
Brachioplasty - Arm Lift Surgery
Brachioplasty (arm lift) removes excess hanging skin and fat from the upper arms to eliminate "bat wings" and create smooth, toned arm contours. This procedure is life-changing for patients who have lost significant weight or experienced age-related skin laxity, allowing them to wear sleeveless clothing confidently.
While the surgery does leave a scar along the inner arm, modern techniques place the incision strategically to minimize visibility, and most patients agree the trade-off for tight, youthful arms is absolutely worth it.
What Brachioplasty Corrects
- "Bat Wings": Hanging skin under upper arms that jiggles when you wave
- Excess Fat Deposits: Stubborn arm fat resistant to exercise
- Loose, Sagging Skin: From aging, weight loss, or genetics
- Poor Arm Definition: Arms lack shape despite muscle tone
Types of Arm Lift
Standard Brachioplasty
Incision: From armpit to elbow along inner arm
Best for: Moderate to severe skin laxity (most common after massive weight loss)
Removes maximum skin and provides most dramatic tightening. Scar runs along inner arm but fades over time and hidden when arms at sides.
Mini Arm Lift
Incision: Limited to armpit area only (3-4 inches)
Best for: Mild laxity isolated to upper arm near armpit
Minimal scarring but limited correction. Good for younger patients with localized concerns.
Extended Brachioplasty
Incision: Extends from elbow to chest wall along side of torso
Best for: Massive weight loss patients with excess skin extending to chest/back
Addresses entire upper body contour for comprehensive transformation.
The Procedure
Step 1: Liposuction (if needed)
For patients with excess fat, liposuction performed first to remove fat deposits and improve arm contour before skin excision.
Step 2: Skin Excision
Incision made along inner arm. Excess skin removed in elliptical pattern. Amount removed depends on degree of laxity (can be several inches of skin).
Step 3: Tissue Tightening
Underlying supportive tissue tightened with internal sutures for long-lasting lift and smooth contour.
Step 4: Closure
Multi-layer closure technique minimizes tension on scar. Dissolving sutures internally, fine sutures externally (removed 10-14 days). Drains placed to prevent fluid buildup.
Recovery Timeline
Compression garment on arms 24/7. Drains in place (removed day 3-7). Arms must be kept elevated (sleep in recliner or propped on pillows). Moderate swelling, bruising. Limited arm movement.
Sutures removed. Can return to light desk work. Swelling 50% resolved. Still avoid lifting >5lbs. Compression garment during day.
Resume normal daily activities. Light exercise allowed (walking, gentle yoga). Scars pink and raised - this is normal.
Resume all exercise including weights. Scars fading from red to pink. Apply silicone scar gel to improve healing.
Final Result: Scars matured to thin white lines. Arms sleek and toned. Wear sleeveless clothing confidently!
About the Scar
The scar is the trade-off for arm lift surgery. Important facts:
- Runs along inner arm from armpit toward elbow
- Strategically placed on least visible part of arm
- Initially red/pink, fades to thin white line over 12-18 months
- Hidden when arms at sides - visible when arms raised
- Most patients agree toned arms worth visible scar when raised
- Proper scar care (silicone gel, sun protection) optimizes healing
Am I a Candidate?
Good candidates:
- Significant upper arm skin laxity (hanging bat wings)
- Stable weight for 6+ months (not actively losing)
- Realistic expectations about scarring
- Non-smoker (smoking impairs healing)
- Good overall health
Consider liposuction instead if: Good skin elasticity with excess fat only (skin can shrink after lipo)
Why Choose Soufia Clinic?
- Lifetime Warranty
- JCI Accredited Safety
- VIP Airport Transfer
- Luxury Hotel Stay
Maintaining Results
Arm lift results are permanent with stable weight. To maximize longevity:
- Maintain stable weight (10-15lb fluctuation okay)
- Strength training to build arm muscle definition
- Moisturize skin to maintain elasticity
- Sun protection for scars (UV darkens scars)
Ready to Change Your Life?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation and treatment plan today.
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