Surgery for Sagging Upper Arms
After Weight Loss

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

Also known as 'Bat Wings'


Diet and weight loss can bring about so many wonderful changes in your life, but as with most all things - there is some bad with the good.  

If you've lost a bunch of weight then you are probably left with a lot of sag in the upper arms.

That 'sag' is loose skin, minus the lost fat, of course and may require Arm Lift Surgery (brachioplasty).  If your skin isn't extremely loose, try performing the simple exercises below to tone and tighten.

How Weight Gain Happens

Generally, when we get overweight, the skin stretches to accommodate our bigger size (the weight gain).  After weight loss, the skin may not tighten back into place, even when toning has been faithfully incorporated into your weight loss plan.

Is Liposuction a better choice?

Not unless you have a lot of excess fat and the skin is extremely tight.

What might this cost?

Surgeon's fee - from $3,000 up
Operating room charge - from $1,000 up
Anesthesiologist's fee - from $800 up

Will there be scaring?

Unfortunately, that's the downside of the procedure.  Expect a scar to run along the inside of the arm, beginning at the armpit and ending at the elbow.

What to expect before, during and after the surgery:

The procedure is generally performed in a hospital, but is sometimes done at the surgeon's office under general anesthesia. The surgery lasts about 1 to 2 hours and is generally done on an outpatient basis - meaning you can go home as soon as you are stable.  Anticipate a few days of prescription pain pills with the level of pain ranging from mild to severe.

Bruising is rare but swelling can continue for a couple of weeks.  The bandages are removed according to the extent of your surgery (from 1 to 7 days).  Plan to be off work a minimum of 3 days and for as long as 7 days.

Stitches will dissolve on their own.  You may resume exercise 2 weeks after the surgery.

Alternatives for slightly loose skin:

Exercise #1:  If your skin is not hanging from your arm severely, try some exercises that target this area and work to tighten the skin.  One of my favorite exercises to work this part of the body is to lay on the bed (or any flat surface) so that when you fully extend your arm up to your head-area, they hang off the bed.

I use light weights (1-2 pounders) and holding one in each hand, I bring them up very slowly.  It's not the speed that works the muscle, rather the force expressed during your workout.  Work up slowly to a rep that suits your personal needs.

Exercise #2:  Carry your free weight with you when you walk and work them while you work your arms.  (You'll look a bit like a speeded-up Tin Soldier.)

Exercise #3:  With a small free weight in your hand, and in a standing position, put your arm straight out. Next, bend your arm at the elbow.  Next, slowly lift your arm - going towards your shoulder blade, on past until the weight in hanging above your back.

Reach back as far as you can without straining.  

You should feel a slight pull in the underarm.  This exercise is effective in working out the underarm area assists in toning and tightening. Information on Stomach Stapling

 

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