Sagging upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings,” are a common complaint for female patients. Is the sagging due to fat, or is loose skin the culprit? This blog will explore the differences to determine whether patients would benefit from a liposuction procedure or a surgical arm lift.
4 Min Read:
Table of Contents:
- Causes of Sagging Upper Arms
- What Is an Arm Lift?
- What Is Arm Liposuction?
- Arm Lift vs. Lipo: Understanding the Differences
- Benefits of Combining an Arm Lift With Liposuction
Causes of Sagging Upper Arms
Flabby upper arms are a source of embarrassment for many women who avoid sleeveless shirts and bathing suits because they are self-conscious about their appearance. While sagging in the upper arms often occurs with aging, the cause of the problem may differ. For some women, weight gain can lead to stubborn pockets of fat in the upper arm that don’t respond to diet and exercise. For others, skin laxity combined with weight fluctuations can stretch upper arm skin, causing it to sag.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tissue, and fat to create a slimmer upper-arm contour. Dr. Al Aly developed his own arm lift technique over three decades ago, which he calls the Aly-Posterior Scar Brachioplasty. This technique transitions from the upper arm to the chest wall to eliminate all hanging skin, clean up the armpit, and produce a superior contour. The incision is located towards the back of the arm, making it less visible.
View our arm lift before-and-after photos to see Dr. Aly’s work.
Benefits of an Arm Lift
Brachioplasty offers a myriad of benefits, including:
- Improved upper arm contour
- Greater comfort in clothing
- Reduced skin chafing
- Increased self-confidence
- Long-lasting results
Patients trade these benefits for a scar that extends from the elbow to the armpit and onto the chest wall. However, Dr. Aly’s posterior incision placement makes the scar less visible in most situations, especially when facing another person and speaking to them.
What Is Arm Liposuction?
Arm liposuction (lipoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the upper arms. Dr. Aly uses a specialized suctioning device to permanently remove fat deposits through tiny incisions that leave almost no visible scarring behind. Liposuction is generally recommended for patients who have achieved a stable weight and have good skin elasticity.
Benefits of Arm Liposuction
There are numerous benefits of liposuction, such as:
- Removal of unwanted fat
- Dramatic improvement to the upper arm contour
- Increased self-confidence
- Tiny incisions leave minimal scarring
- Faster recovery time than brachioplasty
Patients may notice mild skin tightening after liposuction, but improvements will be minimal. Patients with significant skin laxity may not see an ideal outcome with liposuction alone.
Arm Lift vs. Lipo: Understanding the Differences
A surgical arm lift and liposuction offer many similarities. Both procedures provide improvements to the upper arm contour that are considered long-lasting. Both are performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the process. Both surgeries also require some downtime afterward, though patients usually return to regular activities more quickly after liposuction.
Despite the similarities, these two procedures are also distinctly different. Brachioplasty removes excess skin, a common issue with upper-arm sagging. The procedure can also eliminate excess tissue and fat, creating a more toned contour. Liposuction focuses solely on fat, which can slim the upper arm but doesn’t address excess hanging skin. In fact, removing fat without eliminating excess skin can create an even flabbier appearance.
Benefits of Combining an Arm Lift With Liposuction
In some cases, surgeons add liposuction during a surgical arm lift to produce the best results. This combination allows for the precise removal of fat pockets, followed by the elimination of loose skin, to create a smoother, more toned upper arm. Dr. Aly will assess your specific needs and goals to determine the best surgical approach.
Dr. Aly does not use drains with brachioplasty, arm liposuction, or any other procedure. He also utilizes an excellent pain reduction regimen that has completely eliminated the use of opioids. Thus, Dr. Aly’s practice is a “No Drain, No Opioid” practice.
Learn More About an Arm Lift vs. Liposuction in Dallas, TX
Dr. Aly is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures, including liposuction and brachioplasty. To learn more about liposuction or an arm lift in Dallas, TX, contact our office at (214) 645-2313 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.