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Brachioplasty is the plastic surgery term for an arm lift. For large excesses of upper arm skin, there is no better treatment. While liposuction can address excess fat in the upper arm, it cannot reduce loose skin.

For women and men who have lost a significant amount of weight, the upper arm is an area that can be problematic. With weight gain, the skin expands to cover the increased size. This happens any place on the body that fat is stored, not just the upper arms. The arms, abdomen, breasts, thighs, face and back are frequently lifted and tucked after massive weight loss and post-bariatric surgery. The tailoring of excess skin is an important component of cosmetic plastic surgery, and can dramatically improve appearance. If you have lost a large amount of weight, removing the excess skin completes the transition.

Before and After Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Right Arm after weight loss and before Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Right Arm after weight loss and before Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Right Arm after weight loss and after Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Right Arm after weight loss and after Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Above is a woman who has lost about half her weight. She was left with a large amount of skin on her upper arms, sometimes referred to as “bat wings”. Brachioplasty (arm lift) before and after pictures are shown. The picture on the left shows the amount of excess skin present before her arm lift. The picture on the right reveals her appearance after brachioplasty. The incision is placed along the inferior border of the arm to keep it out of sight.

After Weight Loss, When is it Time to Consider a Lift?

If you have recently lost weight, or have had bariatric surgery, it is worth giving your body a year to adjust. This gives your skin a chance to contract, and your body’s digestive system a chance to absorb the nutrients you need to heal. If it has been a year, and there is still too much skin, cosmetic plastic surgery can help.

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