All About Arm Lifts: From Candidacy to Recovery
Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Mon 12/15/2025 - 00:03
Are you battling bat wings? Loose skin on the upper arms, aka bat wings, can be frustrating, especially when it keeps you from wearing the clothing you prefer or feeling confident in daily activities.
Dr. Joyesh Raj, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of specialized surgical expertise, performs arm lift surgery to create a smoother, firmer arm contour for patients in Westlake and the Cleveland area. His training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery gives him a detailed understanding of how to tighten and reshape the upper arm while maintaining natural-looking proportions.
How an Arm Lift Works
An arm lift removes excess skin and, when needed, unwanted fat to create a more defined arm shape. During surgery, Dr. Raj places incisions that generally run from the armpit down to the elbow, but when your arms are in their normal position the scars won’t be obvious.
Dr. Raj tightens underlying tissues, removes extra skin, and smooths the remaining skin over the new contours. If you have excess upper arm fat, Dr. Raj may incorporate liposuction for a more balanced result.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
An arm lift may be an option if you have loose, sagging skin between the underarm and elbow. This area is often particularly hard to tone and tighten, even with targeted exercises, and it rarely responds to weight loss efforts.
In fact, many people first notice bat wings after losing a significant amount of weight. It’s also common to notice upper arm laxity as you age and the skin loses its natural elasticity.
Good candidates are at a stable weight, have good overall health, and are seeking long-lasting improvement in the appearance of their upper arms.
Many patients who have lost a large amount of weight also have loose skin in other areas. In these cases, Dr. Raj can perform procedures such as a tummy tuck or a lower body lift, either during the same operation or staged over time, depending on your health, goals, and overall treatment plan.
What to Expect During Recovery
After surgery, some swelling and tightness in the upper arms is normal. Dr. Raj provides clear post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments and limiting strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to desk work within about a week or two and gradually increase activity over time. As swelling resolves, the arms appear smoother, firmer, and better defined.
How Long Do Arm Lift Results Last?
Arm lift results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Although normal aging continues, the improvement in arm contour typically remains for many years. Patients often feel more confident in fitted tops, sleeveless clothing, and overall body appearance.
Arm Lift Consultations in Westlake
Dr. Raj combines extensive surgical training with a careful, individualized approach. To learn whether an arm lift is right for you, call 440-808-8030 to schedule your consultation at Raj Plastic Surgery in Westlake.
