Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) for Firmer, Smoother Arms
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating smoother contours, improved tone, and lasting confidence.
Transform Loose Upper Arm Skin
A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is finding excess skin. At Balikian Plastic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) as a correction for people who cannot seem to tighten and tone the arm with exercise and diet.
Lax skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very common, particularly for anyone who’s advancing in age or has lost weight. Arm lift surgery removes this loose, hanging skin, commonly called “bat wings.”
Dr. Tyler Frew is very knowledgeable when it comes to fat removal and skin tightening surgical techniques.
What are the Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery?
A customized brachioplasty performed at our facility can help patients improve the contour of their upper arms and provide greater comfort. At Balikian Plastic Surgery, individuals who receive arm lifts benefit from a variety of amazing outcomes following their surgery:
- Tightens sagging skin
- Smooths skin and tissue under the arms
- Reduces excess fat and skin after significant weight loss
- Improves shape and tone of arms
- Eliminates inflammation and rashes due to rubbing of excess skin
- Boosts confidence with improved self-image
- Expands clothing options
- Scars are minimal and easily hidden
With personalized care and expert surgical technique, Dr. Frew helps patients achieve natural-looking results that not only enhance their appearance but also improve daily comfort and confidence. Schedule a consultation to learn how an arm lift can transform the way you look and feel.
Am I a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arms for a slimmer, more toned appearance.
If you’re bothered by sagging skin, often referred to as “bat wings,” and want to restore a firmer, healthier look, you may be a great candidate.
Ideal patients are in good overall health, at or near a stable weight, and seeking to correct loose, stretched skin that no longer responds to diet or exercise. This procedure is especially popular after significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity.
How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Typically, upper arm surgery is performed in an outpatient setting, unless multiple plastic surgeries need to happen at the same time.
An upper arm lift may be combined with other surgeries (often performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover, if Dr. Frew considers it safe.
For arm lifts, patients are typically under general anesthesia, and the procedure may take a few hours to complete. Dr. Frew will surgically excise the loose skin starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. He’ll strive to make the incision as concealed as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In almost all cases liposuction is needed to contour the arm before removing the loose skin.
After pulling the skin taut, Dr. Frew will stitch it back into place. You’ll need to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and wrapped with compression garments.
How Long is Recovery Following Arm Lift Surgery?
The typical recovery period takes about two weeks with lots of elevating the arm. Give yourself time to heal. You use your arms more than you think, so patients should slowly make their way back to their usual routines.
Compression garments must be worn until Dr. Frew releases you. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, you’ll need to avoid all strenuous activity, except short walks.
If you notice uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, hematoma (fluid buildup), signs of infection, numbness in your arms or hands, or unusual scarring, please contact Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery for assistance.
Say Goodbye to Bingo Wings
If you’re feeling frustrated by droopy skin or “bat wings” under your arms, Dr. Frew can help you attain the tighter, toned arms you want with plastic surgery. This advanced surgery offers emotional and physical benefits as well.
If you’re at or near your goal weight but still can’t get rid of the skin and flab that hangs from your upper arms, please call us and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Tyler Frew at Balikian Plastic Surgery. We look forward to helping you feel fitter and younger with arm lift surgery!
Elite Surgical Skill in Breast & Body Aesthetics
Dr. Tyler Frew is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.
He is known for delivering natural-looking results through advanced techniques in breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction, and mommy makeover procedures.
Dr. Frew combines surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care, helping each individual restore confidence and achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
Arm Lift Surgery FAQs
What is an arm lift (brachioplasty)?
An arm lift removes excess skin and, if needed, fat from the upper arms to create a slimmer, smoother contour.
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The cost of arm lift surgery depends on many factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Frew will start with a consultation to understand your needs and goals. Then, he’ll create your treatment plan and estimate your costs.
To make it easier to choose an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Frew and get your best results, Balikian Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and can also help you find low-interest medical financing.
Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is sometimes referred to as an upper-body lift and can include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift).
An arm lift is also commonly done as part of a post-weight-loss surgery for those who have lost a large amount of weight and need full body contouring. During your initial consultation with Dr. Frew, you can discuss other surgeries so he can develop a personal treatment plan to address all of your goals.
Will there be scars?
An arm lift requires incisions in order to excise loose skin, which means there will be stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Frew makes every effort to place the long incisions in inconspicuous areas.
Following your arm lift, we will recommend creams to assist in scar healing, along with other tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Frew also suggests you avoid UV exposure during the first year following surgery to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration.
Most patients believe the overall benefits of a more toned arm are worth the minimal scars created.
What results can I expect from an arm lift?
An arm lift helps to address loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and exercise in order to avoid dramatic weight loss or gain, which may affect your results.
After your surgery, once you’re fully healed and Dr. Frew authorizes it, you can begin weight training, which is a good way to tone your arms by building muscle.
Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are many nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, they’ll only give you mild improvements.
To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is likely your best choice. Along with eliminating loose skin, Dr. Frew also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes out the remaining skin and tissue.
If you’re interested in nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Frew can tell you about these during your consultation and help you choose which is best for your needs and goals.
Will an arm lift remove fat as well as skin?
Yes. Liposuction is often combined with skin removal to shape the arm and reduce excess fat.
How long is recovery after arm lift surgery?
Most patients return to light activities in about two weeks. Strenuous lifting or exercise is delayed four to six weeks.
Will I need to wear compression sleeves?
Yes. Compression garments help control swelling, support healing, and improve your final contour.
Is arm lift surgery painful?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and well managed with prescribed medication and proper aftercare.
Will an arm lift improve rashes or irritation?
Yes. Removing extra skin can stop rubbing, chafing, and recurrent irritation along the inner arms.
Will I have drains after my arm lift?
Drains are sometimes used but not always. Dr. Frew decides based on your specific surgical plan.
How noticeable are arm lift scars over time?
Scars fade and flatten over 12–18 months with proper care. Silicone gel and sun protection help them blend.
Why choose Dr. Frew for an arm lift?
Dr. Tyler Frew personalizes each brachioplasty, combining liposuction and advanced skin-tightening techniques to create natural, balanced results with safe recovery.
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The Balikian Experience
Patients trust Dr. Tyler Frew for his warm, personalized approach, advanced surgical techniques and results that look natural and refined.
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Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon