Arm Lift

Our Procedure

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Arm Lift

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An Arm Lift, or brachioplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a more toned and contoured appearance. This procedure addresses the common concern of sagging upper arms, often referred to as "bat wings," which can result from significant weight loss, aging, or genetic factors.

Unlike arm liposuction which only removes fat, an arm lift addresses both excess skin and fat, making it ideal for patients with moderate to severe skin laxity. The procedure reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow, resulting in smoother skin and more proportionate contours.

At Neoderma Clinica, our experienced plastic surgeons customize each arm lift to meet your specific needs, whether you require a minimal incision technique for mild laxity or a traditional approach for more extensive concerns. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires dedicated recovery time to ensure optimal results.

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Procedure Details

During an Arm Lift procedure, our plastic surgeon will:

Make incisions along inner arm
Remove excess skin
Eliminate excess fat
Tighten underlying tissues
Reshape arm contour
Close incisions with sutures

Recovery & Results

After your Arm Lift procedure:

Wear compression garments
Rest for 1-2 weeks
Limit arm movements initially
Avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks
Initial results immediately visible
Final results in 3-6 months
Popular FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Arm liposuction and arm lift (brachioplasty) address different concerns. Liposuction only removes excess fat through small incisions, resulting in minimal scarring. It's ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who primarily have excess fat. An arm lift removes both excess skin and fat through longer incisions, resulting in more visible scarring. It's appropriate for patients with moderate to severe skin laxity, often after significant weight loss or due to aging. In some cases, these procedures can be combined for optimal results—liposuction to remove fat and an arm lift to address skin laxity.

An arm lift does result in visible scarring, which is the trade-off for removing significant excess skin. The extent of scarring depends on the amount of correction needed. For minimal skin excess, a limited-incision arm lift may place scars only in the armpit area. For moderate to severe skin laxity, the incision typically runs from the armpit to the elbow, along the inner or back of the arm where it's less visible with arms at rest. Initially, scars will be red and raised but gradually fade to thin white lines over 12-18 months. We provide detailed scar care instructions and may recommend silicone sheets or gels to optimize healing.

Arm lift results can be long-lasting, especially when maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The procedure permanently removes excess skin and fat, but it doesn't stop the natural aging process or the effects of gravity. Significant weight fluctuations can stretch the remaining skin and compromise your results. To maintain optimal outcomes, we recommend maintaining a stable weight through proper diet and regular exercise, protecting your skin from sun damage, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding smoking. With proper care, most patients enjoy their improved arm contours for many years.

An arm lift should not permanently affect your arm strength or mobility. During the initial recovery period (4-6 weeks), you'll need to limit certain movements and avoid heavy lifting to allow proper healing. Once fully healed, you should regain complete arm function. The procedure primarily addresses skin and subcutaneous fat—it doesn't alter the underlying muscles, tendons, or joints responsible for arm strength and movement. In fact, many patients find that removing excess skin makes physical activities more comfortable. Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions and gradually returning to normal activities will ensure optimal functional and aesthetic results.