Brachioplasty
The upper arm is one of the most notoriously stubborn areas of the body. You can tone the muscle and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but you can't dictate how your skin behaves.
Genetics, age-related changes, and significant weight loss can all cause loose skin to persist simply because skin elasticity has its limits. Once it stretches too far, there’s no going back (without a little surgical help, of course).
At Delatte Plastic Surgery, Skin Care, and Wellness, we understand that frustration. Brachioplasty (arm lift) is the definitive solution for excess skin that resists diet and exercise, refining the arm contour so you can move freely and wear what you want without a second thought.
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arm, from the underarm to the elbow. It specifically targets the "bat wing" effect caused by a combination of excessive skin and fatty tissue that lingers regardless of your fitness level.
Arm lift surgery works by physically removing that redundancy. Dr. Delatte gets rid of the sagging skin, tightens the underlying supportive tissue, and often uses liposuction to smooth the profile. It's one of the most effective body contouring surgeries because it solves a structural problem, restoring a streamlined look to the upper arm.
An arm lift eliminates a daily annoyance and reclaims your comfort.
Fitted sleeves and sleeveless options become comfortable choices rather than sources of stress.
Removing hanging skin eliminates the chafing and irritation often caused by friction during movement.
It restores a balanced, athletic arm contour that matches the rest of your body.
Unlike non-surgical treatments that offer subtle changes, removing excess skin provides an instant, definitive transformation.
Brachioplasty is a significant decision. It trades skin laxity for a scar, so understanding that exchange is key. Ideal patients are healthy individuals ready for a permanent solution to loose skin.
You are likely a strong candidate if:
We customize the brachioplasty procedure to your specific anatomy. Dr. Delatte adapts the technique based on how much skin and fat needs to be addressed.
This is the technique typically performed for patients with moderate to significant laxity. The surgeon places an incision generally running from the armpit to the elbow. This allows for the removal of substantial excess skin along the inner arm, creating the most dramatic change in shape.
For those who have lost significant weight, laxity often extends beyond the armpit. An extended arm lift continues the incision past the axilla onto the side of the chest. This addresses excessive skin along the lateral chest wall, ensuring a smooth transition from arm to body.
If your concern is limited to a small amount of skin near the underarm, a mini lift might be the best course of action. The incision is kept short and tucked into the armpit. It is less invasive but only effective for mild cases.
Sometimes, the issue is volume, not skin. If you have excellent skin elasticity, Dr. Delatte might use liposuction alone to reduce the fat. However, if there is any sagging skin, liposuction alone is not the right tool. Brachioplasty is necessary to physically tighten the area.
Brachioplasty Prep and Consultation
A successful result starts with a clear plan. We review your health history, current medications, and aesthetic goals before you ever go near the OR.
To keep surgical complications low, we may ask you to pause blood thinners or certain supplements. We provide a comprehensive guide on how to prep your home and your body for surgery, focusing on a healthy lifestyle to support a smooth recovery.
We treat brachioplasty with the highest clinical standards and under general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and safe through the entire procedure.
Dr. Delatte is meticulous about incision placement, as a good plastic surgeon should be. He generally positions the cut on the inside or back of the arm to minimize visibility when your arms are at your sides. He removes the redundant skin, contours the fat layer, and sutures the skin for a smooth finish. The goal is an arm contour that looks natural and refined.
Healing is a process, and giving your body time to recover is essential.
You will notice the structural change immediately.
While swelling can mask the final detail for several months, the bulk of the excess skin is gone from day one. As the fluid resolves, your new, slimmer arm shape will fully develop.
While brachioplasty leaves a scar, Dr. Delatte’s technique prioritizes discreet placement. The results are permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight.
Arm lift surgery is an investment in your confidence. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case (e.g., standard vs. extended). Since this is cosmetic surgery, insurance typically does not cover it. We offer transparent pricing and financing options to make your arm lift possible.
Stop letting a single area of your body dictate your wardrobe.
You deserve the freedom to move without hesitation and wear what makes you feel beautiful. Let’s refine and restore your reach. Book your consultation and plan your strategy session today.
It’s generally described as sore rather than painful. Most patients feel tightness similar to an intense workout. We provide medications to manage any discomfort in the first few days, and the pain subsides quickly.
Every surgery carries some risk, such as infection or fluid collection. Serious surgical complications are rare. Dr. Delatte uses advanced techniques to ensure safe wound healing.
A standard brachioplasty requires an incision from the armpit to the elbow. There is no way to remove significant skin without it. However, we place it on the inner arm to hide it from standard view. With time, it fades significantly.
Yes. Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure often combined with other arm lift procedures or body lifts, especially after massive weight loss. We can discuss if a combination surgery is safe for you.
You will see the contour change immediately. However, swelling can persist for several months. Your final results will fully develop once the tissues settle.
If you have tight skin and just a little fat, yes. But if you have skin laxity or "bat wings," liposuction alone will leave the arm looking deflated. Brachioplasty is required to physically remove the excess skin.
The latest in breast cancer treatment, removal, and reconstruction now serving Acadiana
