Brachioplasty in San Antonio, TX

Our blog shares expert tips, treatment guides, and answers to your most common questions about plastic surgery and aesthetic care.

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Achieve Smoother, More Sculpted Arms and Renewed Confidence

Many people struggle with loose skin, excess fat, or sagging skin along the upper arms that does not improve with diet and exercise alone. Whether caused by massive weight loss, aging, or genetics, these changes can result in hanging skin that affects comfort, clothing choices, and confidence. This excess tissue, often referred to as “bat wings,” can make patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their arms.

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What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The arm lift procedure also tightens the underlying tissues, improving contour and restoring a firmer, more toned appearance. By removing excess skin and addressing skin laxity, brachioplasty helps create smoother arms with more balanced proportions.

Arm Lift Benefits Include:

Removal of excess skin and loose skin from the upper arms

Improved arm shape and definition

Reduced irritation caused by hanging skin

Correction of skin laxity following weight loss

Enhanced confidence in sleeveless clothing

Long-lasting results when combined with a healthy lifestyle

Types of Arm Lift Surgery

At Ferguson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we customize your treatment plan based on your body, aesthetic goals, and medical history.

Traditional Arm Lift

A traditional arm lift surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the inner arm, tightening the skin and underlying tissue to improve contour. This option is ideal for patients with moderate to significant sagging skin who want a noticeable improvement in arm appearance.

Limited Incision Brachioplasty

A limited incision brachioplasty places the scar discreetly within the armpit, avoiding a visible scar along the upper arm. This technique is suitable for select patients with specific skin laxity patterns, and candidacy must be determined during a thorough evaluation. For those who qualify, it offers effective contouring with the advantage of a less noticeable incision.

Extended Brachioplasty

An extended brachioplasty addresses a larger treatment area, including the upper arm and armpit area, and may extend toward the side of the chest. This technique is commonly recommended for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and have more extensive excess skin.

Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty

Liposuction-assisted brachioplasty is best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and excess fat. This approach combines liposuction to contour and refine the arm with surgical excision to remove excess skin, allowing for improved shaping while still addressing loose tissue. The addition of liposuction can help create a smoother contour.

Are Motiva® Breast Implants Right for You?

The best candidates for Motiva® Breast Implants are women who:

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Who Are the Ideal Candidates for an Arm Lift?

The best candidates for an arm lift in San Antonio are:

Individuals in good overall health

Patients with excess skin, loose skin, or sagging along the upper arms

People who have experienced significant weight loss

Individuals near a stable weight who maintain a healthy lifestyle

Patients seeking improved arm contour and natural-looking results

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An arm lift may not be right for everyone. You may need to postpone surgery if you:

Have certain medical problems that increase surgical risk

Are not at a stable weight

Are currently smoking

Have unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes

Dr. Ferguson will evaluate your candidacy during a personal consultation to determine the safest and most effective approach to help you achieve your desired results.

What to Expect from an Arm Lift Procedure

Your arm lift surgery will be performed under general anesthesia at our accredited San Antonio plastic surgery center. This outpatient procedure typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on the amount of excess skin, excess fat, and whether additional techniques such as liposuction-assisted brachioplasty are used.

Surgical Steps:

Incisions are made along the inner arm, extending from the armpit area toward the elbow, depending on the degree of loose skin

The skin is lifted to access the underlying tissues

Excess fat may be removed using liposuction when appropriate

Excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is tightened to improve arm shape

The treatment area is closed with sutures, and compression garments are applied to help reduce swelling

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Recovery After Arm Lift Surgery

Most patients return home the same day following arm lift surgery. You will wear compression garments to support healing, minimize swelling, and help the arms adapt to their new contour.

Recovery Process:

Recovery time varies but generally lasts several weeks

Swelling and mild discomfort are common during the early stages

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting during early recovery

Proper incision care helps minimize visible scarring

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and progress

Final arm lift results develop gradually as swelling subsides over the weeks following surgery. Incisions are placed strategically along the inner arm to help keep scarring as discreet as possible.

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Our Philosophy & Approach

At Ferguson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we understand that choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision, one that requires trust, careful thought, and a true partnership between patient and surgeon. Our philosophy is simple: we listen first, recommend second, and always prioritize your health, safety, and satisfaction.

Dr. Ferguson believes in achieving results that look natural, not overdone. His approach focuses on restoring and enhancing your unique features in a way that aligns with your personal goals, not unrealistic trends. Every treatment plan is customized, whether you’re seeking subtle rejuvenation or a more transformative change.

We are committed to helping you feel more confident in your own skin, and we consider it a privilege to be part of your journey.

Maintenance & Lifestyle Tips

Maintaining your arm lift results requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Ferguson provides guidance to help you protect your results and support long-term improvements in arm contour and appearance.

Tips for Long-Term Success:

Maintain a stable weight through balanced nutrition

Incorporate light exercise and strength training once cleared

Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine

Avoid smoking, as it can impact healing and skin quality

Schedule routine visits to discuss complementary procedures if desired

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Our Arm Lift Process

At Ferguson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we guide you through every step of your arm lift in San Antonio with personalized care and expertise. Here’s what you can expect.

Personalized Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Ferguson to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine whether a traditional arm lift, extended brachioplasty, or combined approach is right for you. Any complementary procedures that you may wish to include will also be discussed.

Arrow

Custom Surgical
Plan

Based on your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, Dr. Ferguson will design a customized plan to remove excess skin, address excess fat, and improve overall arm shape. Surgical details, recovery expectations, and realistic outcomes are reviewed in detail.

Arrow

Surgery and Recovery Support

Your arm lift surgery is performed in an accredited facility with a focus on precision and comfort. After the procedure, you will receive detailed post-operative instructions and ongoing support to ensure a smooth recovery and natural-looking results.

Reclaim Your Confidence with More Sculpted Arms

If you are ready to address loose skin and reshape your arms, brachioplasty in San Antonio, TX, may be the solution. Dr. Ferguson specializes in creating refined, balanced results tailored to your body and long-term goals.

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Complementary Procedures for Comprehensive Body Contouring

An arm lift surgical procedure can be combined with other body contouring options to achieve more balanced results. Depending on your goals, procedures may be paired to remove excess fat, improve proportions, and enhance overall appearance, including:

Liposuction to remove excess fat from the arms or surrounding areas

A thigh lift to address loose skin in the lower body after weight loss

Additional body contouring procedures for patients following massive weight loss

Dr. Ferguson, our Board Certified plastic surgeon, will help design a customized treatment plan using the appropriate surgical technique to support your long-term self-esteem and aesthetic goals.

Transformation Testimonials

"I went in with a focused, researched plan. I knew what I wanted and I got it. Dr. Ferguson knew exactly what I wanted, explained all the realities, and gave me a great result. The entire staff was very nice, helpful, and answered all my questions. If I decide for any future procedures I will be heading back to Dr. Ferguson!"
Implant Explantation, Liposuction, Breast Fat Transfer, and Lip Fat Transfer
May 16, 2021
"I was a bit hesitant to get the procedure done. Like you, I was nervous, scared, but Dr. Ferguson’s staff were always readily available to answer any questions or concerns I had! Dr. Ferguson is precise and such an easy going doctor. Perfectionist to the max! Strongly recommend seeing him! He made this skinny fat, flabby tummy, momma into a hottie momma with abs! Thank you to his staff and Dr. Ferguson!!"
Tummy Tuck, Lipo
May 21, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Arm Lift Remove “Bat Wings”?

Yes. An arm lift surgical procedure is one of the most effective ways to treat sagging skin, commonly referred to as “bat wings.” This concern often develops due to:

Significant weight loss or massive weight loss

Natural aging that causes skin laxity

Genetics that affect skin elasticity

During surgery, excess tissue is removed to tighten loose skin, improve contour, and create smoother arms. This can help patients:

Improve arm shape and definition

Reduce hanging or sagging skin

Achieve more sculpted arms

Feel more confident and feel comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing

What Is Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty?

Liposuction-assisted brachioplasty combines liposuction with skin tightening to remove excess fat and improve arm contour. This approach may be ideal for patients with mild to moderate loose skin who want refined results without an extended incision.

Benefits of Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty:

Targets stubborn fat while improving skin tone

Can utilize a precise surgical technique tailored to your anatomy

May be performed with local anesthesia in select cases

Helps refine the upper arm while maintaining natural proportions

What Procedures Can I Combine With My Arm Lift?

Many patients choose to combine an arm lift in San Antonio with other procedures, such as liposuction or a thigh lift, for more comprehensive body contouring. Combining procedures is common after significant weight loss and is discussed during your arm lift consultation to ensure realistic expectations and safe outcomes.

What Is Recovery Like After an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing factors. Most patients can expect:

Initial downtime lasting several weeks, with a gradual return to normal activity

Wearing compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing

Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting during early recovery

Continued improvement in arm contour as swelling subsides over time

Following post-operative instructions closely helps support optimal healing and long-term results.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in San Antonio?

The cost of brachioplasty in San Antonio, TX, depends on the complexity of the surgical procedure and whether additional treatments are performed. During your arm lift consultation, Dr. Ferguson will provide a personalized quote and review financing options so you can move forward with confidence.

Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation Today

Ready to improve arm contour and restore confidence? Ferguson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics offers personalized care that focuses on results. Schedule your arm lift consultation in San Antonio, TX, to discuss your goals and create a plan designed to help you feel confident and comfortable in your body.

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