Brachioplasty for “Bat Wings”: Who Benefits, Scars, and Results
Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and shapes the upper arm when diet, training, and liposuction alone can’t. The goal is a smoother contour that looks natural at rest and in motion—without chasing tightness at the cost of a heavy scar.
Who is a good candidate
- Skin laxity along the inner upper arm that hangs or folds when the arm is raised
- Stable weight (massive weight-loss patients often need skin removal more than fat removal)
- Reasonable scar expectations: improvement in shape comes with a line-type scar
- Realistic goals focused on contour, not the scale
Arm shaping options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Upsides | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction only | Good skin quality with small fat pocket | Tiny incisions, faster recovery | Won’t tighten loose skin |
| Short-scar arm lift | Mild laxity near the armpit | Scar largely hidden in the axilla | Limited reach down the arm |
| Standard (medial) brachioplasty | Moderate–severe laxity from elbow to axilla | Best contour improvement along the arm | Scar along inner arm; quality varies by patient biology |
| Extended brachioplasty | Laxity extends onto chest/axilla folds | Addresses side-chest rolls with one plan | Longer scar; careful positioning required |
I often pair conservative liposuction with skin removal to blend edges and protect lymphatics.
How I plan the incision and contour
- Scar placement: along the inner arm where it hides on most poses; avoid the biceps front and triceps back surfaces
- Vector-based tightening: tailor the pull to flatten the bat-wing fold without over-tightening the armpit
- Blend with lipo: small-cannula shaping to avoid steps and dents
- Skin quality matters: thin, stretch-marked skin benefits most from excision; lipo alone can worsen laxity
General approach to safety is outlined in what makes plastic surgery safe.
Recovery and scar care
- Week 1: compression sleeves, arms elevated on pillows, walking multiple times daily
- Weeks 2–3: sutures/tapes transition; limit overhead reach and heavy lifting
- Weeks 6–8: gradual return to full activity and gym work as advised
- Scar program: silicone sheeting/gel, gentle taping, sun protection for 12+ months; lasers if needed
Risks and how we reduce them
- Scar quality: inner-arm skin can thicken—manage with silicone, massage, and early therapy when indicated
- Seroma or delayed healing: compression and careful drain/closure strategy
- Sensation changes: temporary numbness; protect the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve
- Contour irregularity: minimized with conservative lipo and layered closure
FAQ
Will liposuction alone tighten my arms
No. Lipo removes fat but doesn’t shrink loose skin. If laxity is the main issue, skin removal is the reliable tool.
How noticeable are the scars
They’re line-type scars that fade over time. Placement on the inner arm and a structured scar program help them settle.
Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures
Yes—common with breast or trunk contouring after weight loss. We sequence to protect healing and mobility.
If fat is the primary issue, see how liposuction helps build a better physique.
Dr. Tim Neavin is a board-certified plastic surgeon located in Beverly Hills, California.
