What is Arm Lift Surgery?
A frustrating side effect of aging and/or losing weight is loose skin. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics, we offer upper arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as a procedure for people who are having difficulty toning or tightening their upper arms with natural methods. While loose skin is common in both men and women, it's often the cause of self-consciousness and embarrassment for many people. Upper arm reduction removes this excess skin, often known as "bat wings." Dr. Kamal Sawan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Oklahoma City, OK, is very skilled in fat removal and skin tightening techniques. If you would like to hear more about how arm lift surgery can change the appearance of your upper arms, please call and schedule a consultation at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics. In fact, armlift or brachioplasty was the number one procedure performed by Dr. Kamal Sawan in 2025 in Oklahoma City, followed by lower-body lift or 360 abdominoplasty.
Arm Lift Reviews
Can I Get an Arm Lift?
If you are tired of covering up your flabby arms, even in the warmest weather, and want them to look trim and taut again, you may be a great candidate for arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgery uses innovative techniques to slim your arms by removing excess skin. You should be in overall good health so that your body will heal well. Some of the main reasons patients want an arm lift are excess, loose skin on their upper arms, as well as minimal tightness of the skin. It is important to note that you are at or close to your goal weight prior to your procedure.
How Does An Arm Lift Work?
Your arm lift surgery will most likely be completed as an outpatient procedure unless you have several cosmetic surgeries scheduled for the same time, like a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover. Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can require several hours to finish. The excess skin will be excised, starting at the elbow all the way up to the underarm. The incision will be placed to be as hidden as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is wanted to remove stubborn fat, this will be performed also. Once complete, the skin will be pulled taut and sutured together. You will have to keep the incisions cleaned, covered, and wrapped with compression garments.
What Should I Expect After Arm Lift Surgery?
Your recovery will likely last around two weeks with lots of rest to allow your body time to properly heal. You use your arms for many things so we encourage you to ease your way back to your usual activities. An appointment to remove your sutures will be made for about ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be worn until you receive permission from Dr. Sawan to stop wearing them. You will need to avoid all exercise and strenuous activity for about 4 – 5 weeks, except for taking short walks. If you have excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the hands or arms, or heavy scarring, please contact Sawan Surgical Aesthetics for help as soon as you're able.
Arm Lift FAQs
How long after weight loss can I get arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery is typically considered once your weight has been stable for several months. This helps ensure that results are long-lasting and not affected by further changes. Our team looks at skin elasticity, remaining laxity, and overall health rather than the number on the scale alone. Stability is often more important than timing tied to a specific weight goal.
Are there any nonsurgical alternatives to arm lift?
Nonsurgical treatments may offer mild skin tightening for early laxity, but they cannot remove excess skin. These options can be helpful for select patients who are not ready for surgery or have minimal concerns. Our team will explain what nonsurgical treatments can realistically achieve and whether surgery may provide more meaningful improvement.
Will my arms look natural after an arm lift?
When performed with careful planning and technique, arm lift results are designed to look smooth, proportionate, and natural. Scars are placed strategically and fade over time, while improved contour becomes the focus. Our team prioritizes balanced shaping rather than over-tightening to maintain a natural appearance that fits your body.
Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 1-2 Weeks
- How Long It Takes
- 1.5-3 Hours
- Follow Up Time
- 1 Week
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Outpatient
Get a Toned and Tightened Look
Whether you call them "bat wings," flab, or droopy skin, plastic surgeon Dr. Sawan can help you change your appearance with upper arm lift surgery. This exciting procedure offers emotional and physical benefits while tightening the loose skin of your upper arm. If you are at or close to your goal weight but still cannot get rid of the flab and skin that hang off your upper arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with Dr. Kamal Sawan at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics.