Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Commonly known as bat wings, arm sagging occurs due to ageing, weight loss, or genetic factors. Prof. Dr. Özay Özkaya offers a permanent solution to this concern with arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery, restoring firmness and definition to the upper arms.

What Is Bat Wing Deformity?

Commonly known as bat wings, this condition refers to loose, sagging skin on the inner and back areas of the upper arms, extending from the elbow to the armpit. It typically occurs due to ageing, as the skin loses elasticity over time, combined with gravity and sun exposure, leading to noticeable sagging.

In younger patients, the most common cause of arm sagging is significant weight loss, often following bariatric surgery or intense exercise and dieting.

Treatment depends on the degree of sagging, and options may include non-surgical treatments or arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery. Since not all cases require the same approach, the most suitable treatment is determined based on a detailed medical evaluation.

What Are the Scars Like After an Arm Lift Surgery?

Mild Minimal Skin Sagging

In thin patients with minimal age-related skin laxity, where there is no excess fat accumulation, laser therapy or radiofrequency treatments are often sufficient to tighten and rejuvenate the skin.

Mild Skin Laxity with Fat Deposits

For patients with both sagging skin and excess fat deposits, or cases where fat accumulation makes the arms appear bulkier and looser, liposuction is an essential part of the treatment.
This approach not only removes excess fat but also significantly tightens and firms the skin, improving overall arm contour.

Significant Skin Laxity, With or Without Fat Deposits

In cases of severe skin laxity, especially after massive weight loss, surgical intervention is necessary to remove excess skin and reshape the arms.
The procedure performed in these cases is called brachioplasty (arm lift surgery), which involves:
✔️ Excess skin removal for a firmer and more defined arm shape
✔️ Strategically placed incisions along the inner arm, making scars less visible from the front and back
✔️ Liposuction (if needed) to remove remaining fat deposits, ensuring a smoother and more contoured result

Each treatment plan is customised based on the patient’s individual condition, as determined through a detailed medical evaluation.

Will There Be Scarring After an Arm Lift?

• For minor sagging treated with liposuction or radiofrequency, no visible scars remain.
• For surgical arm lifts (brachioplasty), incisions are carefully hidden along the inner arm, making them barely noticeable unless the arms are raised.
• The appearance of scars depends on skin quality and pigmentation. Over time, scars fade to a fine line, typically becoming barely visible after 9-12 months.

Video: 4 Months After Arm Lift Surgery

Video: Shorter Scars with Mini Arm Lift