Arm skin removal surgery, formally known as brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to reshape the underside of the upper arm. This surgery addresses the excess skin and fat deposits that create a sagging appearance, often called “bat wings.” This skin laxity typically results from significant weight loss, the natural aging process, or a combination of both factors. The total financial cost of brachioplasty varies widely depending on the extent of the correction required and the surgeon’s location and experience.
The Procedure and Ideal Candidates
Brachioplasty creates a smoother, more toned contour by tightening underlying supportive tissue and excising excess skin and fat. The ideal candidate has noticeable skin laxity, has maintained a stable weight, and often includes those who have undergone major weight reduction, leaving them with excess skin that exercise cannot resolve.
A patient must be in good health, without underlying conditions that could impair healing, and must be a non-smoker, as nicotine use significantly increases surgical risks and complications. The extent of the skin removal dictates the necessary incision, which can range from a minimal crescent-shaped incision near the armpit for minor laxity to a standard incision extending along the inner arm. Patients should also hold realistic expectations about the outcome, understanding that while the procedure dramatically improves arm shape, it will result in permanent scarring.
Breaking Down the Total Average Cost
The total average cost for arm skin removal surgery in the United States ranges from approximately $4,000 to over $15,000. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an average surgeon’s fee of around $6,192, but this excludes other expenses. The final cost is broken down into three main financial components: the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs.
The surgeon’s fee is the largest and most variable component, covering expertise, time, and post-operative care. This cost alone typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 or more, reflecting the practitioner’s reputation. Anesthesia fees cover the services of the anesthesiologist and necessary medications. Since brachioplasty is often invasive, it frequently requires general anesthesia, which is more expensive than local anesthesia with sedation.
The third component is the surgical facility fee, which covers the operating room, equipment, and support staff. This fee ranges from $800 to $1,800, depending on whether the surgery is performed in a hospital or an accredited, private surgical suite. Facility costs are often calculated based on the length of the procedure. Additional charges for medical tests, compression garments, and prescription medications are also added to the overall expense.
Variables That Influence the Final Price
Several external factors can significantly shift the price outside the average range. Geographic location is a prominent variable; procedures in major metropolitan areas or high-cost-of-living states command higher fees than those in smaller markets. This regional difference reflects higher overhead costs for surgical practices and increased costs for medical services.
The extent of the procedure is another major cost driver, correlating directly with surgical time and complexity. A mini-brachioplasty, involving a shorter incision and less skin removal, costs less than an extended brachioplasty that requires an incision running from the armpit down to the elbow and potentially onto the chest wall. More complex cases require more time under anesthesia and a larger surgical team, increasing the final cost.
The inclusion of liposuction alongside skin removal increases the total expense, as it adds time to the operation. If localized fat deposits need to be addressed, this combined approach can raise the price by $1,000 to $2,000. The surgeon’s experience, board certification, and reputation also play a substantial role, as sought-after surgeons often charge premium fees.
Planning for Payment and Insurance Coverage
Brachioplasty is overwhelmingly considered a cosmetic procedure, which means that health insurance plans rarely provide coverage for the cost. Patients should prepare to pay for the procedure entirely out-of-pocket, as most insurance providers view the surgery as elective and not medically necessary.
In some cases, however, insurance coverage may be approved if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to functional impairment or chronic health issues. This approval requires strict criteria, such as documented evidence of chronic rashes, infections, or skin breakdown that do not resolve with conservative medical treatments. The excess skin must also significantly interfere with daily activities or mobility.
For patients managing the expense, several financing options are commonly available. Many plastic surgery offices offer connections to third-party medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, which provide dedicated lines of credit for healthcare expenses, often with promotional interest-free periods. Patients may also explore personal loans from banks or credit unions, or utilize in-house payment plans offered directly by the surgical facility to spread the cost over time.