Arm lift surgery, also referred to as “brachioplasty,” is a body contouring surgery performed to eliminate excess skin, fat, and tissue after significant weight loss, providing patients with a slimmer, more defined skin tone in the upper arms. This can reduce the appearance of “bat wings,” which refer to isolated fat buildup in the area.
An arm lift can also be performed to tighten the contour of the arms after the effects of aging or pregnancy. Dr. Wesley Schooler, a board-certified Santa Barbara plastic surgeon, offers a myriad of body sculpting options to trim excess skin in the upper arms, and we invite patients who prefer non-surgical solutions to ask our team about BodyTite® — a minimally invasive skin tightening treatment.
What are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?
An arm lift can utilize the removal of excess skin and fat to get rid of sagging tissue in the upper arms, an aesthetic sometimes known as “bat wings.” After arm lift surgery, patients can expect circumferential improvement in the form of:
- Tighter, more toned upper arm contours
- Restored support for weakened musculature
- Greater definition around the perimeter of the upper arms
- Less skin inflammation and irritation caused by sagging skin
Our before-and-after photos of the brachioplasty procedure can showcase the high-quality results possible with surgery. Since weight loss and aging can often cause excess sagging skin in other regions of the body — such as the breasts, tummy, buttocks, and thighs — an arm lift is commonly combined into a larger treatment plan, or a Mommy Makeover. Dr. Schooler can help you develop your surgical plan once your concerns have been evaluated in a consultation.
How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Brachioplasty is performed through a combination of skin excision and liposuction techniques. During surgery, Dr. Schooler generally makes an incision along the upper arms. He then restores support for musculature in the area while removing excess skin and fat deposits. This leaves behind slimmer, leaner, and more sculpted upper arms once fully healed from surgery. Dr. Schooler can show you the results achieved with previous patients during your consultation so you have an idea of what to expect from the final outcome. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
What Can I Expect From the Arm LIft Recovery Period?
Swelling, tenderness, soreness, and bruising are possible after surgery. Patients are usually able to return home on the same day of their procedure and begin their recovery from home. Plenty of rest is vital, but we encourage patients to practice light ambulation as soon as they feel up to it. Most men and women can return to non-strenuous work after one week (or less), but exercise and more strenuous jobs should be postponed for at least four to six weeks. Dr. Schooler will monitor your progress during the healing process through regular follow-up appointments.
Brachioplasty offers a pathway to a leaner, more sculpted contour around the upper arms after massive weight loss. Contact Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Schooler, or to learn more about our post-weight loss body contouring options.