If you’ve recently lost a lot of weight but now struggle with the frustrating problem known as “bat wings” – drooping extra skin and fat in the upper arms – you’re not alone. At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center, premier plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Kimmel often helps patients reclaim the body they dream of following significant weight loss. If you feel embarrassed about hanging upper arm skin and fat or have resigned yourself to being stuck in long sleeves forever, we have good news: Arm lift surgery can complete your weight loss journey and help you feel more confident than ever. Here’s what you should know.
Many people who lose significant weight find that some body parts don’t bounce back or adapt to their new, much smaller size. This happens because the skin’s natural elasticity is lost after years of stretching to accommodate the extra weight. So, after working so hard to transform your body, your upper arms might seem like they’re conspiring against you, trying to keep you out of short sleeves forever. Arm lift surgery allows you to take control, reshape your arms, and ditch the reminders of your old body for good.
Brachioplasty (arm lift) reshapes and contours the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. It’s ideal for situations in which no amount of diet and exercise are improving the appearance of the arms, so many people opt for an arm lift post-weight loss. The surgery typically involves one long incision (from the top of the underarm to the elbow). Dr. Kimmel skillfully trims away extra skin and removes excess fat before tightening your remaining skin and creating more defined and youthful-looking arms.
An arm lift is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 2-3 hours in our state-of-the-art surgery center. You wear a compression garment afterward, which helps reduce swelling and keeps your arms in the optimal shape as they heal. Most patients return to regular activities in just a week or so.
An arm lift improves the appearance of your arms and can greatly boost your self-confidence. No more hiding your arms in long sleeves or feeling embarrassed about sagging skin. You can proudly wear sleeveless tops and dresses, showcasing your toned, sculpted arms. You’ve worked hard for this and deserve to enjoy your new body. An arm lift can be a major part of that.
Ready to complete your weight loss transformation? Check out our patient gallery of great arm lift results to get inspired, and connect with us online or call us at 570-622-2900 (Pottsville) or 570-455-4252 (Hazleton) to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kimmel today.