(Return to index)
What is it for?
Reduces excess skin and arm fat to correct “bat wings”
What does it mean?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the excess skin of the arms, when they appear as "bat wings" (more easily visible in the movement of shaking the arms saying goodbye). In many cases, the cause is massive weight loss after bariatric surgery, but it can also happen in obese patients. Therefore, excess fat is often associated, so supplemental liposuction is an integral part of the procedure, and when there is good skin tone or minimal sagging of skin, fat deposits can be reduced by liposuction only. The scar is located in the armpit and can be prolonged along the inner side of the arm up to a level just before the elbow, as this is the scar line better disguised during social interaction
Procedure time
1h30
Other procedures that can be associated
Liposuction, breast reduction, breast lift (mastopexy), abdominoplasty
Type of anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Scars
The scar is located in the armpit and can be prolonged along the inner side of the arm up to a level just before the elbow, as this is the scar line better disguised during social interaction
Hospitalization
1 day in hospital
Recovery
You can resume work within 7-10 days, provided that it does not involve exertion. Physical activity may be resumed at 6 weeks. During this period you should wear elastic compression sleeves (recommended by our team)
Most frequent problems and risks
There may initially be swelling (oedema) and bruising, and lymphedema may also be a consequence. Seroma occurs in some cases. Less frequent is hematoma, infection, or loss of sensation due to nerve damage around the elbow. Sometimes scars may not achieve an ideal look, (e.g., remain hyper- or hypopigmented)
Longevity
The result is usually definitive if there are no major weight changes
From 4300€