An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is an operation performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm. Aging and significant weight loss can contribute to sagging of arm skin, most noticeable with arm elevation. This excess skin, sometimes called “bat wings,” can be frustrating to deal with and difficult to improve through diet and exercise alone. Brachioplasty addresses this concern directly by removing loose, hanging skin and tightening the underlying tissue, resulting in a more toned and proportionate arm contour. Many patients choose to combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures for further refinement.
What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?
An arm lift offers both aesthetic and practical benefits for patients bothered by loose or sagging arm skin. By removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissue, brachioplasty can create smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking arms. Many patients find that clothing fits better and that they feel more comfortable in sleeveless tops, swimsuits, and form-fitting attire.
Beyond appearance, an arm lift can improve comfort during physical activity, as excess skin can chafe or cause irritation, particularly during exercise or in warm weather. For patients who have lost significant weight, an arm lift can provide a sense of completion to their transformation, aligning their arms with the results achieved elsewhere in their body. The results are generally long-lasting, offering a meaningful boost to confidence and quality of life.
Who Is a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
Good candidates for arm lift surgery are often individuals bothered by loose, sagging skin on the upper arms that has not responded to diet or exercise. Ideal candidates typically include those who:
- Have excess, sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging or significant weight loss
- Are in good general health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Maintain a stable weight and have completed any planned weight loss
- Do not smoke, as smoking can impair healing and increase surgical risk
- Have realistic expectations about results, including the resulting scar, which should fade over time but remain permanently visible
A consultation with one of our board-certified Chicago plastic surgeons is the best way to determine whether an arm lift is the right choice for your goals and health history.
How Is the Arm Lift Procedure Performed?
To tighten the arm skin, Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins typically make an incision along the inside of the arm, extending from the underarm area to the elbow. Scars are usually hidden with the arm at one’s side. Liposuction is often added to this procedure to improve final shape and contour. Depending on skin excess and elasticity, liposuction alone may provide sufficient improvement.
Our doctors perform brachioplasties under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
How Is Recovery Following Arm Lift Surgery?
We instruct arm lift patients to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Light arm movement is encouraged soon after surgery but strenuous upper body activity should be limited for at least several weeks. Patients may drive and return to work once they discontinue narcotic pain medicine. Most swelling and bruising subside within the first few weeks, though it can take several months for the arms to reveal their final contour. In most cases, scars will continue to soften and fade over the course of a year or more following surgery.
Ready to say goodbye to sagging arm skin and hello to renewed confidence? For more information about arm lift surgery, we encourage you to contact our Chicago practice today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.