Banish “Bat Wings” With an Arm Lift

By Dr. Sato

Did you work hard to lose a massive amount of weight, only to be left with sagging flaps of skin under your arms? Or maybe you’re growing older and your skin isn’t as firm as it used to be? One of the unintended consequences of rapid weight loss is excessive and loose skin that hangs down from the upper arm area called “bat wings.” It’s an unfortunate name, and sadly, it conjures up images of flabbiness and jiggly body parts. It’s not from a failure of exercise and diet either, it could be that your body is fit and toned, but your arms have yet to catch up.

If you have “bat wings,” you might feel the need to hide your arms by wearing long sleeves, and at the same time have to deal with the frustration of not fitting into them. You’re not alone, and every year tens of thousands of people seeking to fix their excessive skin problem undergo a surgery called brachioplasty.

What Is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is a simple cosmetic surgery that removes excessive skin in the arms to return them to their toned shape.

What Happens in a Brachioplasty?

First, liposuction will be used to remove any possible excess fat. Then, a hidden incision on the inside of the upper arm will be made. Next, excess skin will be trimmed, and the skin and underlying layers of tissue will be pulled taut and sutured.

Sometimes a brachioplasty is performed along with post-bariatric surgery to correct loose skin in other parts of the body.

The length of the incision will depend on a few things, like your skin’s elasticity and the amount of excess skin. Your surgeon will also determine the best to place the incision to hide it as much as possible.

How Long Does it Take To Heal?

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to heal from a brachioplasty, and it takes another 4-6 weeks before you can undergo strenuous activity. After the surgery, you’ll be bandaged and receive a compression garment to reduce swelling.

Both aging and the consequences of weight loss are things that are out of our control. Cosmetic surgery can offer you a chance to change how you feel about your body. If you’re ready to take control of your look and show off a set of toned, chiseled arms, then contact Dr. Erika Sato for a consultation on brachioplasty and other post-bariatric procedures.