How to Get Rid of Excess Arm Skin (Bat Wings)

So you’ve been working out regularly and sticking to a healthy diet and you start to see desirable results, except for one place – your arms. No matter what you do, those flaps on your upper arms, also called “bat wings” just won’t go! But don’t worry. A lot of people face the same obstacle as you do in building a fit and gorgeous body, and these people have found a solution in an arm lift procedure.

Excess skin and fat on the arms which leave the upper arm saggy and droopy with flaps are usually a result of aging or a significant fluctuation in weight. In some people, genetics and thin skin also have a role to play.

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that requires incisions along your inner upper arm to get rid of excess skin and fat. The result is a toned and contoured look and feel of your arms.

If you choose to undergo the procedure, it will be performed in an operation room while you are under general anesthesia. This will help ease any potential discomfort that you may feel. Depending on your needs, the surgical process will generally take about two to three hours. Your surgeon will remove the excess skin and fat that resides in the inner upper arm – from your elbows to your underarms.

If there is a large amount of excess skin, your surgeon may even remove the tissue from your armpit. After the surgery is completed, you will be given a compression garment for help regulating any swelling you may experience in the operated area.

The Best Candidates for the Procedure

It is important to keep in mind that an arm lift is most suitable for people with a healthy body weight. Those who are in good physical shape will see the best results. Note that an arm lift is not a surgical procedure for losing weight. It is only used to remove excess fat and unwanted sagging skin from the upper arms.

If your goal is to lose weight or you aren’t in good general health, it is recommended that you postpone undergoing the treatment. You should always remember to be realistic in your expectations and carefully choose a procedure that suits your best interests.

Different Types of Arm Lifts

There are three different types of arm lift techniques available for you to choose from depending on your needs.

• Standard Arm Lift: Using this technique, your doctor will remove excess skin and fat located between your elbow and arm pit. It is the most common and widely used arm lift technique.

• Extended Arm Lift: Apart from removing fats from the upper arm, this procedure involves removing fats from the upper chest and underarm region as well. This type of arm lift is generally required for people who have undergone tremendous weight loss and have recently undergone bariatric surgery.

• Limited Incision Arm Lift: As the name implies, this procedure involves an incision limited to the arm pit area only. People who have only a small amount of loose or flabby skin hanging from their upper arms usually opt for this type of arm lift. It leaves behind minimal post-surgical marks.

Contact Our Office

If you are unhappy with the look of your arms, an arm lift can be the surgery you need to obtain the aesthetically pleasing look you desire. Contact us to learn more about the benefits you’ll experience after undergoing the surgery. Dr. Stephen Herring, a highly skilled plastic surgeon, will guide you through the entire process from beginning to end.