Arm Lift

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the back and underside of your upper arm, from your shoulder to your elbow. It’s also called an arm lift. It gets rid of extra skin and fatty tissue. It makes your upper arm look smoother and smaller.

Our team recommends an arm lift for patients whose skin no longer tightens naturally due to aging or significant weight changes. In many cases, liposuction alone is not sufficient because the primary issue is loose skin rather than excess fat. By surgically excising the extra skin and reshaping the remaining tissue, an arm lift delivers long-lasting improvements in contour and firmness.

Yes! In many cases, our patients have received at least partial coverage for their arm lift (brachioplasty) from their insurance providers, particularly if certain criteria are met, and the surgery is for medical rather than cosmetic reasons. 

Coverage may be possible when excess skin causes documented functional problems or health issues occur, such as: 

• Recurrent skin irritation
• Rashes
• Infections (e.g., intertrigo or dermatitis) in the arm folds that haven’t responded to conservative treatments like topical medications. 
• Chronic discomfort
• Hygiene difficulties
• Restricted arm mobility/interference with daily activities. 

Each insurance provider has its own criteria, and approval often requires detailed documentation, photos, a letter of medical necessity from your surgeon, and, in some cases, prior authorization. The best way to determine this is to consult our team, who can evaluate your situation, review your insurance policy, and advise whether pre-authorization is warranted. At PSALI, we work directly with NYSHIP, Anthem BC/BS, Aetna, Cigna, 1199, UHC, EmblemHealth, and many others. 

If this is a route you’d like to explore, please discuss it with our patient coordinator, who can guide you through the financial aid application process.