Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $4,861 (range: $4,000–$8,000)
- Insurance: Not Covered — Arm lifts are considered cosmetic. May be covered after massive weight loss...
- Recovery: 7–21 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, reducing sagging skin and excess fat. Ideal candidates are adults with significant skin laxity unresponsive to exercise, maintain a stable weight, and are non-smokers.
The surgeon's experience is a significant cost factor; specialists in high-demand areas often charge more for their expertise. Facility fees also impact the overall price, with hospital operating rooms typically costing more than ambulatory surgical centers.
Consider an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) for your procedure. ASCs generally have lower overhead than hospitals, potentially reducing the facility fee component of the overall cost. For more comprehensive contouring after major weight loss, a body lift addresses multiple areas in one procedure. If excess skin is minimal, liposuction alone may achieve your desired arm contour at a lower cost. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure at the national average price point.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $4,302-11.5%
- West Virginia $4,365-10.2%
- Alabama $4,399-9.5%
- Arkansas $4,433-8.8%
- Missouri $4,462-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $5,658+16.4%
- California $5,508+13.3%
- New York $5,483+12.8%
- Massachusetts $5,420+11.5%
- District of Columbia $5,371+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,399 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $5,284 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $4,900 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $4,433 | -8.8% |
| California | $5,508 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $5,114 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $5,337 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $4,983 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $5,371 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $4,876 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $4,764 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $5,658 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $4,725 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $4,919 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $4,657 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $4,642 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $4,608 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $4,487 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $4,530 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $5,046 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $5,192 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $5,420 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $4,837 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $5,031 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $4,302 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $4,462 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $4,739 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $4,691 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $4,885 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $5,128 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $5,323 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $4,560 | -6.2% |
| New York | $5,483 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $4,803 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $4,628 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $4,778 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $4,511 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $5,226 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $4,948 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $5,094 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $4,545 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $4,705 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $4,579 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $4,676 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $4,822 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $5,080 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $5,017 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $5,211 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $4,365 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $4,851 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $4,594 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your arm lift, you'll have a consultation to discuss your goals and medical history. Your surgeon may order blood tests and will advise you to stop smoking and avoid certain medications like aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
On the day of your brachioplasty, you'll typically receive general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep during the 1-2 hour procedure. The surgeon will make an incision, remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissue.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, expect some pain, swelling, and bruising. You’ll need someone to drive you home and help you with daily tasks. Wear compression garments as instructed to minimize swelling. Full recovery takes 1-3 weeks. Plan to take time off work and avoid strenuous activities. You'll have follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any sutures. Remember to be patient and allow your body time to heal fully to see the final results.
Paying for Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Not Covered by InsuranceArm lifts are considered cosmetic. May be covered after massive weight loss if causing functional issues.
Financing Options
- Medical credit cards — CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit offer 0% APR for 12-24 months on arm lift (brachioplasty)
- Surgeon payment plans — many arm lift (brachioplasty) providers split the $4,861 into 6-12 monthly installments with no interest
- HSA / FSA funds — eligible if medically necessary; get a letter of necessity from your doctor
- Personal medical loans — Prosper Healthcare Lending and LightStream offer fixed-rate loans with no prepayment penalties
- Cash-pay discounts — paying the full amount upfront often saves 10-20% off the quoted price