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Arm Lift, La Jolla
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose upper-arm skin and may remove or liposuction excess fat through an incision typically placed along the inner arm. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD evaluates skin laxity and fat and discusses an arm lift, liposuction alone, or no surgery.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Consultations and follow-ups take place here. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices, not at the University City office.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at ---
What it is
Ask about operations similar to yours and how your health, tissue quality, and goals affect the plan.
Where it is used
Read the practice biography before your La Jolla consultation
Anesthesia
General anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation for a smaller mini arm lift, as an outpatient procedure. It usually takes about two to three hours.
Downtime
Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks and to full activity by about four to six weeks, wearing a compression sleeve while swelling settles.
Results
A firmer, smoother upper arm. The loose skin is gone and, with a stable weight, the result lasts; the inner-arm scar fades over many months.
Who it suits
Adults near a stable weight with loose upper-arm skin, often after major weight loss or with aging, that no exercise can tighten. A consultation confirms candidacy.
Why patients choose Tim Sayed MD
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Ask about operations similar to yours and how your health, tissue quality, and goals affect the plan.
Note whether the concern is skin, fat, or both, and bring photos of clothing styles that bother you. Ask where the scar would run, how long it would be, and whether liposuction alone could help. Review lifting limits for early recovery. Nicotine use and unstable weight may delay surgery.
See arm lift results
Request an arm lift consultation in La Jolla · (858) 247-2933
Arm lift vs lipo
Excess skin is excised along a planned inner-arm or posterior-arm pattern; liposuction may be added. The scar is permanent and may extend from the armpit toward the elbow depending on laxity. Limited-incision patterns exist for milder cases but remove less skin.
An arm lift is not weight loss and does not create athletic muscle definition by itself. Perfect symmetry and a scar invisible with every short sleeve cannot be promised. Results are not guaranteed; further surgery may be needed.
| Consideration | How they differ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Arm liposuction: extra fat with firm, elastic skin. Arm lift: loose, sagging skin on the upper arm. |
| What it does | Arm liposuction: removes fat and slims the arm. Arm lift: removes loose skin and tightens the arm. |
| Skin | Arm liposuction: does not tighten loose skin. Arm lift: removes and tightens loose skin. |
| Scar | Arm liposuction: tiny, hidden incisions. Arm lift: a scar along the inner arm. |
| Recovery | Arm liposuction: back to desk work in days to a week. Arm lift: one to two weeks, four to six to full activity. |
Related options for La Jolla patients include liposuction in La Jolla, body lift in La Jolla, and body contouring surgery in La Jolla.
Compare an arm lift with arm liposuction
Consultation
Note whether the concern is skin, fat, or both, and bring photos of clothing styles that bother you. Ask where the scar would run, how long it would be, and whether liposuction alone could help. Review lifting limits for early recovery. Nicotine use and unstable weight may delay surgery.
An arm lift is not weight loss and does not create athletic muscle definition by itself. Perfect symmetry and a scar invisible with every short sleeve cannot be promised. Results are not guaranteed; further surgery may be needed.
Related options for La Jolla patients include liposuction in La Jolla, body lift in La Jolla, and body contouring surgery in La Jolla.
Compare an arm lift with a body lift
The procedure
Risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, seroma, wound separation, unfavorable or widened scars, asymmetry, numbness or nerve irritation, lymphatic issues, blood clots (less common than after larger trunk surgery but still possible), and revision. Smoking impairs healing.
01
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
06
Risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, seroma, wound separation, unfavorable or widened scars, asymmetry, numbness or nerve irritation, lymphatic issues, blood clots (less common than after larger trunk surgery but still possible), and revision. Smoking impairs healing. Discuss scar acceptance carefully before proceeding. Seek care for fever, spreading redness, or sudden swelling.
Discuss scar acceptance carefully before proceeding. Seek care for fever, spreading redness, or sudden swelling.
Dr. Sayed lowers risk with careful incision placement, layered closure to ease scar tension, the right amount of skin removed, a compression sleeve, and clear aftercare. He reviews your history at consultation so the plan fits your health.
Before and after
Ask to see photographs relevant to your concerns. The same practice gallery is used for both offices; these are not location-specific results. Photographs do not guarantee your outcome.
Cost and financing
The practice’s current arm lift range is $5,000–$12,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees. The same range applies at both consultation offices. Added liposuction and anesthesia choice affect the quote. Ask whether garment costs are included in your written estimate.
Request a written quote for your proposed operation. Ask which planned procedures and follow-up services it covers and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic body contouring is typically not covered by insurance; confirm with your insurer if you believe a portion may qualify.
Many patients return to desk work in one to two weeks; fuller use of the arms takes longer. Compression sleeves are often used. Keep arms elevated as directed and avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Arrange a driver after anesthesia. Ask about wound care and when you may drive and exercise. Scars mature over many months.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation.
Combined procedures: an arm lift with a breast lift or body lift is priced as a combination.
Surgeon experience: a double board-certified surgeon reflects training and careful, scar-conscious technique.
Ask about arm lift financing
Recovery
Many patients return to desk work in one to two weeks; fuller use of the arms takes longer. Compression sleeves are often used. Keep arms elevated as directed and avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Arrange a driver after anesthesia. Ask about wound care and when you may drive and exercise. Scars mature over many months.
Days 1 to 3
Soreness, bruising, and swelling in the upper arms, which feel tight. Keep the arms elevated, wear the sleeve, and move gently.
Days 4 to 7
Bruising begins to fade. Many people manage light daily tasks, still wearing the sleeve and avoiding lifting.
Weeks 2 to 3
Swelling and tightness are normal and expected. Many return to desk work; keep wearing the sleeve and avoid raising or straining the arms.
Weeks 4 to 6
Return to exercise as Dr. Sayed clears you. The arm contour emerges as swelling drops; the scar is still firm and pink.
Months 2 to 6
Swelling fully resolves and the firm, smooth shape shows. The inner-arm scar softens and fades over the following months.
Ask about arm lift recovery
Your surgeon
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Dr. Sayed is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. His approach to the arm lift is scar-conscious: careful incision placement, layered closure, and even tightening so the whole arm looks firm and natural.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certified and recertified
American Board of Surgery
Board certified and recertified
UCSF School of Medicine
MD and plastic surgery residency
Harvard, Mass General
General surgery training
Kellogg School of Management
Executive MBA, Northwestern
Alpha Omega Alpha
National medical honor society
Office
For your La Jolla consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office’s San Diego postal address shown below.
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than Newport Beach.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first consultation. Those visits take place at your consultation office, so discuss the choice before scheduling.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, obtain the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions from the team. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange transportation from the accredited operating room and for return visits to this office. If you will recover outside the area, discuss how long to remain nearby and when you must return; no fixed stay length applies to everyone.
Tim Sayed MD, La Jolla / University City
Address
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone
(858) 247-2933
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tue–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM PT; Sat–Sun closed
Surgery
Accredited operating rooms only, separate from both consultation offices
Approved copy
For your La Jolla consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office’s San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than Newport Beach.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first consultation. Those visits take place at your consultation office, so discuss the choice before scheduling.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, obtain the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions from the team. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange transportation from the accredited operating room and for return visits to this office. If you will recover outside the area, discuss how long to remain nearby and when you must return; no fixed stay length applies to everyone.
Note whether the concern is skin, fat, or both, and bring photos of clothing styles that bother you. Ask where the scar would run, how long it would be, and whether liposuction alone could help. Review lifting limits for early recovery. Nicotine use and unstable weight may delay surgery.
Many patients return to desk work in one to two weeks; fuller use of the arms takes longer. Compression sleeves are often used. Keep arms elevated as directed and avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Arrange a driver after anesthesia. Ask about wound care and when you may drive and exercise. Scars mature over many months.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation.
The practice’s current arm lift range is $5,000–$12,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees. The same range applies at both consultation offices. Added liposuction and anesthesia choice affect the quote. Ask whether garment costs are included in your written estimate.
Request a written quote for your proposed operation. Ask which planned procedures and follow-up services it covers and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic body contouring is typically not covered by insurance; confirm with your insurer if you believe a portion may qualify.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
FAQ
The practice range is $5,000–$12,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees. Request a written quote for your proposed procedures and ask about any additional fees. This practice-wide range applies at both consultation offices.
Recovery timing is individualized. Follow your surgeon’s instructions. Your follow-ups take place at the same University City office as your La Jolla consultation.
An arm lift removes loose upper-arm skin and may address fat through excision and/or liposuction. It leaves a permanent scar, usually along the inner arm.
Liposuction suits good skin tone with excess fat. Loose, hanging skin usually needs excision. The exam decides.
Yes. Scar length depends on how much skin is removed. Quality varies; invisibility cannot be promised.
Fat may be removed with the skin or with added liposuction. The plan depends on your anatomy.
Primarily the upper arm between armpit and elbow. The forearm is not the usual target.
No. It treats residual skin and contour after weight is already controlled.
After weight has been stable and nutrition supports healing. Timing is individualized.
Often with other body-contouring operations when operative time remains safe. Staging may be recommended.
Risks include wound problems, unfavorable scars, asymmetry, numbness, infection, and revision.
Most often along the inner arm; some patterns place it more posteriorly. Your surgeon marks the planned line before surgery.
Health, stable weight, acceptance of a permanent scar, and realistic goals matter. Smoking usually must stop before elective surgery.
Soreness and tightness are expected and managed with a perioperative plan. Experience varies.
The office is in University City at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Monday hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Pacific Time. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. Call (858) 247-2933.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office as your consultation. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices. Obtain the operating facility’s address before arranging transportation. If traveling, discuss how long to remain nearby and when to return for follow-up. ---
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