Arm lift - is there a procedure to fix the bat wings through the armpit?

While minimal procedures such as armpit lift sound wonderful, they typically have poor results.

Unfortunately, massive weight loss can leave hanging skin on arms. Best improvement is with arm lift extending into the armpit. Trade off is scarring but usually well tolerated for results.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to better discuss your options and expectations.

Thank you for your inquiry! Brachioplasty removes the excess skin from the arm. The incision typically goes down the arm to contour it and remove all the excess skin. Schedule a consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals!

It’s best to see a board certified plastic surgeon. Sometimes excess skin can be removed by making incision in armpit, but If you have a significant amount of skin to be removed, a traditional Brachioplasty would be best. As for if you can have a breast implants placed at the same time, that’s hard to say. Typically yes. If you have great looking, symmetrical breasts, that need no lifting or pocket modifications, yes. If you are going to need more work like a lift or significant work to make symmetrical, on top of a large brachioplasty, it may be a no. If you would like to be seen for a consultation so I can give you a definitive answer on what procedures could be done safely to achieve your goals, feel free to reach out for a consult. Smith Plastic Surgery 702-838-2454

Hi ncparalegal,
Thank you for your question regarding whether there is a procedure to fix the bat wings (excess arm skin and fat) through the armpit. Thank you for your question and your history. With pictures, it would be easier to answer your questions. However, I will try my best without arm pictures. With your history of two significant periods of weight loss, I assume you have excess arm skin and fat. There are several different types of arms reductions that can be performed. Each arm lift is individualized based on the individual anatomical requirements of each patient.
There is an armpit incision for arm reduction called a crescent arm lift. Skin and fat are removed from the upper inner arm during a crescent arm lift. A crescent arm lift helps to tighten the upper third of the arm. The main advantage of the crescent arm lift is that the arm scar can be concealed. The main disadvantage of the crescent arm lift is that it does not tighten the middle or the skin around the elbow too much. The crescent arm lift only tightens the skin around the upper third of the arm. Most weight loss patients need more than a crescent arm lift. Most weight loss patients need a more definitive arm reduction. Therefore, if you want a more definitive arm lift, arm liposuction should be combined with an incision from the elbow to the armpit. Either way, arms reduction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Drains are not required for an arm lift surgery. Your recovery should be about two weeks. I hope I have answered your question regarding what procedure could be done to fix the bat wings and whether the arm reduction procedure could be done through the armpit. When seeking a plastic surgeon to perform your crescent arm lift, please be sure your chosen plastic surgeon is experienced and board certified in plastic surgery. Good luck.

Arm lift usually requires incision that extends from armpit into the arm, well hidden in the inner or back aspect of the arm. In very few patients, who require minimal skin removal, incision can be placed only in the armpit. Liposuction is integral part of this procedure in our practice. Breast augmentation can be done in the same time. Hope this helps.

Yes, the procedure you are referring to is often called brachioplasty or arm lift surgery. Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to address excess skin and fat on the upper arms, commonly referred to as "bat wings." The surgeon removes the excess skin and tightens the underlying tissues to create a more toned and defined appearance.There are different techniques for performing brachioplasty, and one of them involves an incision in the armpit area. This technique is often referred to as a "minimal incision" or "transaxillary" brachioplasty. The incision is made in the natural crease of the armpit, allowing for less visible scarring compared to other methods.It's important to note that the specific approach used in brachioplasty may vary depending on individual factors such as the amount of excess skin, the patient's anatomy, and the plastic surgeon's preference. It's recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns, goals, and the most suitable approach for your case. Keep in mind that, like any surgery, brachioplasty has associated risks and recovery considerations that should be thoroughly discussed with your plastic surgeon.

The amount of skin laxity that needs to be addressed determines the incision length for an arm lift. If there is a minimal amount of excess skin an armpit incision may be adequate. Typically with significant weight loss a more traditional incision pattern is needed. Often times arm lifts can be combined with other procedures. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to determine what is best for you.

The axillary incision is limited on how much skin and fat that can be removed, but it is a more hidden incision. You can consider radiofrequency skin tightening with Renuvion which can give good results unless you have a ton of skin. An augmentation could be done at the same time, but a different incision than axillary.