Arm Lift 

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Eau Claire and Wisconsin

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that refines the shape and contour of the upper arms by eliminating excess skin, fat, and tissue. (1) This procedure can address “bat wings,” or loose and hanging skin, effectively restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.

Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Dax Demaree of Premier Surgical Arts is triple board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and the American College of Osteopathic Surgery for general surgery. Dr. Demaree offers over ten years of experience and has established a strong reputation for his dedication to patient safety and care. He has received instruction from several nationally renowned cosmetic surgeons and is trained in the most cutting-edge and advanced surgical techniques and technologies available today for aesthetic enhancements.

To learn more, please contact us online or call (715) 575-5800.

About Arm Lifts

Arm lifts are surgical body-contouring procedures that eliminate excess skin and tissue from around the upper arms to achieve a smoother, tighter, and more flattering appearance. There are many reasons as to why excess skin, fat, or tissue accumulates around the upper arms. Arm lifts most often address changes stemming from significant weight loss.

When we gain weight, our skin stretches to accommodate our new figure; however, prolonged stretching can cause the skin to lose its elasticity. This becomes apparent during weight loss when the skin appears to hang and sag rather than retract. To combat these effects, Dr. Demaree can perform an arm lift, enhancing both your silhouette and self-esteem.

Benefits

Arm lifts offer several notable benefits, including:

  • More Defined Contours: An arm lift will restore a more slender, toned appearance to the arms, improving the balance between your arms and your overall figure.
  • Smoother Skin: Dr. Demaree can remove excess skin and tissue to restore a smoother and tighter look and feel, contributing to a more youthful appearance overall.
  • Alleviated Discomfort: This procedure can address irritation or rashes caused by chafing skin.
  • Elevated Confidence: Addressing your concerns can improve your confidence and empower you to wear shorter-sleeved tops and garments.
  • Lasting Results: With healthy lifestyle habits, the results of your arm lift can last for several years.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Demaree tailors each arm lift to address unique concerns, anatomy, and goals.

Candidates

Candidates for an arm lift include most patients interested in removing loose or hanging skin from their upper arms. Patients undergoing the procedure after weight loss will first need to reach a stable and maintainable weight, as fluctuations will alter results.

Anyone interested in an arm lift should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can achieve, and ideally be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Demaree will determine each patient’s candidacy for an arm lift during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your arm lift, you will need to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Demaree. During this consultation, he will talk with you about your medical history, desired outcomes, and current concerns to gain a better understanding of your treatment goals. He will also assess your arms.

Dr. Demaree will use these details to craft your personalized surgical plan. He will recommend the best surgical techniques for your case, and he may suggest additional procedures to enhance your results. Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have.

To schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call our Altoona office at (715) 575-5800.

Preparation

In preparation for your arm lift, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions from Dr. Demaree.

  • You may need to discontinue taking blood-thinning medications and supplements under medical guidance.
  • You will also need to cease nicotine and alcohol consumption at least four weeks before your procedure and throughout your recovery.
  • You will need to take time away from your responsibilities and arrange transportation home after your procedure.
  • Dr. Demaree may also ask you to undergo lab testing or imaging.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, our team will cleanse and sanitize your skin, and you will receive anesthesia.

If there is excess fatty tissue in your arms, Dr. Demaree can first use liposuction to remove it. This involves placing an incision along the underside of the arms before injecting the local fat with a tumescent solution. The solution will contain a specialized mixture that minimizes bleeding, further numbs the treated area, and swells the fat cells for easier removal. (2) After allowing the solution time to settle, he will then insert a small cannula into the treatment area, which he will move back and forth to break down and remove the fat.

Using the incision along the underside of the arms, (3) Dr. Demaree will carefully remove excess skin and tissue from the arms, creating a more slender shape.

Recovery

After your arm lift, Dr. Demaree will provide detailed post-operative instructions so you understand how to care for yourself as you heal.

You can expect to experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort in your arms after your procedure. These effects will gradually subside on their own, but prescribed medications and rest will also help you manage them. You will need to wear a specialized compression garment as you recover, and continue wearing it until advised otherwise. This garment will support your arms’ new shape and minimize swelling.

You may be able to return to your routines after approximately one or two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in strenuous or high-impact activities for at least 4–6 weeks, or until Dr. Demaree clears you to return. You will return to the office throughout your recovery so that Dr. Demaree can remove your sutures, monitor your healing progress, and ensure your results develop as planned.

Results

You may notice an immediate difference in the appearance of your arms, but the full results will become more apparent as you continue to heal. You will be able to enjoy smoother, more slender, and sculpted arms after removing loose or hanging skin. Your overall figure will appear more proportionate and balanced, and you may also experience improvements in your daily comfort with less chafing. You will likely feel more confident when wearing sleeveless or shorter-sleeved tops, as previously unflattering garments may now look and feel great.

Arm lift results are long-lasting. However, you will need to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, as fluctuations in your weight can alter the long-term effects and appearance of your procedure.

Cost of Arm Lift in Eau Clair, Wisconsin

The cost of your arm lift may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, including the type of corrections, the extent of the procedure, whether you include any additional procedures, and more. Dr. Demaree will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your arm lift during your consultation after discussing all details of your procedure. Our office offers financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about the cost of your arm lift procedure, please contact us online or call (715) 575-5800.

FAQ

Will there be any visible scarring as a result of my arm lift?

In most cases, surgical procedures require at least some degree of scarring. Dr. Demaree takes great care when placing any incisions to keep them as discreet as possible. He uses expert closure techniques to ensure the incision heals optimally, without excessive scarring.

How long will it take to recover after an arm lift?

Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary depending on the details of their surgical plan and their body’s natural healing rate. Most patients can return to their careers within one to two weeks, but this depends on the physical demands of their job. It can take several more weeks for patients to be able to return to their full activities, including strenuous and high-impact exercise.

What can an arm lift address?

Dr. Demaree can perform an arm lift to address loose or hanging skin around the upper arms. This skin is colloquially called “bat wings,” and it often develops as a result of significant weight fluctuations or aging.

Do arm lifts have any risks?

All surgical procedures will come with certain risks, including bleeding, poor scarring, infection, dissatisfaction with results, and more. Dr. Demaree will discuss each risk and how he avoids them during your consultation.

Can I combine my arm lift with another aesthetic procedure?

Yes, many patients choose to pair their arm lift with another procedure for more cohesive recontouring. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Demaree for more information and personalized suggestions.

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References

  1. Acharya P, Alagarasan AR, Khan M, et al. Shaping the Silhouette: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Body Contouring Techniques for the Torso and Limbs. Cureus. Published online July 25, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88737
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  3. Nalin Nagrath, Winters R. Brachioplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/#article-145189.s4