Brachioplasty, often called an arm lift, reshapes the upper arms by removing excess, drooping skin and fat. It also tightens the tissue underneath, creating smoother, more defined arms. This procedure helps with the “bat wing” look that can happen after losing a lot of weight, with age, or due to genetics” a problem that often doesn’t improve with exercise.
At The Collins Center, patients benefit from Dr. Beth Collins’ extensive surgical training, including rigorous training at a top plastic surgery program and a lifelong focus on body contouring. Her dedication to excellent medical care and caring for each patient’s experience leads to results that improve both physical comfort and self-esteem.
Treatable Areas
- Upper arms from armpit to elbow
- Inner arm surface (medial aspect)
- Back of the arm (posterior aspect)
- Underarm region near the armpit
- Areas with localized fat deposits
- Extended areas reaching the chest wall (in extensive cases)
- Tissue laxity following bariatric surgery or major weight loss
How Brachioplasty Works
Brachioplasty reshapes your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, then tightening the remaining tissue for a naturally contoured look. The surgical method depends on how loose your skin is: milder cases may only need incisions in the armpit, while more significant sagging often requires longer incisions from the armpit toward the elbow.
During the 2 to 4-hour outpatient surgery, performed under general anesthesia, Dr. Collins makes carefully planned incisions that follow your arm’s natural shape to minimize scarring. She often uses liposuction to remove stubborn fat while protecting blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic channels. Research suggests this reduces complications and improves results.
Internal sutures tighten the supportive tissue, and the remaining skin is carefully draped and closed, creating smooth arm contours that look improved right away, even with initial swelling. You’ll wear compression garments afterward to reduce swelling and support healing.
Whether you need surgical precision, metabolic wellness, or non-surgical refinement, we look at the big picture. Let’s design a unified treatment plan that addresses your health and beauty under one roof.
Results You’ll Love
- Dramatic elimination of hanging, sagging upper arm skin
- Sleeker, more toned arm appearance
- Smoother skin texture without the “bat wing” effect
- Enhanced confidence wearing sleeveless clothing and swimwear
- Better-fitting tops and dresses without fabric bunching
- Improved comfort during physical activities and exercise
- Greater ease with arm movement in some cases
- Lasting results that motivate ongoing healthy lifestyle habits
Are You a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
- You have noticeable loose, drooping skin hanging from your upper arms
- You’ve lost substantial weight and reached a stable weight you can maintain
- Diet and exercise haven’t improved your arm contour concerns
- The appearance of your arms prevents you from wearing certain clothing styles
- You’re in good general health without conditions that compromise healing
- You don’t smoke or can commit to quitting before surgery
- You accept that permanent scarring is necessary to achieve improved contours
- You hold realistic expectations about surgical possibilities and outcomes
Why Choose The Collins Center
- Expert body contouring specialization – Dr. Collins pursued intensive fellowship training dedicated exclusively to body reshaping procedures, establishing her as a regional leader in post-weight loss transformations
- Double board certification credentials – Her dual certifications from the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery demonstrate comprehensive surgical mastery developed through premier academic training
- Substantial surgical experience exceeding 25 years – Nearly two decades of focused plastic surgery practice has sharpened Dr. Collins’ surgical skills and aesthetic judgment
- Science-driven treatment methodology – All surgical recommendations rest on established medical evidence and proven techniques, avoiding unsubstantiated cosmetic trends
- Uniquely empathetic patient approach – As someone who has personally experienced major surgery and body transformation, Dr. Collins brings authentic understanding to each consultation
FAQs about Brachioplasty
How long is brachioplasty recovery?
Most patients need about 1 to 2 weeks away from work, though physically demanding jobs may require 3 weeks before resuming duties. Initial recovery involves managing swelling and discomfort during the first two weeks, with significant improvement by week three. Complete healing takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks, after which you can gradually resume all exercise and physical activities with your surgeon’s approval.
Where will my brachioplasty scars be located?
Incision placement depends on how much excess skin requires removal—minimal cases may have scars limited to the armpit area, while more extensive procedures create scars running along the inner or back surface of the upper arm from armpit toward elbow. Dr. Collins strategically positions incisions toward the back of the arm whenever possible, making them less visible from the front. Scars remain red initially but gradually fade to thin, pale lines over 12 to 24 months.
Will I have surgical drains after arm lift surgery?
Many brachioplasty patients receive temporary surgical drains to prevent fluid accumulation during initial healing. When used, drains typically stay in place for several days to one week and are removed once drainage diminishes to minimal levels. Your specific surgical technique and extent of tissue removal determine whether drains are necessary.
When can I return to exercise after brachioplasty?
Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promote healthy circulation. However, you must avoid raising your arms above shoulder height and refrain from upper body exercises, heavy lifting, and strenuous activities for the full 4 to 6 week recovery period. Premature activity risks reopening incisions or causing complications. Once cleared by Dr. Collins around the six-week mark, you can gradually resume full exercise routines.
What will my arms look like immediately after surgery?
Your new arm contours are visible right away despite significant swelling and bruising. Initial swelling peaks during the first few days, then gradually diminishes over the following weeks. By one month post-surgery, much of the swelling has resolved and your refined arm shape becomes increasingly apparent. Final results emerge around 3 to 6 months once all residual swelling completely disappears.
Can brachioplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, arm lift surgery is frequently paired with other body contouring procedures such as breast surgery, abdominoplasty, or thigh lift to comprehensively address multiple post-weight loss concerns in one surgical session. Combining procedures offers the advantage of a single recovery period and often creates more balanced, harmonious overall results. Dr. Collins carefully evaluates your health and goals to determine which combination approach is safest and most effective for your situation.
Are brachioplasty results permanent?
The skin and tissue removed during arm lift surgery are gone permanently. However, maintaining your results long-term requires keeping your weight stable through healthy eating and regular exercise. Significant weight gain, natural aging processes, and genetics can affect your arm appearance over time, though most patients enjoy their improved contours for many years.
Contact The Collins Center today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Collins and discover how brachioplasty can help you achieve the sculpted, confident arms you’ve been working toward.
