Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a specialized body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a tighter, more toned contour. At Alpenaura Plastic Surgery in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Jourdan Carboy, MD, performs brachioplasty for patients across Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest who are bothered by loose, hanging upper-arm skin that does not respond to exercise.
Loose upper-arm skin is one of the most common concerns after major weight loss and a frequent feature of natural aging. Even patients who are very active and disciplined with strength training often find that they cannot tighten the skin of the upper arm with exercise alone. The result is a skin envelope that hangs from the back of the arm, often called a bat wing or batwing deformity.Brachioplasty addresses this problem by removing the excess skin and fat through an incision typically placed on the inner aspect of the arm, where it is least visible. The result is a smoother, more toned arm contour that allows patients to wear sleeveless clothing comfortably.
Good candidates are healthy adults with significant excess skin on the upper arms, often after major weight loss or as a result of natural aging. Patients should be at a stable weight, healthy non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the trade-off between improved contour and the resulting scar.Patients with mild skin laxity may be candidates for a shorter, more limited brachioplasty, while those with significant excess often benefit from a longer incision.
In Bend, Central Oregon, and across the Pacific Northwest, an active outdoor lifestyle often makes loose upper-arm skin particularly noticeable and frustrating. Patients want to feel comfortable in tank tops, T-shirts, athletic wear, and sleeveless dresses.Many patients pursue brachioplasty after major weight loss as part of a broader contouring plan that may include circumferential body lift, thigh lift, or breast surgery. For other patients, brachioplasty is a stand-alone procedure that addresses a long-standing concern.
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation as an outpatient procedure. Surgery typically takes two to three hours. The incision is placed on the inner aspect of the arm, where it heals over time but is always visible to some degree. Liposuction is often performed at the same time to refine the contour.Most patients return to desk work within seven to ten days, light exercise at three to four weeks, and full activity at six weeks. Compression garments are typically worn for several weeks after surgery to support healing and shape. Final scar appearance and contour continue to refine over six to twelve months.As a trusted destination for brachioplasty in Bend, Oregon, Alpenaura Plastic Surgery offers patients across Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest a refined approach to upper-arm contouring.
Meet with Dr. Carboy to evaluate upper-arm skin laxity, discuss your goals, and determine the most appropriate brachioplasty approach for your anatomy.
Excess skin and fat are removed from the upper arms, often with liposuction, to create a smoother, more toned contour.
Most patients return to desk work within seven to ten days, gradually resume light exercise after several weeks, and wear compression garments during healing.
As swelling decreases and scars mature over the following months, patients enjoy slimmer, firmer upper-arm contours with improved confidence.
Performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation as an outpatient procedure.
Most patients return to desk work within one week and gradually resume normal activities.
Healthy adults with significant upper-arm skin laxity following weight loss or natural aging.
Performed as an outpatient procedure with patients returning home the same day.
We understand that choosing a procedure is a deeply personal decision. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about treatment, recovery, results, and the overall Alpenaura experience.
Yes. Brachioplasty always involves a scar on the inner aspect of the arm. The scar fades significantly over six to twelve months but is always present to some degree. For most patients, the trade-off of improved contour is well worth it.
Liposuction alone works only for patients whose skin has good elasticity. Most patients seeking arm contouring after weight loss or natural aging have skin laxity that requires skin removal in addition to or instead of liposuction.
Most patients return to desk work in seven to ten days, light exercise at three to four weeks, and full activity at six weeks. Final shape continues to refine over six to twelve months.
Yes. It is often combined with breast surgery, abdominoplasty, or thigh contouring as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan after weight loss.
Cosmetic brachioplasty is generally not covered. In some cases, post-weight-loss patients with documented skin issues may have partial coverage. Our team helps review specific situations.
Yes. The skin and fat removed during brachioplasty does not return, although weight changes after surgery can still affect arm contour over time.
Breast reduction to improve comfort, proportion, and confidence with a lighter silhouette.
Revision breast surgery to refine previous results, address changes, and restore balance.
Breast lift surgery is done to restore a more lifted, balanced, and youthful breast shape.
Experience personalized plastic surgery and aesthetic care designed to enhance confidence with natural, refined results.
