Brachioplasty / Arm Lift Results for Hanging Arm Skin After Major Weight Loss*

A brachioplasty can make a meaningful difference when loose skin on the arms continues to hang after major weight loss. Our patient is a 31-year-old Hispanic female who had previously been morbidly obese, with a highest weight of 270 pounds. Through diet and exercise, she reduced her weight to 190 pounds, but the excess skin on her arms remained a concern. She chose Dr. Katzen for an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, and was placed under general anesthesia for surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Katzen removed the extra skin and tissue from the upper arms to improve sagging and create a smoother arm contour. For post-weight-loss patients, an upper arm lift is designed to treat loose skin that exercise cannot remove. The procedure can reshape the arm from the armpit toward the elbow and help the upper arms look more proportional to the rest of the body. Her photos were taken 2 months after surgery, and she achieved remarkable results. Our patient’s arms now have a cleaner shape, less hanging skin, and a smoother overall contour. This case highlights why arm lift surgery is commonly included in body contouring after weight loss. After a patient loses significant weight, brachioplasty can help remove excess skin that may make the arms feel heavy, loose, or difficult to dress. Dr. Katzen’s goal is to create a balanced result while addressing the patient’s specific concerns, anatomy, and post-weight-loss body contouring goals.