Brachioplasty
Body area: body
Overview
Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It addresses the 'bat wing' appearance of loose, sagging upper arm skin that does not respond to exercise, typically resulting from aging, weight loss, or genetic factors.
Who is it for?
Adults with significant excess upper arm skin and tissue laxity, commonly after massive weight loss or age-related skin changes.
Technique overview
An incision is made along the inner aspect of the upper arm, typically from the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. The scar runs along the inner arm.
What this procedure cannot do
Brachioplasty creates a long, visible scar along the inner upper arm — this is the procedure's defining trade-off. Patients with mild laxity or primarily fat (not skin) excess may be better served by liposuction alone, with a much shorter scar. Brachioplasty cannot improve underlying muscle tone, prevent future skin laxity from aging, or guarantee perfect symmetry between arms. Wound healing along the inner arm is sometimes difficult, and scar widening or migration is common. Compression and scar care during the first year significantly affect final scar quality.
Scars and incisions
The standard brachioplasty scar runs along the inner aspect of the upper arm, from the armpit to near the elbow. It is visible when the arms are raised or extended laterally. Mini-brachioplasty (for limited skin excess) confines the scar to the armpit area. Some surgeons use a curved S-shaped or T-shaped pattern to break the scar line. Scars stay pink and firm for 6+ months and continue to fade for up to 18 months.
Recovery
Most patients return to work within 1 to 2 weeks. Compression garments are worn for 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous arm activity for 6 weeks. Scars mature over 12 to 18 months.
Longevity of results
The skin removal is essentially permanent. Aging, weight changes, and gravity continue to affect the arms over time, but most patients enjoy long-term improvement in arm contour. Significant weight gain or loss after surgery can stretch or alter the result.
Typical price range
$5,000 - $12,000
Common goals
- Remove excess upper arm skin
- Improve arm contour and definition
- Address 'bat wing' appearance
- Restore a more proportionate arm shape
Risks
- Visible scarring along the inner arm
- Asymmetry
- Seroma
- Wound complications
- Numbness
- Nerve damage
How to choose a surgeon
Choose a surgeon board-certified by the ABPS who performs brachioplasty regularly. Ask whether you're a candidate for mini-brachioplasty or full-length scar, what their typical scar quality looks like at 1+ year (review their own photos honestly), what their wound complication rate is, and whether they routinely combine with liposuction for better contouring. Verify accredited facility and board-certified anesthesia.
Frequently asked questions
Can liposuction alone give me thinner arms?
If your concern is primarily fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction alone can produce dramatic improvement with only tiny incisions. If you have significant loose skin (the 'bat wing' appearance that doesn't tighten when you raise your arm), liposuction alone usually leaves the skin even more loose and crepey — brachioplasty is needed to remove the skin. An honest assessment of skin quality is the key decision factor.
How visible will the scar be?
The scar is visible when arms are raised, extended laterally, or in sleeveless clothing. Some patients consider this an acceptable trade for the contour improvement; others find it more bothersome than the original problem. Sun protection, scar-care treatments, and time all improve scar appearance, but the scar is permanent. Look honestly at your surgeon's own scar photos at 1+ year to set expectations.
Will I need to wear long sleeves forever?
Most patients are comfortable in short sleeves and casual sleeveless clothing once the scar matures (around 12 months). Strapless or arms-extended-overhead photos may show the scar more obviously. Patient comfort with the scar varies; for many it improves dramatically as the scar fades over the first year.
Can I combine this with other procedures?
Yes — brachioplasty is often combined with other body contouring (tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast surgery) in massive-weight-loss patients. Combining adds operative time but spares additional recoveries. Your surgeon should discuss what's safe for your overall plan.
Editorial disclaimer: This page is educational content reviewed by the MDcontour editorial team. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon about your individual situation.