How to Get Rid of Sagging Arms
A Look at Brachioplasty at Ocean Clinic Marbella
For many people, the upper arms become an aesthetic concern over time. Whether due to age, genetics, or major weight loss, the skin in this area can lose elasticity and begin to sag. Commonly dubbed "bingo wings" or "bat wings", this drooping tissue is notoriously resistant to exercise and dietary changes alone.
While some may try to camouflage the problem with long sleeves, others look for a more permanent solution. For those who want to improve the tone and contour of their upper arms, brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is an increasingly popular option.
At Ocean Clinic Marbella, the procedure is performed as part of a personalised surgical plan that aims to restore balance to the arms — and with it, a patient’s confidence in baring them again.
What Does Brachioplasty Actually Involve?
In simple terms, brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the underside of the upper arms. The goal is to reshape the area between the armpit and the elbow to produce a more streamlined and toned appearance.
The procedure is particularly sought after by people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with lax, hanging skin. However, it can also benefit patients whose skin has lost firmness with age, even without major weight fluctuations.
Choosing the Right Technique
Not every case of upper arm sagging requires the same approach. At Ocean Clinic Marbella, the surgical team offers a range of techniques based on the degree of skin laxity and the patient’s overall goals.
Traditional Brachioplasty is the most comprehensive option. It involves an incision that typically runs along the inside of the upper arm, allowing for the removal of substantial amounts of skin and fat. This is often the preferred method for post-weight-loss patients with significant tissue laxity.
For those with milder skin sagging, a mini arm lift may be more appropriate. This technique limits the incision to the underarm area, reducing visible scarring and shortening recovery time. It's best suited to patients whose skin droop is concentrated near the top of the arm.
In some cases, liposuction alone or in combination with excision can be used to remove localised fat and improve contour, particularly when skin elasticity is still relatively good.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes around two to three hours, depending on the technique used. Most patients can return home the same day, though support garments are worn for several weeks afterwards to reduce swelling and help the skin adhere smoothly to the underlying tissue.
Some bruising, swelling and tightness are common in the first week or two, but discomfort is generally manageable with oral pain relief. Light activity can usually be resumed within 10 to 14 days, while full physical activity may be postponed for four to six weeks.
Scars are a consideration, particularly with the full arm lift, but at Ocean Clinic Marbella, careful incision placement and post-operative scar care help ensure they fade as discreetly as possible over time. For most patients, the aesthetic benefits far outweigh the concern of scarring — particularly when they’ve been covering up their arms for years.
Results and Long-Term Benefits
The improvements from brachioplasty are visible soon after surgery, though the final outcome becomes more apparent as swelling subsides. Most patients report increased confidence wearing sleeveless clothing and a renewed sense of ease in social and beach settings.
Results are long-lasting, provided that the patient maintains a stable weight. While the skin will continue to age naturally, the removed tissue does not return, and the arms retain a significantly more toned shape than before.
Is Brachioplasty the Right Choice?
Surgical body contouring isn’t for everyone. Some patients may benefit more from non-surgical tightening treatments or a combination of liposuction and skincare. But for those dealing with considerable skin redundancy, no amount of gym time or topical firming creams will offer the results that surgery can deliver.
A consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential to determine suitability. At Ocean Clinic Marbella, this includes a full physical assessment, discussion of goals, and a review of both surgical and non-surgical options. The team’s priority is not only to deliver excellent aesthetic results but to ensure they are proportionate and natural-looking.
Final Thought
Brachioplasty may not be as commonly discussed as a tummy tuck or facelift, but for patients struggling with sagging upper arms, it can be transformative. As a stand-alone procedure or part of a broader body contouring plan, it helps restore not just the contour of the arms but also the confidence to wear whatever you like — sleeveless and all.
If you’ve been wondering whether there’s a solution to the issue of loose upper arm skin, it may be time to explore whether a brachioplasty could be right for you.
Book your consultation now at Ocean Clinic Marbella.
