Arm Liftin Dallas
Removes loose skin and fat from the upper arms, often after weight loss.
Loose Upper-Arm Skin,
Removed.
Loose skin on the upper arms, often called "bat wings," comes from significant weight loss, aging or genetics. Exercise can't fix it: no amount of triceps training will tighten skin that has lost its elasticity. For many patients it limits what they are comfortable wearing, and for many an arm lift is the last step after major weight loss.
An arm lift removes the loose skin, and the fat with it, from the elbow to the underarm. Dr. Schwartz tightens the supporting tissue underneath as well as removing skin, and with over 25 years of experience he handles the tissue carefully so the result is smooth and natural. He places the incision where it will show least, and adds liposuction where there is fat to remove. He sees you himself from the consultation through your recovery.
The Procedure
An arm lift removes loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat between the elbow and the underarm. Dr. Schwartz also tightens the tissue underneath, which diet and exercise often can't do. The aim is an arm that looks in proportion and toned, not operated on.
Dr. Schwartz plans the incision along the inner side of the upper arm, so it falls in the natural crease when your arms rest at your sides. Its length depends on how much loose skin there is. You get a scar-care plan after surgery.
Dr. Schwartz often adds liposuction to remove stubborn fat that cutting away skin can't reach. This lets him refine the overall circumference and shape of the arm.
For patients whose loose skin is mainly near the armpit, Dr. Schwartz offers a limited incision brachioplasty. The scar stays entirely in the armpit, hidden by everyday clothing and most athletic wear. It suits carefully selected patients and leaves much less visible scarring.
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between two and four hours.
Most patients return to office work within 4 to 5 days, wearing a compression garment to support the healing tissue and limit swelling. Light walking right after surgery helps circulation. Dr. Schwartz recommends waiting at least three weeks before more strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, so the tissue underneath has time to heal.
An arm lift is often combined with a tummy tuck or thigh lift, especially after major weight loss. At your consultation Dr. Schwartz will tell you what is safe to combine.
Brachioplasty Stories
What to Expect
The loose skin is gone from the first days of recovery, so you see the change straight away.
Your Consultation
Dr. Schwartz assesses how much loose skin you have and where it is, whether fat should be removed as well, and whether a full or limited incision suits you. He shows you scar examples and tells you plainly what to expect from both the shape of the arm and the scar.
Surgery Day
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, typically taking two to four hours. You are discharged the same day with compression dressings, incision care instructions, and a follow-up visit, usually the next day.
Early Recovery
Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the upper arms are normal and expected. Activity is limited, particularly raising the arms above shoulder height and any lifting. Most patients are comfortable within 24–48 hours, and the improvement is visible even through the swelling.
Return to Activity
Desk work resumes within 4 to 5 days. Compression is worn for four to six weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise involving the arms are restricted for three weeks. Scar care begins as the incisions heal, following Dr. Schwartz's scar-care plan.
Final Results
The arm contour refines as swelling fully resolves over three to six months. The scar matures over twelve to eighteen months, becoming less visible and fading to a fine line.
Why Choose
Dr. Schwartz
In arm lift surgery, how the tissue is handled and where the incision goes make most of the difference between a good result and an adequate one. That is where Dr. Schwartz puts his attention.
Full Credentials →Plastic Surgeon
Performed
Practice
Rate
Is This Right for Me?
An arm lift suits patients whose loose upper-arm skin affects their confidence or what they can wear, and who accept a scar in exchange.
Common Reasons
Patients Choose This
- You have loose upper-arm skin, often called 'bat wings,' that hasn't gone with a healthy diet and exercise, and you don't like how it looks.
- You have reached a stable weight.
- You are in good general health, without underlying medical conditions.
- You accept that a firmer arm comes with a permanent scar along the inner arm.
- You don't smoke, or you are willing to quit well before surgery.
Things to Consider
Before Proceeding
- You still plan to lose a significant amount of weight. Dr. Schwartz recommends reaching your goal weight before surgery.
- Your skin is still fairly elastic. Liposuction alone may be enough.
- You smoke. Stopping nicotine is a firm requirement, for your safety and for healing.
- A visible scar along the inner arm worries you more than the loose skin does.
- You are pregnant or have a medical condition that isn't under control. Surgery would need to wait.
If loose arm skin affects your confidence or what you can wear, a consultation will show whether an arm lift or liposuction alone suits you.
Frequently Asked
Answers to the questions Dr. Schwartz hears most often from arm lift patients.
You are likely a good candidate if you have loose, sagging skin or stubborn fat between the elbow and the underarm that hasn't gone with diet and exercise (the classic "bat-wing" appearance). Most patients Dr. Schwartz sees for an arm lift have lost a lot of weight or have lost skin elasticity with age. You need to be at a stable weight and in good overall health before surgery.
Yes. An arm lift leaves a permanent scar along the inner or back of the upper arm. Dr. Schwartz places the incision so it rests in the natural crease when your arms are at your sides, and closes it to keep the scar as thin as he can. The scar matures and fades significantly over twelve to eighteen months.
Most patients return to office work within 4 to 5 days. You wear a compression garment for four to six weeks and keep your arms raised as much as possible for the first two weeks to control swelling. Dr. Schwartz generally clears patients for exercise and lifting after three weeks. The improvement in shape is visible right away.
It depends on your anatomy. If the problem is only loose skin, removing skin may be enough. If there is also stubborn fat, Dr. Schwartz adds liposuction to the lift so the arm is smooth and slim.
Yes. An arm lift is often combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift, particularly after massive weight loss. Combining them means one recovery instead of two. If Dr. Schwartz decides a combined plan is safe for you, he will advise where the surgery should be done so that you are properly monitored early in your recovery.
Arm lift results are long-lasting because the skin and fat cells removed are gone for good. Your body will continue to age, though, and large changes in weight can affect the result. If you keep your weight stable and protect the scar from the sun, the result should last for many years.
As with any operation, there are risks such as infection, hematoma or temporary changes in skin sensation. They are rare. The most useful thing you can do is follow Dr. Schwartz’s instructions after surgery, especially for incision care and wearing your compression garment.
The cost depends on how complex the surgery is, how much skin is removed, and whether liposuction is added. After examining you at your consultation, our team gives you a fee quote that includes all costs. Financing is available.
Recovery & Concierge Care
You go home the same day. Dr. Schwartz sees you the next day, then typically at one week, three weeks, two months, four months and six months, adjusted to how you are healing. He does almost all follow-up visits himself, and at each one he gives you a specific plan for the weeks ahead. Your stitches come out at about ten days, and you leave with a compression garment and a plan for caring for your scar.
The office can be reached 24 hours a day. After-hours calls from patients recovering from surgery go directly to Dr. Schwartz, so an important question never waits until morning. The recovery is planned so that any responsible adult can look after you at home. If you would rather have a nurse caring for you at home or in a hotel, we can arrange it.