Excess, sagging skin in the upper arm area can create the appearance of “bat wings.” This extra bulk can make patients self-conscious about their appearance and can even cause chafing and skin irritation.
How to Eliminate Bat Wings
Many patients with this cosmetic concern turn to dieting and intensive upper body strength training in an attempt to achieve slimmer, more defined upper arm contours. However, when loose, drooping skin is the culprit, these lifestyle changes alone will not work to restore a firmer, tighter look.
The good news is that with the help of a qualified plastic surgeon, you can permanently eliminate bat wings. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess skin from the upper arms and creating more aesthetically pleasing contours.
Is an Arm Lift or Liposuction Better to Get Rid of Bat Wings?
Arm lift candidates are often patients who have excess skin in this area due to massive weight loss. Significant weight gain forces the skin to stretch, and it can lose its elasticity, or ability to retract, as a result. This means that the skin won’t shrink as weight is lost, and instead will ultimately hang loosely from the patient’s smaller shape.
Excess body fat can also contribute to the appearance of bat wings. While minor amounts of fat can be removed during an arm lift, liposuction may be recommended in addition to, or as an alternative to, an arm lift for patients with considerable upper arm fat.
You will need to consult a plastic surgeon to find out if an arm lift is right for you. Not only is a physical examination of the tissue necessary, but there are also health and lifestyle factors that must be considered to determine the optimal treatment approach for you.
Can Bat Wings Come Back after an Arm Lift?
An arm lift can permanently eliminate bat wings when patients take care to maintain a stable, healthy body weight through proper diet and exercise habits. Eating a calorically appropriate diet of nutritious, natural foods is key to long-term results, along with regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
What Kind of Results Are Possible with Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is intended to create tighter, firmer, and slimmer upper arm contours. Keep in mind that results vary based on the patient’s unique anatomy and the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Before-and-after photos of patients who have had an arm lift at Michigan Cosmetic Surgery can be viewed here.
How to Find Out if an Arm Lift Is Right for You
Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mariam Awada is a top provider of arm lift surgery in Detroit. Under her care, countless patients have left bat wings and self-consciousness behind to enjoy baring their arms with confidence after arm lift surgery. To find out if you are a good candidate for an arm lift, contact Michigan Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Awada.
