Arm lift surgery achieves the following goals: Eliminates the appearance of "bat wings," the loose skin which hangs from the upper arms Reduces the excess accumulation of fat which can give the arms a flabby appearance Restores a firmer, slimmer appearance to the arms through techniques to tighten the skin and underlying supportive tissues. Allows you to wear sleeveless styles and swimwear with greater confidence

Arm Lift

A common area of concern for women is skin sagging in the upper arm, commonly known as “bat wings.” This can be caused by loose skin, excess fat, or a combination of the two. Loose skin may be the result of natural aging, genetics, or significant weight loss.

Loose-hanging skin is frequently a source of embarrassment that makes it difficult to wear sleeveless clothing and swimsuits with confidence, and unfortunately, this cannot be repaired through diet, exercise, or liposuction. In these instances, the only way to restore a toned shape to the arm is by removing the excess skin through brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery. Triple board-certified Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Henry Mentz performs arm lifts that can reveal toned, well-contoured upper arms that you don’t want to cover up.

Surgical Technique

An arm lift procedure is completed in 1-3 hours. Dr. Mentz performs all procedures at his private AAAASF-certified SurgiCentre facility in Houston, Texas, where you will be carefully monitored and cared for by a board-certified anesthesiologist and Dr. Mentz’s highly trained surgical staff. The incision length for an arm lift largely depends on the amount of excess skin that is to be removed.

In general, the incision stretches from the axilla (underarm) to the elbow. In cases where less skin removal is required, a semi-circular incision may be made in the underarms. If there is excess fat, this will be removed using liposuction. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the underlying tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures.

The options will be dictated by the quality of your skin and the amount of excess skin and fat, Dr. Mentz will help you make the right choice to match your needs and goals. The incisions are closed with absorbable stitches or stitches that will be removed in 1-2 weeks.

Recovery

Following your surgery, Dr. Mentz may recommend an overnight stay in one of his SurgiCentre’s recovery suites, where you will be cared for by our highly-trained registered nursing staff. If you live within 20 miles of our facility, Dr. Mentz can arrange for a plastic surgery nurse to visit to your home and assist with your recovery. The nurse will monitor your recovery, change any dressings, assist you with your medication, and provide Dr. Mentz with an update on your condition. After about six weeks you will be able to return to your normal level of activity with no limitations such as heavy lifting.

Dr. Mentz is nothing short of a magician. I went to him for an abdominoplasty in November of 2015 and his work has been life changing. His "bedside manner" is equal to his skill.

J.R.

FAQ

Best Candidates?

Arm lift surgery achieves the following goals:

Eliminates the appearance of “bat wings,” the loose skin which hangs from the upper arms
Reduces the excess accumulation of fat which can give the arms a flabby appearance
Restores a firmer, slimmer appearance to the arms through techniques to tighten the skin and underlying supportive tissues.
Allows you to wear sleeveless styles and swimwear with greater confidence

Arm Lipo?

In some patients, excess fat could be the problem, giving the upper arms a flabby appearance. If the patient has relatively young, healthy skin, this could be solved through liposuction alone. This is done with a thin cannula that suctions fatty tissue and does not require a larger incision. During your consultation is needed for Dr. Mentz to determine which arm lift procedure will meet your needs and goals.

Seeing Results?

To reduce swelling and help your body conform to its new contours, you may be fitted with a compression garment that will be worn for approximately 4 weeks. Bruising and swelling usually diminishes within 1-2 weeks. Most patients are able to return to work in a week and resume exercise in about 4 weeks. The results of an arm lift are typically long-lasting provided that you maintain a stable weight.