According to ISAPS (The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), in 2020 alone, 126,030 people worldwide underwent an arm lift operation. Moreover, the share of men already accounted for 5.2%, which is 2.6 times higher than in 2013 (ASPS data). It speaks of the growing popularity of arm lifts, regardless of gender. However, the average price of $7,600 per procedure in the United States still pushes many away, while the arm lift cost in Mexico is more enticing — just $3,000. Read on to learn everything about the procedure and 5 more benefits you will get when traveling for an arm lift surgery in Mexico.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery when a doctor removes fat in the area from the elbow to the armpit. Finally, they tighten the skin so that it fits snugly around the muscles instead of hanging down. A patient receives a graceful hand contour.
Brachioplasty is recommended in the following cases:
- Loose, excess skin in the upper arms, especially noticeable when raising arms, clapping hands overhead or doing physical exercises.
- The decreased tone of the biceps, triceps, and pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Overweight and excessive fat in the upper arms from the elbow to the armpit.
- Shapeless hand contour.
- Sagging skin on the inside of the forearm.
- Scars on the skin of the upper arms.
An arm lift is a simple and safe surgical procedure. If you regularly do a set of physical exercises, it forever makes the contour of your arms graceful and irresistible. But what is important — the arm lift costs in Mexico are 2-3 times cheaper than in the USA.
What Is an Invisible Arm Lift (Transaxillary Brachioplasty)?
There are two types of arm lifts — traditional brachioplasty and invisible arm lift, or mini arm lift.
During the standard arm lift procedure, a surgeon makes an incision from the elbow to the armpit and removes the fat. Then, a doctor tightens the skin so that it fits snugly and aesthetically against the muscles of the upper arm and sews up the incision. A postoperative scar will be noticeable for 4 months, then it will disappear completely. This type of brachioplasty is recommended when a patient has lots of excess skin and a large amount of fat.
Alternative to a traditional arm lift surgery in Mexico is invisible (mini or transaxillary arm rejuvenation). It is indicated for removing a small area of the excess skin. This procedure is only recommended for people with minimal upper arm fat and minor sagging skin. A surgeon removes an ellipsoidal area of the extra skin in the axilla through a small incision. Next, they tighten the upper arm skin and fix it in a new position, so a patient gets rid of sagging skin. This surgical procedure is called "invisible" because the small scar in the axilla is completely inconspicuous.
The mini arm lift cost in Mexico is 20-30% higher than the price of a classic brachioplasty. This is because a surgeon with advanced experience can perform a mini arm lift. However, it is very important to understand that transaxillary brachioplasty is only suitable for patients with minor sagging skin and small fat deposits.
What Is the Difference Between Arm Lift, Arm Liposuction, And Laser Resurfacing?
Arm lift in Mexico is recommended for patients with a large amount of subcutaneous fat and loose skin. If a patient has only minor fat deposits, but their upper arm skin is elastic, liposuction can bring good results alone. A surgeon does not make a long incision but removes fat using a hollow cannula tube and a suction device — an aspirator. No additional incisions or stitches as for an arm lift are needed.
If a patient wants to remove excess skin, underlying supportive tissue, scars, age spots, and wrinkles on the inside of the forearm and shoulder, they need laser resurfacing. This is a simple cosmetic procedure that doesn't require surgical incisions and corrects the contour of the arms. The laser beam removes age spots, wrinkles, and scars.
The comparison table below shows the pros and cons of brachioplasty, liposuction, and laser skin resurfacing.
| Type of procedure | Pros | Cons |
| Arm lift |
|
|
| Arm liposuction |
|
|
| Laser skin resurfacing |
|
|
All these 3 types of medical procedures are prescribed in different cases and can’t replace each other. Be sure to check with your doctor which cosmetic surgery is indicated in your particular case. If necessary, a doctor can prescribe a combination of these medical procedures for the best result.
Is an Arm Lift Worth It?
Before making a decision, consult with your doctor. If they didn't reveal any contraindications after the initial medical examination, feel free to decide on an arm lift operation in Mexico. After it, you will notice pleasant changes:
- a smaller arm circumference will provide greater freedom of movement
- reduced sweating will make you feel more comfortable when interacting with people
- it will be easier for you to wear shirts and tops with sleeves
- you will be able to control the results of upper arm strength training
- unaesthetic clapping sounds will disappear when moving hands
- in the gym, it will become easier for you to train your upper arms since fat will no longer interfere
- no more skin infections caused by flabbiness
- you will feel more confident in a swimsuit on the beach.
What are the contraindications to the arm lift procedure?
There are several contraindications for brachioplasty procedure:
- Diabetes.
- Problems with blood clotting.
- The presence of chronic and acute infectious diseases.
- Hyperhidrosis.
- Increased sweating in the armpits.
- Dermatological diseases in an operated area.
- Previous mastectomy.
- Previous operations on the lymph nodes in the armpits.
- Diseases of the internal organs.
- Problems with the heart and blood vessels, respiratory organs.
Why Do Patients Choose Mexico for an Arm Lift?
How much is an arm lift in Mexico on average? Here, you can get a surgical procedure just for $2,950-$4,000, which is 2-3 times lower than in the USA or the UK, where you will pay $7,600-$10,000. Besides this key benefit, by picking Mexico, you will find 5 more:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons. According to ISAPS statistics for 2020, 66.7% of all licensed plastic surgeons in Mexico are able to do an upper arm lift. This figure is almost as high as in the US (70.6%). Therefore, finding a highly qualified specialist will be as easy as at home. Many of the 1,479 certified surgeons working in Mexico as of February 2020 take part in international conferences dedicated to plastic surgery. They use the most innovative techniques and equipment and operate with the latest knowledge in the arm lift field.
- Best clinics with an impeccable reputation. Many medical institutions in Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Cancun, and other cities are world-famous. Among them are Jose Cortes Aesthetic Clinic (Mexico City) and Innovare Hospital (Zapopan). These and other clinics for arm list in Mexico listed on this page have got high scoring and positive patient reviews.
- Excellent opportunity for relaxation and recovery. Medical tourism in Mexico has developed over the decades. During this time, the Ministry of Health has worked out a whole system for the rest and recovery of patients after plastic surgery procedures. That is why most patients from the USA come here. These are comfortable hotels with healthy and delicious food and resorts on the Caribbean Sea or the Pacific. You just have to agree with the doctor about what types of recreation are allowed for you during recovery.
- Convenient location. You can choose to provide premium-level plastic surgery services at a bargain price: in Poland, Lithuania, Spain, etc. However, Mexico shares a border with the US, and Americans don't have to spend from $500 to $1,500 on one-way airfare alone. You can get from the US to Mexico City or Tijuana, even by car.
- No language barrier. Most doctors and medical staff, hotel employees, and even taxi drivers speak English well. International patients from English-speaking countries are the most welcomed guests in Mexican clinics.
How Long Is the Recovery for an Arm Lift?
Full recovery is 5-6 weeks. However, the scar disappears only in 14-16 weeks. The recovery time depends on how a patient adheres to the recommendations of a doctor and on the type of medical treatment.
To make your recovery after arm lift surgery in Mexico smooth, you can follow such recommendations:
- For the first 2-3 days, it is advisable to stay in a hospital to receive nursing care. During this period, you will be wearing compression underwear with elastic bandages and small tubes. Excess fluid is drained through them to minimize swelling. You can go to the hotel in a day, but only if you have someone who will help you in everyday life.
- Within 2 weeks, you can resume work or study. During this time, use ointments to increase skin elasticity. On the 10-14th day after the operation, revisit your doctor to remove the stitches. A surgeon appoints the exact day individually for each patient.
- You will wear compression sleeves for 3-5 weeks.
- After 6 weeks, you can return to your everyday lifestyle.
- Within 6-8 weeks, limit hand movements, avoid physical activities, don't visit the sauna or swimming pool, and come to a medical examination as often as a doctor appoints.
How Long Does an Arm Lift Last?
The operation lasts 1.5-3 hours, depending on its type — traditional brachioplasty or invisible arm lift — and the number of surgeon's manipulations.
How Painful Is a Brachioplasty?
Arm lift surgery in Mexico involves the use of general or local anesthesia, depending on the surgical method your doctor chooses. You may only feel pain in the first 2-3 days after surgery. That is why it is so essential to remain in the clinic under the supervision of nurse staff for the minimum first 24 hours.
How to Prepare for the Operation?
Start preparing a few weeks before surgery. Quit smoking because nicotine causes complications during and after surgery. It slows down wound healing.
You should also visit your doctor a few weeks before the arm lift procedure. They will assess your current state of health and examine your medical history. Do an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray beforehand. A therapist has the right to adjust the dosage of the medicines that you are currently taking. Stop using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 2 weeks before surgery.
How Is the Arm Lift Procedure Processed?
The operation is divided into 4 stages:
- A surgeon marks where the incision will be made.
- A surgeon's assistant administers anesthesia.
- A doctor makes an incision, tightens or reshapes the tissue in your upper arm, and also removes excess fat.
- Then, a doctor pulls your skin back over the tissue and closes the surgical wound with stitches.
How Long Do Arm Lift Results Last?
Surgeons claim that the result remains forever. To ensure that you never need a second operation again, do workouts to maintain muscle tone, and keep a diet.
Where is the best place to make an arm lift in Tijuana?
If you want to have brachioplasty in Tijuana (Mexico), pay attention to these clinics:
All these clinics have a high rating and many positive customer reviews. Professional plastic surgeons with more than 20 years of experience work there. In addition, the cost of brachioplasty in Mexico varies depending on the city, and in Tijuana the price is one of the most favorable.
Arm Lift in Mexico: Before and After Photos
What Determines the Cost of Brachioplasty in Mexico?
How much does an arm lift cost in Mexico? The price varies depending on several factors:
- Surgeon’s fee and experience. Board-certified plastic surgeons with vast experience, positive feedback from patients, and a great portfolio can charge 10-20% more.
- Reputation of the clinic. The more patients visit a medical institution, and the higher its ratings are, the more expensive its services are. They may offer 10-20% higher costs than average.
- Location. In large cities in Mexico, estimated prices for surgeons are, on average, 10-15% higher than in small ones.
- Procedure type. For example, a mini arm lift in Mexico costs 20-30 % more than a standard brachioplasty operation.
- “Arm lift package”. Many clinics offer to order several services at once, the total cost of which will be lower. Such an "all-in-one" price covers an arm lift procedure plus translation services, transfers, hotel stay, etc. You can save 5-10% by picking this option.
- Discount systems. Medical institutions often give 10-15% discounts. However, they are limited in time, so you need to hurry up to catch them.
What Does the Arm Lift Price in Mexico Include?
The surgery cost of an arm lift in Mexico includes:
- medical tests
- anesthesia
- surgeon’s fee
- medication
- compression garments.
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Mexico?
The table below shows the cost of an arm lift in different cities in Mexico:
| City | Price |
| Mexico City | $3,000-$3,800 |
| Guadalajara | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Tijuana | $3,500-$3,950 |
| Mexicali | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Monterrey | $5,000-$6,000 |
| Cancun | $3,000-$4,600 |
| Zapopan | $3,000-$3,600 |
How to Pick a Clinic for a Brachioplasty Surgery in Mexico?
Use such tips to find a clinic for an arm lift in Mexico:
- Independent search on the Internet. It is important to take into account the rating of best clinics, patient reviews, and certificates. However, remember that ratings and certifications can be faked, so use independent platforms like Trustpilot or Google to read verified reviews.
- Contact Bookimed specialists. We work directly with plastic surgery clinics in Mexico. We will find the best-certified surgeons, give the current cost of an arm lift in Mexico City or other cities, and arrange your trip. Our services are free of charge.
An arm lift is considered a safe operation if performed by experienced plastic surgeons and at a licensed clinic. Therefore, it is very important to find a good specialist in a trusted clinic. This is exactly what Bookimed's doctor-coordinator will help you with.
How to Book a Top-notch Clinic in Mexico?
Follow the simple instructions:
- Select a clinic from the listing on this page.
- Submit a request and wait for the call of the manager in 5-30 minutes.
- Ask questions that interest you.
- Get an invoice directly from the clinic.
Nothing else needs to be done. Your personal manager will organize the trip. Soon you will admire your graceful hands in a mirror.
References
- The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). ISAPS international survey on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures performed in 2020. #wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ISAPS-Global-Survey_2020.pdf
- Reuters. Surge in arm lift surgery prompts warnings over scarring. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-surgery-arms-idUKBRE93T0U020130430
- Realself. How much does an arm lift cost? https://www.realself.com/surgical/arm-lift/cost
- Healthline.com. Is arm lift right for you? https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/brachioplasty#faq
- PubMed.org. Minimal incision brachioplasty: refining transaxillary arm rejuvenation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19341672/
- Cleveland Clinic. Liposuction. #cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/liposuction
- StatPearls. Ablative Laser Resurfacing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557474/
- Statista. Number of certified plastic surgeons in Mexico as of February 2020, by state. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1101230/mexico-certified-plastic-surgeons-state/
- Americal airlines. https://www.aa.com/
- Healthline.com. Recovering from an arm lift https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/brachioplasty#recovery
- Mayo Clinic. Arm lift. #tests-procedures/arm-lift/about/pac-20392955
- Trustpilot. Bookimed. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.bookimed.com