With aging or weight fluctuations, many women develop loose, sagging skin between the upper arm and elbow—commonly known as “bat wings.” This skin laxity can be hard to conceal, especially during warmer months.
At American Medical Center, brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is performed to tighten and contour the upper arms, restoring a firmer and more youthful appearance with smoother, defined contours.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty if you:
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Have sagging skin or fat in the upper arms
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Are in good general health and at a stable weight
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Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
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Have realistic expectations for surgical outcomes
While the procedure can dramatically improve arm shape, it will not restore the skin tone of your youth or build muscle definition on its own.
How Is Brachioplasty Performed?
This outpatient procedure is done under general anesthesia and typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
During surgery, an incision is made on the inside or back of the upper arm—based on where the skin laxity is most present. The underlying tissues are tightened, and the skin is smoothed and sutured.
The length of the incision depends on the amount of correction needed. Some patients choose to combine their arm lift with liposuction for additional contouring of the arms or nearby areas.
Your surgical plan will be personalized to your needs, and your doctor will go over all details during the preoperative consultation.
Recovery After an Arm Lift
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Expect to rest for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your healing process
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Arms will be bandaged, and compression garments are usually recommended to reduce swelling
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Pain medication will be prescribed, and you’ll receive instructions for post-operative care
Avoid straining your arms during recovery. Full healing may take several months, and you’ll need to attend follow-up visits to ensure proper progress.
Expected Results
Initial swelling and bruising may conceal your results, but as healing continues, you’ll see:
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A tighter, more toned upper arm
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Improved arm contours and skin firmness
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Greater visibility of existing muscle definition
Results are long-lasting with stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, though aging and future weight changes can affect long-term outcomes.