Arm Lift Surgery or Brachioplasty to Tighten and Contour the Arms

As we age excess fat and laxity cause the skin on the back of our arms to hang and jiggle, this is also referred to as the “batwing”. Laxity of the skin can also happen after significant weight gain and loss, which causes the skin to stretch. However, no matter how trim someone is, the “batwing” appearance on the arms can occur. Exercise and weight training can certainly help improve muscle tone and the shape of the arms, but it can never reverse the appearance of loose, sagging skin.

What is an arm lift/brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery, is a procedure to tighten and lift the skin on the back portion of the arms by removing excess tissue. Excess fat deposits can also be removed with liposuction or various liposuction techniques during this procedure.

How is an arm lift/brachioplasty performed?

Brachioplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general or local anesthesia depending on the needs of the patient. During the procedure Dr. John Q. Cook makes an incision in the inner arm or back of the arm to remove the excess tissue. The length of the incision may extend from the underarm (axilla) to above the elbow. A minimal incision can also be made in the underarm area depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be tightened and/or removed. Liposuction or other various liposuction techniques can be combined with the arm lift procedure to reduce excess fat.

How long does it take to recover after an arm lift/brachioplasty?

After the procedure, patients will need to take anywhere between one to two weeks off work depending on the nature of their position. During recovery, patients are required to wear compression garments 24 hours a day to minimize swelling, anywhere between two to four weeks post procedure. After week one some light, easy walking can aid in the healing process as it promotes blood circulation. However, any stretching and bearing of weight to the arms during this period should be avoided. After six to eight weeks patients may resume their exercise routines once approved by the surgeon.

How long until I see the full results from my arm lift/brachioplasty?

Initial results may be visible immediately post operative, but for some it could be difficult to detect due to post operative swelling. Most patients are able the see significant results of their arm lift surgery after six to eight weeks.  As with most plastic surgery procedures, it often takes 6 months or even longer to see the final results.  You can best maintain these results with optimal patterns of diet and exercise.

Are there other treatment options for an Arm Lift?

BodyTite^® is a less invasive procedure that can be considered for fat reduction and to tighten the skin. SmartLipo^® and SlimLipo^® are laser liposuction techniques that can also be used under local anesthesia for patients who have relatively small areas of excess fat.

Patients who have minimal sagging and wish to avoid surgical options can consider Morpheus^® which is a non-surgical treatment that combines the technology of microneedling with radio frequency energy to tighten and tone the skin.