An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical body-contouring procedure that eliminates loose, hanging skin—sometimes referred to as “bat wings”—and contours the upper arm fat to achieve a more toned, defined upper arm. It is commonly performed as part of post-weight-loss surgery or for individuals with skin and tissue laxity due to aging.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, an arm lift may be performed:
- Alone as a targeted upper arm contouring procedure
- In combination with other procedures, such as an upper back lift procedure
- With or without liposuction for additional fat removal of the arm, armpit, and tapering of the lateral breast
How the Procedure Is Performed
During arm lift surgery, incisions are strategically placed along the inner arm to minimize visibility while allowing effective removal of excess skin, elevation of adjacent skin, and enhancement of the upper arm’s contours, subtly revealing the underlying biceps and triceps.
The procedure typically includes:
- Removal of loose, sagging skin from the upper arms and apex of the armpit
- If there is excess lateral chest and tail of breast tissue and skin, it may be addressed at the same time
- Tightening and reshaping of the underlying tissue
- Liposculpting to improve contour and symmetry
The incision length and pattern vary with the degree of skin laxity and the extent of correction required.
Procedure Details:
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Setting: Outpatient surgical procedure
What It Can Help With
An arm lift is ideal for patients seeking excess skin removal surgery and improved upper body definition. It can help:
- Remove loose, hanging skin from the upper arms
- Improve arm contour and proportion
- Reduce discomfort or irritation caused by excess skin
- Enhance confidence in fitted or sleeveless clothing
- Achieve a more toned, sculpted appearance and make the arms more symmetric and proportional to the body
Pre-Surgical Guidelines
To prepare for arm lift surgery after weight loss or cosmetic arm contouring, patients should:
- Maintain a stable weight prior to surgery
- Avoid nicotine for at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications as directed
- Follow a healthy, protein-rich diet to support healing
- Complete all necessary medical evaluations
- Consider EmSculpt and Pure Impact sessions to maximize muscle bulk
- Prepare the area for best healing with Redvive Red/NIR light therapy
- Consider deploying IV-administered umbilical-derived stem cells during surgery to communicate with your cells to speed healing and reduce inflammation
What to Expect and After Care
Recovery from brachioplasty surgery varies depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures are performed.
After surgery:
- Modest discomfort and some oozing of bloody tumescent fluid are expected (you will have medications for pain and muscle relaxation if needed)
- Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the arms are expected
- Compression garments are worn to support healing and reduce swelling
- Arm movement may be temporarily limited
Patients should:
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous upper-body activity for several weeks
- Keep arms slightly elevated, when possible, to reduce swelling
- Follow all incision care instructions carefully
- Attend all follow-up and lymphatic drainage massage appointments
- If you are using Redvive Red/NIR light therapy, you can restart after being cleared by Dr. Z to have your garment off for a short time
Recovery Timeline:
- Initial recovery: 2-3 weeks
- Resume full activity: 4–6 weeks
- Results continue to improve as swelling resolves
- Remodeling and improvement in contour and symmetry can continue for up to a year with proper exercise and a high-protein diet.
Results
An arm lift provides long-lasting improvement in upper-arm contour after weight loss or age-related laxity by removing excess skin and tightening and contouring the underlying tissue. Results become visible as swelling subsides and continue to improve over time.
Scarring is an expected part of arm lift surgery, but incisions are carefully placed and typically flatten and fade with proper care.
Maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving results.
Consultation
An arm lift is a highly personalized body contouring procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Z will evaluate your medical history, anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine the most appropriate surgical plan for safely achieving smooth, natural-looking arm contours.
