Does an Arm Lift Remove Fat, Loose Skin, or Both?

Sagging upper arms, often called bat wings, can make you feel self-conscious. If you're considering an arm lift, you may be curious whether surgery can manage loose skin, fat, or both at the same time. 

The answer is that while an arm lift is designed to remove excess skin, liposuction can be added to the procedure to address unwanted fat pockets. 

At Bloomfield Plastic Surgery, Dr. Julio M. Sosa, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is proud to create personalized arm lift plans for patients. Call today to learn more about body contouring in West Bloomfield, MI, and schedule a consultation. 

What is an arm lift? 

Many patients ask, "What is an arm lift?" when they first start researching options. Also called brachioplasty, this surgery removes loose skin from the underside of the upper arm, usually between the elbow and armpit. The remaining skin is then pulled smooth for a firmer, more toned appearance. 

Bat wings tend to develop after major weight loss or as skin loses elasticity with age. Because exercise can build muscle but can't shrink stretched skin or reliably slim stubborn fat pockets, arm lift surgery is often the most reliable way to change the shape of the arms. 

How an arm lift addresses loose skin and fat 

Dr. Sosa will recommend an approach based on your needs and goals. Common options for an arm lift include:  

• Arm lift alone: This works best when the main concern is loose skin with little extra fat underneath. 
• Liposuction alone: If your skin still has good elasticity and the issue is mostly fat pockets, liposuction may be enough to slim the arms. 
• Arm lift with liposuction: Many patients have both sagging skin and extra fat. Combining the two allows Dr. Sosa to remove fat first, then lift and tighten the skin for a smoother contour. 

An arm lift is also a popular addition to other body contouring procedures, like a tummy tuck or thigh lift, for anyone treating several areas after weight loss. 

What surgery and recovery are like 

Arm lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia and takes a few hours. Dr. Sosa places the incision along the inner arm or back of the arm where it's less noticeable. If needed, liposuction removes fat pockets before the extra skin is trimmed away and the area is closed with sutures. The incision will leave a scar, but it typically fades over time. 

Plan on roughly two weeks away from work, and keep your arms elevated to help with swelling. You may need to wear compression garments to support healing. Lifting and strenuous exercise should wait for up to six weeks, though short walks are encouraged early on. Many patients wear loose, button-front shirts during recovery, since pulling clothes over the head can be uncomfortable. Optimal results will show as swelling settles over the next few months. 

Get firmer, smoother arms in West Bloomfield, MI 

If you have questions such as, "What is an arm lift?" or "How long is recovery?" our team is happy to help. At Bloomfield Plastic Surgery in West Bloomfield, MI, Dr. Julio M. Sosa, a board-certified plastic surgeon, can help you address bat wings that diet and exercise haven't changed. He also offers other body contouring options if you'd like to treat more than one area. Call today to book your consultation.