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Brachioplasty
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Refining the Upper Arms
The upper arms are affected by aging and weight loss, just like any other part of your body. When the definition of the arms starts to soften, exercise and good skincare can make a difference, but sagging skin won’t always snap back to the way it was. At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May can remove excess skin with brachioplasty to reshape your arms, giving you a more contoured appearance you’ll be excited to show off in tank tops and short sleeves.
General
1-3 hours
1-2 weeks
What Is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty can be used to shape the upper arms when the skin on the arms is no longer as smooth or firm. During the surgery, loose skin and fat are removed to tighten the arm’s contour. Dr. May uses techniques that allow the arms to move naturally during everyday activities, while maintaining a smooth appearance in sleeveless or short-sleeve clothing. For some, brachioplasty offers functional relief from loose skin that chafes or clings to clothing. Others want the procedure to achieve more defined upper arms and feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
- Dr. Brian May
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What Can Brachioplasty Address?
Brachioplasty is primarily used to remove excess skin and fat that is keeping your arms from looking youthful and lifted. Dr. May uses discreet techniques to address challenges such as:
- Excess fullness that makes sleeves feel tight
- Skin that drapes when the arms are lifted
- Areas that appear heavier or less defined
- Asymmetry between both arms
- Arms that are unbalanced with the rest of the body
This surgery is especially helpful for patients who have found that other methods of tightening the skin, like nonsurgical treatments or muscle toning, are not resolving soft contours under the arms. Brachioplasty offers long-lasting results that outperform nonsurgical treatments and offer comprehensive results the first time.
The Art & Science of Body Contouring With Dr. May
There’s an art to sculpting the body that goes far beyond measurements or technique. It’s about understanding how curves interact, how light moves across the waistline, and how to restore definition without creating results that feel artificial or overdone. Dr. May brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset to every contouring procedure, not just aiming to flatten the abdomen or remove fat, but to create a natural-looking shape and proportion that feels uniquely yours.
Body contouring requires precision, but it also requires restraint. Knowing when less is more, and how to shape rather than simply remove. “Body contouring isn’t just about skin and fat removal,” Dr. May explains. “It’s more important to know what to leave behind. That means looking beyond any one feature and designing something that makes sense for the whole body… something that feels natural and balanced.”
Every decision Dr. May makes, from where to remove fat to how each area flows into the next, is made with harmony and longevity in mind. His goal is always a result that enhances your shape while staying true to your natural form.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
On the day of your surgery, Dr. May will review all of the information discussed during your consultation. He will map out the natural lines of your arms and identify where contour improvement will benefit you most. Depending on the extent of your procedure, brachioplasty is performed using general or local anesthesia, so you will feel calm and comfortable from start to finish. Once anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. May begins the surgery.
The procedure starts with an incision along the inner-back portion of the upper arm. Dr. May finds this placement to be more discreet when you have your arms resting at your sides or lifted overhead. Removal of the skin is often combined with liposuction to achieve a smoother, more natural contour. For the best scar appearance, Dr. May uses meticulous closure techniques and minimizes tension along the incision to prevent pulling on the healing tissues.
Recovery & Results
Plan for a period of rest after your brachioplasty to let your body heal. You may have compression garments to keep the swelling down after your surgery, and Dr. May will have you avoid any exercise or heavy lifting at first. Light walking can be a great way to keep your blood flowing without overexerting yourself. In one or two weeks, you will be able to return to many of your usual activities.
After your brachioplasty, you’ll notice your clothes fit differently right away, and there won’t be as much loose skin when you lift your arms. Scars take time to fade. In the beginning, they may be pink or purple, but they will gradually become a lighter pink or tan color that more closely matches your natural skin tone. The good news is that the results of brachioplasty are permanent, especially when combined with weight maintenance and a healthy lifestyle.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Brachioplasty
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. May approaches brachioplasty with an eye for subtle shaping and thoughtful scar placement, all with the goal of helping your arms look more in line with the shape that you want. His technique prioritizes natural contour and long-term scar quality, giving you the chance to bear your arms with confidence. Call us at 704-200-2493 to schedule your consultation and see what brachioplasty with Dr. May in Charlotte, NC, can do for you.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.