lift | The incision continues from the arm along the side of the chest. | Yes | Loose skin on the arm and chest wall, common after major weight loss. |
| Inner thigh lift | An incision in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh. | Yes | Sagging skin on the inner thighs. |
| Outer thigh lift | An incision near the hip that follows the underwear line. | Yes | Sagging on the outer thighs and hips. |
| Liposuction or J-Plasma add-on | Removes stubborn fat, and J-Plasma adds skin tightening, in the same session as the lift. | Yes | Patients with both loose skin and localized fat. |
→ Laser, Vaser, or J-Plasma: which is best for your body sculpting journey
What if I only want to treat my arms or my thighs?
Each procedure can also be performed on its own. If only one area bothers you, a single arm lift or thigh lift means a shorter surgery and a lighter recovery. Your surgeon will help you decide at your consultation.
Is an arm and thigh lift the same as liposuction, and is there a non-surgical option?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not remove skin, so it cannot correct skin that hangs or folds. An arm and thigh lift removes that excess skin. For mild laxity with good skin quality, liposuction or J-Plasma alone may be enough; once the skin hangs, surgery is the only way to remove it.
→ Arm liposuction vs. brachioplasty: which is right for you
→ Transform your body now with J-Plasma
CANDIDACY
Who is a good candidate for an arm and thigh lift?
A good candidate has loose or sagging skin on both the upper arms and the thighs, is in good general health and has kept a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months, with a BMI of 30 or less. Candidates should also be non-smokers, or willing to stop before and after surgery, and have realistic expectations about scars and results.
An arm and thigh lift is a skin-removal procedure, not a weight-loss method. If you are still losing weight, it is best to wait until you reach your goal, since further weight loss can create new loose skin. Your surgeon will confirm whether you are a candidate during your free consultation.
→ What is the ideal BMI for plastic surgery?
→ What makes you a good candidate for cosmetic surgery
Can I have an arm and thigh lift after bariatric surgery or major weight loss?
Yes. Patients who have lost a large amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, are among the most common candidates. The key is that your weight has been stable for for at least 6 months to 12 months and that you are in good nutritional health, since healing depends on it.
Can I have an arm and thigh lift if I smoke?
Smoking should be stopped at least a month before surgery and for a month afterward. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces circulation, which slows the healing of long incisions and increases the risk of complications.
Can an arm and thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Common combinations include:
- Liposuction, to remove stubborn fat in the same or other areas
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), to treat loose skin on the abdomen
- Breast lift, as part of a full body contouring plan
- Surgical combo
The right combination is decided at your consultation, based on your health and the total time required in the operating room.
MEDICAL TEAM AND SAFETY
What are the risks of an arm and thigh lift?
Like any surgery, an arm and thigh lift carries risks. The most common include:
- Infection at or around the incision sites
- Bleeding during or after the procedure
- Seroma, a buildup of fluid under the skin
- Slow wound healing or small openings along the incision
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation in the treated areas
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the body
- Visible or widened scars
Combining two areas in one surgery adds time under anesthesia, which carries additional risks, including:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- More serious complications, which are rare
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we follow all the Florida Health Safety Guidelines to keep these risks to a minimum.
PREPARATION AND RECOVERY
How do I prepare for surgery?
Stop smoking and nicotine products at least a month before and after surgery, since they slow healing. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, fish oil and some herbal supplements may increase bleeding and should be paused only with your surgeon’s authorization. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and help during the first few days, when raising your arms and walking long distances will be difficult. Have your compression garments ready before surgery, and set up a recovery space at home with pillows to keep your arms elevated.
→ Requirements before your surgery
→ Medications you should avoid before surgery
What does recovery look like week by week?
Days 1–3: Rest, with swelling and soreness managed by prescribed medication. Keep your arms elevated and take short, gentle walks to support circulation.
Week 1: Continue wearing the compression garments as directed. Avoid raising your arms above your shoulders, spreading your legs wide or sitting for long periods. Bandages are checked at your first follow-up visit.
Weeks 2–3: Return to desk work and light daily activity, around 15 days after surgery.
Weeks 4–6: Cleared for light exercise, progressing toward full activity and lifting once your surgeon confirms the incisions have healed.
Months 6–12: Final results become visible as swelling fully resolves and scars soften.
How long do I need to wear the compression garment?
The compression garments minimize swelling, support the new contour of your arms and thighs, and protect the incisions while they heal.
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we suggest wearing the compression garments for at least 4 to 6 weeks for 24 hours a day, only taking them off to shower or to wash them,
→ Maximizing recovery: the benefits of post-surgical compression garments
When can I return to work and to exercise?
Most patients with desk jobs return around 2 weeks after surgery. Light exercise such as walking is encouraged from the first days, while strenuous activity, lifting and exercises that stretch the arms or legs are typically cleared between weeks 4 and 6, once your surgeon confirms healing is on track.
→ Post-surgery care for a successful recovery
RESULTS
When will I see my final results?
You will notice firmer, smoother arms and thighs right after surgery, but swelling masks the full result at first. Most swelling resolves within a few months, and final results are typically visible between 6 and 12 months, once the tissue has settled and the scars have matured.
→ See arm lift before and after results
How long do the results last?
The skin removed during the surgery does not come back, so results are long-lasting. However, natural aging continues, and significant weight gain or loss after surgery can stretch the skin again, which is why maintaining a stable weight is important to preserving your results.
Will an arm and thigh lift remove stretch marks?
Only the stretch marks on the skin that is removed. Stretch marks on the remaining skin may look tighter and less noticeable, but they will not disappear. Stretch mark camouflage can help with the ones that remain once you have healed.
→ Stretch mark camouflage in Miami
COST AND LOGISTICS
How much does an arm and thigh lift cost in Miami, and do you offer financing?
Because the final price depends on the techniques used on each area and any combination with other procedures, your exact quote is confirmed during your free consultation with our coordinators. Combining both areas in one surgery can cost less than scheduling them separately. Financing is available through Cherry Financing and Alphaeon.
→ Payment options at My Cosmetic Surgery
Is there a charge for the consultation?
No. Consultations at My Cosmetic Surgery are completely free.
If I’m traveling from another city, how many days should I stay in Miami?
At My Cosmetic Surgery, we recommend planning enough time in Miami for your initial recovery and at least one postoperative follow-up before flying home. Because an arm and thigh lift involves long incisions and a higher risk of blood clots on long flights, our team will confirm the exact timeline for your case at consultation for at least 1 week, before coming back home, so you can have
→ Free remote evaluation for cosmetic surgery in Miami
Schedule your consultation
Book a free consultation with My Cosmetic Surgery to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine which arm and thigh lift techniques are right for you. Call us at (305) 264-9636 to schedule your consultation.
What to Expect
Checklist
- Follow medical advice closely and prepare a proper rest area beforehand.
- No smoking a month before and after surgery.
- Avoid taking anticoagulant medications as well as consuming herbal supplements before and after surgery.
- We are an Out-Patient Clinic: meaning that none of our procedures require a hospital stay; patients can go home once they wake from anesthesia.
- Wear your surgical compression garment as indicated by your surgeon.
- Swelling and discomfort are normal after surgery but will gradually subside. Patients can typically resume daily activities after 15 days.
FAQs
Is an arm and thigh lift covered by insurance?
No. An arm and thigh lift is a cosmetic, elective procedure and is generally not covered by insurance. We offer financing through Cherry Financing and Alphaeon to spread the cost over time.
Can I have the arm lift and the thigh lift on different dates instead?
Yes. Some patients prefer to stage the procedures, especially when a large amount of skin needs to be removed or when combining would make the surgery too long. Staging means two recoveries, but a lighter one each time. Your surgeon will recommend the safest option for your case.
Will I need drains after surgery?
It depends on the circumstance, this small drains serve the purpose to prevent fluid buildup, which are usually removed at a follow-up visit within the first week or two.
What is the difference between an arm and thigh lift and a body lift?
An arm and thigh lift treats the upper arms and thighs. A lower body lift removes loose skin around the entire lower trunk, including the abdomen, flanks, buttocks and outer thighs, in one circumferential procedure. Patients with loose skin in several areas after major weight loss sometimes need both, often in separate stages.
How painful is an arm and thigh lift recovery?
Most patients describe it as soreness, tightness and swelling rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is strongest during the first few days and is managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Raising your arms, sitting and walking feel tight during the first week, then ease steadily over the following two weeks.
Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami | Our Surgeons
Fabian Fontaine Figueredo, MD
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
Michel Bormey, MD
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami | #madeinmcs
- All
- Fabian Fontaine Figueredo, MD
- Michel Bormey, MD
Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami | Checklist
- Follow medical advice closely and prepare a proper rest area beforehand.
- No smoking a month before and after surgery.
- Avoid taking anticoagulant medications as well as consuming herbal supplements before and after surgery.
- We are an Out-Patient Clinic: meaning that none of our procedures require a hospital stay; patients can go home once they wake from anesthesia.
- Wear your surgical compression garment as indicated by your surgeon.
- Swelling and discomfort are normal after surgery but will gradually subside. Patients can typically resume daily activities after 15 days.
Arm and Thigh Lift in Miami | FAQS
Is an arm and thigh lift covered by insurance?
No. An arm and thigh lift is a cosmetic, elective procedure and is generally not covered by insurance. We offer financing through Cherry Financing and Alphaeon to spread the cost over time.
Can I have the arm lift and the thigh lift on different dates instead?
Yes. Some patients prefer to stage the procedures, especially when a large amount of skin needs to be removed or when combining would make the surgery too long. Staging means two recoveries, but a lighter one each time. Your surgeon will recommend the safest option for your case.
Will I need drains after surgery?
It depends on the circumstance, this small drains serve the purpose to prevent fluid buildup, which are usually removed at a follow-up visit within the first week or two.
What is the difference between an arm and thigh lift and a body lift?
An arm and thigh lift treats the upper arms and thighs. A lower body lift removes loose skin around the entire lower trunk, including the abdomen, flanks, buttocks and outer thighs, in one circumferential procedure. Patients with loose skin in several areas after major weight loss sometimes need both, often in separate stages.
How painful is an arm and thigh lift recovery?
Most patients describe it as soreness, tightness and swelling rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is strongest during the first few days and is managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Raising your arms, sitting and walking feel tight during the first week, then ease steadily over the following two weeks.
