Can Arm Lift Surgery Reduce My Bat Wings?

Who doesn't want to show off toned, well-defined upper arms in warmer months? For some people, it might be possible by merely lifting weights and exercising, but for others, it can be a more difficult task. Individuals can develop loose skin along the upper inner arm area due to gravity, age, or significant weight loss. Flabby, upper arms, also known as "bat wings," can make individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance, or even make it difficult to wear certain clothing. Patients even endure dermatological issues, like chaffed skin, rashes, and skin irritations. However, the good news is Beverly Hills women and men don't have to be stuck with flabby underarms, and plastic surgeon Dr. J. Timothy Katzen can help.

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, can minimize this irritating condition called bat wings. While arm liposuction focuses on removing any excess arm fat, an upper arm lift concentrates on tightening up loose and removing draping arm skin. For some patients, both techniques are done simultaneously for optimal contouring results. At J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills, patients can get cosmetic help to tighten and tone their upper arms and feel better about how their arms look.

What is arm lift surgery?

An arm lift helps individuals with excess, loose skin from the elbow to the upper arm or armpit. Excess upper arm skin and fat is a common issue for men and women after losing a significant amount of weight or getting older. A brachioplasty removes drooping underarms created by sagging, excess skin. During a brachioplasty, there is a delicate balance achieved between removing loose arm skin through excision and removing arm fat with arm liposuction. Dr. Katzen is a plastic surgeon who is highly regarded and well-known for his innovative arm skin removal techniques. The most effective method of addressing bat wing arms, and giving patients a boost of self-confidence, can be achieved with an arm lift surgery.

Why is bat wing skin removal more common for women?

Women are more than likely to develop flabby upper arms. One of the main reasons revolves around hormones. Women have lower levels of testosterone, making them more likely to store fat. Usual places for this to occur is in the hips, thighs, and upper arms. However, drooping upper arm skin isn't always due to excess fat in that area. Some women develop the dreaded bat wings after losing a significant amount of weight. Skin loses elasticity after weight loss, and in some cases, it is unable to snap back to conform to a person's new body shape. As we grow older, our bodies begin to lose muscle mass starting in our 30s.

Can exercise and healthy diet help?

In some cases, individuals can sculpt their upper arms with diet and exercise. However, countless reps of tricep extensions won't fix flabby skin or eliminate stubborn arm fat. Those types of exercises only make the targeted muscles bigger. Even healthy, fit individuals can struggle with saggy upper arms. If that is the case, it might take a surgical option, like an arm lift, to give patients the results they need. Arm lift surgery involves eliminating unwanted skin and innovative techniques to slim down the upper arm area. When it comes to reshaping this target zone, patients have two choices. Arm liposuction is a good contouring option if your arm skin has good elasticity and you are only dealing with stubborn fatty tissue. If loose, flabby skin is the main issue, then a brachioplasty is the best solution.

What results can I expect with arm lift surgery?

Saggy, loose skin from the elbow to the armpit is prevalent among patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or by the natural process of aging. In the Beverly Hills area, men and women can have more toned, tighter-looking arms with help from arm liposuction, a brachioplasty, or both. An arm lift procedure can:

• Remove excess fat from the back, front, and inside of the arm

• Remove excess, loose skin from the inner arm

• Tighten underlying supportive tissue to give patients a more contoured arm appearance

Recovery after arm lift surgery takes about 1 – 2 weeks. Most patients are back to work and doing light activities after a week, but should refrain from going to the gym or lifting weights for about 4 – 6 weeks.

If you are considering an arm lift procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. J. Timothy Katzen. Dr. Katzen is a plastic surgeon who offers his surgical experience and expertise with a wide variety of body contouring procedures at his private practice in Beverly Hills, CA. During a thorough consultation, patients can discuss their concerns while Dr. Katzen determines the right surgical plan to provide optimal results. Feel free to contact our office today, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Call today to schedule a consultation. Physical or virtual consultations can be arranged. Options include FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp virtual consultation. Call Dr. Katzen today for your consultation to achieve the arms of your dreams.

BEFORE AND AFTER