If you feel like your upper arms no longer match the rest of your body, you are not alone. Many people in St. Louis struggle with loose, sagging upper-arm skin that will not tighten with exercise alone. Weight loss, aging, and genetics can all contribute to the “bat wing” look, even when you are otherwise fit and healthy. At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Zachary Willis offers an innovative solution that restores smooth contours and renewed confidence.
An Arm Lift, also called brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and stubborn fat from the upper arms. What makes Willis Cosmetic Surgery especially unique is Dr. Willis’s signature Awake Arm Lift, a modern approach that achieves sleek, toned arms without the risks of general anesthesia. By combining local anesthesia with gentle sedation, Dr. Willis is able to tighten and reshape the arms while keeping you comfortable and alert throughout the process. For many patients, this means a safer experience, a smoother recovery, and beautiful, natural-looking results.
At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, the goal is not to create an artificial look. Instead, Dr. Willis designs arm lift treatments to help you align your outer appearance with how you feel inside. The result is a new chapter of confidence and comfort, with arms that look firmer, smoother, and more balanced with the rest of your silhouette.
St Louis Arm Lift Specialist
Dr. Zachary Willis is a double board-certified cosmetic and general surgeon serving St. Louis, Ballwin, and surrounding communities. He is widely known for specializing in minimally invasive body contouring and for pioneering “awake” cosmetic procedures that prioritize safety, comfort, and efficiency. At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, every arm lift is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and cosmetic goals rather than a one-size-fits-all surgical plan.
An arm lift is ideal for patients who have:
- Loose or sagging skin from weight loss
- Upper arm laxity due to aging
- Stubborn fat deposits that distort the arm shape
- A desire for more refined arm contours that match their overall physique
During your consultation, Dr. Willis evaluates your skin elasticity, the amount of excess tissue, and your personal goals. Based on that assessment, he may recommend a traditional brachioplasty or his Awake Arm Lift technique. The Awake Arm Lift is performed in a comfortable in-office surgical suite using local anesthesia and gentle sedation. Many patients appreciate this option because it eliminates many risks tied to general anesthesia while keeping the procedure just as effective.
In some cases, Dr. Willis may recommend combining the arm lift with liposuction to remove pockets of fat and further smooth the arm’s shape. This combination approach helps create a more seamless transition from upper arm to elbow, producing sleek, defined contours that look natural from every angle.
If you are looking for an arm lift specialist in St. Louis who blends surgical precision with modern awake-surgery innovation, Dr. Willis provides the kind of care that makes patients feel confident in both the process and the results.
Before And After Arm Lift
One of the most exciting parts of an arm lift journey is seeing the transformation unfold. At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, patients often describe the results as life-changing, not only because their arms look better, but because they finally feel comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing, exercising in public, or seeing themselves in photos again.
Before Your Arm Lift
Your experience begins with a detailed consultation where Dr. Willis discusses your goals and examines your upper arms. Together, you’ll decide on the best approach for your body. You’ll also receive clear instructions to prepare for surgery, which may include maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and temporarily adjusting medications that can increase bleeding or bruising.
Patients choosing an Awake Arm Lift can also feel reassured knowing the procedure is performed without general anesthesia. Dr. Willis carefully explains what to expect so you feel relaxed and prepared.
During the Procedure
In an Awake Arm Lift, Dr. Willis uses local anesthesia with gentle sedation. You remain comfortable and calm while the arms are treated. A carefully placed incision allows Dr. Willis to remove sagging skin and tighten underlying tissue for a firmer, smoother contour. If liposuction is included, excess fat is removed at the same time to refine the final shape. The awake method allows Dr. Willis to work efficiently and safely while your body avoids the stress of full anesthesia.
After the Procedure
After your arm lift, you will wear a compression garment to protect the arms, minimize swelling, and support healing. Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising are normal early in recovery, but these fade steadily over time. Dr. Willis provides detailed aftercare instructions and schedules follow-up visits to monitor your healing.
Most patients return to light activities within about one to two weeks and resume more vigorous exercise after they are cleared by Dr. Willis. As swelling resolves, the arm shape continues to refine over the following weeks.
What Results Look Like
Arm lift patients typically notice:
- A tighter upper-arm contour
- Smoother skin without sagging folds
- A leaner, more sculpted appearance
- Improved confidence in clothing, especially sleeveless styles
- A more balanced silhouette overall
Results are designed to look natural, not overcorrected. Many patients report that their arms finally match the effort they put into their health and fitness.
Arm Lift Cost in St. Louis
The cost of an arm lift in St. Louis depends on your personalized treatment plan. Because every patient has a different amount of skin laxity and fat deposits, pricing is customized rather than fixed.
Several factors influence arm lift pricing:
- The technique used, traditional versus Awake Arm Lift
- The extent of excess skin being removed
- Whether liposuction is added for additional contouring
- Facility and anesthesia considerations
- Post-operative garments and follow-up care
At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, Awake Arm Lifts are performed under local anesthesia in an in-office surgical suite. This can often provide a safer, more efficient, and more affordable option compared to procedures requiring a hospital setting and general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Willis and his team will provide transparent pricing, walk you through what is included, and help you feel fully informed before making a decision.
While cost matters, it is also essential to consider long-term value. Working with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in awake body contouring and delivers consistent outcomes provides peace of mind that your investment is going toward both safety and high-quality results.
Why Consider Dr. Zachary Willis For An Upper Arm Lift In St Louis
Choosing your surgeon is one of the most important decisions in any cosmetic procedure. Here is why patients across St. Louis choose Dr. Zachary Willis for arm lift surgery:
Board-certified expertise
Dr. Willis is double board-certified and extensively trained in cosmetic surgery, giving you an exceptional standard of medical safety and aesthetic precision.
Awake Arm Lift innovation
Dr. Willis is a leading expert in awake procedures. His Awake Arm Lift is a signature treatment that delivers dramatic improvement without general anesthesia, lowering risk and improving recovery comfort.
Customized treatment plans
Every arm lift is tailored to your body, skin quality, and goals. Dr. Willis prioritizes proportion and natural contour rather than a generic outcome.
Beautiful, natural results
Patients consistently report that results look sleek and refined, not artificial. Arms are reshaped to blend smoothly with your physique.
Comfort and support at every step
Willis Cosmetic Surgery is known for a confident, compassionate, patient-first environment. From consultation to recovery, Dr. Willis and his team guide you with clear communication and consistent care.
If you want an upper arm lift in St. Louis with a surgeon who is both highly skilled and forward-thinking in technique, Dr. Willis offers a trusted path to the results you want.
Call Our St Louis Office Today Or Schedule A Consultation
If you are ready to tighten and contour your upper arms, now is the perfect time to explore your options at Willis Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Zachary Willis and his expert team will help you understand whether a traditional arm lift or Awake Arm Lift is the best fit for your body and goals.
A consultation is the first step. During your visit, you’ll discuss your concerns, review treatment options, and receive a fully customized plan and detailed pricing estimate.
To schedule your appointment, call our St. Louis area office or fill out the consultation form on the Willis Cosmetic Surgery website. Our Ballwin location is convenient for patients throughout St. Louis and nearby communities, and our team is here to support your journey toward smoother, firmer, more confident arms.
St Louis Arm Lift FAQs
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, tightens and reshapes the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. It is designed to address sagging or loose arms that do not improve with exercise.
What makes an Awake Arm Lift different?
An Awake Arm Lift is performed under local anesthesia with gentle sedation, not general anesthesia. You stay comfortable and alert, avoiding many risks tied to full anesthesia while still achieving powerful results.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
Good candidates include people with sagging upper arm skin from weight loss, aging, or genetics, who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations.
Can an arm lift be combined with liposuction?
Yes. Dr. Willis often combines liposuction with the arm lift to remove stubborn fat and create smoother, more sculpted contours.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks. Full activity and exercise typically resume after several weeks once Dr. Willis confirms proper healing.
Will there be scars?
Arm lifts do involve incisions, but Dr. Willis places them carefully to reduce visibility. Scars fade over time and are typically positioned to be as discreet as possible.
How long do results last?
Arm lift results are long-lasting. If you maintain stable weight and healthy habits, your smoother, more toned arms should remain consistent for years.