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in San Diego County, CA
At Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas, we understand how frustrating it can be when sagging skin on your upper arms doesn’t reflect your personal fitness or how you feel inside.
An arm lift, also called a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the underarm area—often referred to as "bat wings"—and restore a firmer, more contoured shape. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schoemann brings advanced training and technical artistry to every arm lift, offering safe, natural-looking results. Whether your concerns stem from significant weight loss, genetics, or changes as your body ages, your treatment will be customized for optimal results, delivering a smoother, more toned silhouette.
Removes sagging skin and redefines the shape of the upper arms
Completed in 2–3 hours under general anesthesia
Most patients return to normal activity within two weeks
May include liposuction to address excess fat or be combined with other plastic surgery procedures
Ideal for those at a stable weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
As the skin loses elasticity with age or following weight loss, many people develop a sagging appearance along the upper arms that cannot be corrected through exercise alone.
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, targets this concern by removing excess skin, tightening underlying supportive tissue, and, in some cases, eliminating localized fat using liposuction. This procedure is particularly beneficial for healthy individuals who have worked hard to lose weight but are left with loose skin in the underarm region. At Schoemann Plastic Surgery, every arm lift is approached with safety, balance, and artistry in mind to ensure results that align with your goals and enhance your confidence in sleeveless clothing.
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia and takes place in our accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure involves removing extra skin and tightening underlying supportive tissue between the elbow and underarm area. If needed, liposuction is used to address stubborn fat and reveal sleeker arm contours.
Incisions are placed on the inner arm to reduce their visibility, though some scarring is expected. The exact incision pattern depends on your body’s needs and the amount of excess sagging skin being addressed. Following surgery, you’ll wear an elastic bandage and compression garment to support healing and minimize swelling.
An arm lift is designed to treat a range of aesthetic and functional concerns, including:
By removing excess skin and fat, tightening tissue, and restoring balanced contours, brachioplasty offers dramatic and lasting improvements in your arms' shape and proportion.
Brachioplasty is about more than aesthetics. Patients often gain enhanced comfort, confidence, and improved mobility.
You may notice that clothing fits better and movement feels freer. The results are particularly rewarding when you've worked hard to achieve a stable weight and want your arms to reflect that effort.
You may be a strong candidate for arm lift surgery if you’re in good general health, have realistic expectations for your results, and are bothered by excess skin or a sagging appearance on your upper arms.
Ideal patients are typically at or near their stable weight and do not smoke, as nicotine can impair healing. Whether your concerns stem from significant weight changes, the natural effects of aging, or hereditary laxity, brachioplasty can help restore proportion and contour in the upper arms.
Most brachioplasty patients recover over the course of a few weeks, with the first two weeks focused on rest, limited arm movement, and elevation to minimize swelling.
Wearing a compression garment or elastic bandage around the surgical area supports healing and improves results. Sutures are typically removed after about 10 days. While light walking is encouraged early on, more vigorous activity should be postponed for 4–5 weeks to avoid straining the healing incision site and underlying tissue. Dr. Schoemann will check your recovery progress at follow-up appointments and remain available throughout your recovery to offer extra support and guidance.
Visible improvements begin to emerge within a few weeks as bruising and swelling fade. Final outcomes are usually seen around the 8–12 week mark, with your arm contours appearing firmer, smoother, and more sculpted.
As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stable weight, and good general fitness, results can be long-lasting. While aging continues, most patients enjoy their refined arm shape for many years with little to no additional intervention. Patients enjoy the freedom to bare their arms in sleeveless clothing, relief from discomfort caused by excess skin, and the satisfaction of a sculpted silhouette that reflects their healthy lifestyle.
At Schoemann Plastic Surgery, we are known for patient-centered care resulting in natural-looking, customized outcomes. Dr. Schoemann’s expertise in plastic surgery and surgical procedure planning ensures every arm lift is tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
With a caring team, a state-of-the-art surgery center, and an unwavering commitment to safety, we guide you through every step—from consultation to final follow-up. Whether you're restoring confidence after weight loss or addressing extra skin from aging, our goal is always to deliver results that feel as good as they look.
The price of arm lift surgery varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether additional procedures are included. A detailed quote will be provided during your consultation.
Yes, scarring is a normal part of the healing process, but incisions are placed strategically to be as discreet as possible. Most patients find that scars fade significantly over time, especially when post-op care instructions are followed.
Light walking is encouraged during early recovery, but vigorous activity should be avoided for 4–5 weeks to prevent strain on the surgical area and underlying supportive tissue. Dr. Schoemann will provide guidance based on your individual progress.
While small weight fluctuations are normal, significant changes may impact your results by stretching the skin and fat in the upper arms again. Maintaining a stable weight is essential to preserving your outcome.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine their arm lift with a tummy tuck, breast lift, or other body contouring procedures, especially after massive weight loss. Dr. Schoemann will help you build a plan that’s safe and aligned with your goals.
