With A Warm, Caring Staff and Stunningly Natural Results,
Our Approach to Surgery is Anything but Plastic
If you are searching for an arm lift near Apex, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery offers the expertise, credentials, and personalized care you deserve. Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a body contouring procedure designed to address excess skin and stubborn fat along the upper arms, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. Led by Dr. Brian S. Coan, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, our practice serves patients from Apex and throughout the Triangle region. Call us today to schedule your consultation.
Arm Lift near Apex, NC: What You Need to Know
An arm lift near Apex, NC, at CARE Plastic Surgery is a surgical procedure that may help reshape and refine the upper arms by removing excess, sagging skin and, when appropriate, addressing localized pockets of fat. Over time, factors such as significant weight loss, natural aging, and changes in skin elasticity can leave the upper arms with a loose or drooping appearance that exercise alone may not correct. Brachioplasty is designed to address these concerns by tightening the underlying supportive tissue and removing excess skin, which may result in a smoother, more toned upper arm contour.
Dr. Brian S. Coan brings over a decade of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery to every procedure he performs at CARE Plastic Surgery. His approach to brachioplasty prioritizes natural-looking results and thoughtful incision placement intended to minimize visible scarring over time. As part of a comprehensive body contouring practice, arm lift surgery at CARE may also be combined with complementary procedures such as liposuction in Cary and Raleigh or a tummy tuck in Cary and Raleigh for patients seeking broader body transformation. Individual results may vary, and Dr. Coan will discuss your options thoroughly during your consultation.
Are You a Candidate for an Arm Lift near Apex, NC?
The ideal candidate for an arm lift near Apex, NC is typically an adult in good general health who has excess skin or mild to moderate fatty tissue along the upper arms that has not responded to diet and exercise. Patients who have experienced significant weight loss, including those who have undergone bariatric surgery, are frequently among those who may benefit most from brachioplasty.
A personal consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan is the most reliable way to determine whether an arm lift is appropriate for your specific anatomy and goals. Those considering broader body contouring may also want to explore body contouring after weight loss in Cary and Raleigh to understand all available options.
Patients who may benefit from an arm lift at CARE Plastic Surgery often experience:
· Excess, sagging skin along the inner or posterior upper arm
· A loss of skin elasticity that exercise has not been able to improve
· Discomfort or self-consciousness when wearing sleeveless clothing
· Skin irritation or chafing caused by loose upper arm tissue
· A desire for a more proportionate, toned upper arm appearance
· Stable weight maintained for at least several months prior to surgery
What to Expect at CARE Plastic Surgery
Your journey toward an arm lift near Apex, NC begins with a thorough, individualized consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan. During this appointment, Dr. Coan will review your medical history, evaluate your upper arm anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and outline a surgical plan tailored to your needs. This is also the ideal time to ask questions and address any concerns you may have about the procedure, recovery, or expected outcomes.
The arm lift procedure itself is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two to three hours, though timing varies by individual. Incisions are most commonly placed along the inner arm, positioned to be as discreet as possible. Most patients return home the same day and are advised to limit upper body activity during the initial recovery period.
In the days and weeks following surgery, most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort that is typically manageable with prescribed medication. Dr. Coan and our team provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to support you throughout recovery. Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work within one to two weeks, though individual timelines vary. Strenuous activity is typically resumed gradually and only with Dr. Coan’s clearance. Patients curious about financing options can also learn more about plastic surgery financing and payment plans at CARE.
Why Choose CARE Plastic Surgery for an Arm Lift near Apex, NC?
Patients seeking an arm lift near Apex, NC, have good reason to choose CARE Plastic Surgery. Dr. Brian S. Coan is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, credentials that reflect rigorous surgical training and an ongoing commitment to patient safety. His award history speaks for itself: he has earned the recognition of Cary Magazine’s “Best Plastic Surgeon in Cary, NC” for eight consecutive years, has been named “Best Plastic Surgeon in Durham” by Durham Magazine readers every year since 2010, and has received Gold for “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the 2026 5-West Diamond Awards. These distinctions reflect not only surgical skill but the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care that keeps the Triangle community returning and referring.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arm Lift near Apex, NC
How do I know if I am a good candidate for an arm lift?
The best way to determine candidacy is through a personal consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan. Generally, good candidates are adults in overall good health with excess or sagging skin along the upper arms that has not improved with exercise, and who have maintained a stable weight for several months. Patients with certain health conditions or unrealistic expectations may be advised to consider other options.
What is the recovery timeline after brachioplasty?
Recovery timelines vary by individual, but most patients are able to return to light daily activities and desk work within one to two weeks following surgery. Swelling and bruising typically improve significantly within the first few weeks. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are generally restricted for four to six weeks, and Dr. Coan will provide specific guidance based on your healing progress. Full results typically become more apparent as swelling continues to resolve over several months.
When will I see results from my arm lift?
Many patients notice an initial improvement in arm contour shortly after surgery, though swelling can temporarily obscure final results. Most patients see more defined, settled results within three to six months as residual swelling subsides and scars begin to mature. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight after surgery may help support longer-lasting results. Individual results may vary, and Dr. Coan will set realistic expectations during your consultation.
Can an arm lift be combined with other body procedures?
Yes, brachioplasty is frequently combined with complementary procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, a thigh lift in Cary and Raleigh, or a body lift in Cary and Raleigh for patients pursuing broader body contouring goals. Combining procedures may reduce overall recovery time compared to staging them separately. Dr. Coan will evaluate your health, goals, and candidacy and discuss whether a combined approach is appropriate for your specific situation.
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation at CARE Plastic Surgery
If you are ready to take the next step toward an arm lift near Apex, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Dr. Brian S. Coan and our team are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to patients from Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Morrisville, and across the Triangle. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation.

Dr. Brian S. Coan is an award-winning, nationally renowned, double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the distinguished Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). With over a decade of experience, his commitment to excellence has transformed countless lives.