Overview
What people mean by “bat wings”
It's the loose skin and fat along the back of the upper arm that keeps moving after you stop waving. Many people start avoiding sleeveless tops or angling their arms in photos, even when the rest of their body is in good shape.
Why arm workouts don't fix it
Weight loss, age, and genetics all play a part. Once the skin in this area has stretched, it doesn't have much ability to snap back. Tricep work builds the muscle underneath, which is great for strength, but it can't remove skin that's already loose.
How Dr. Kim treats it
For true skin laxity, Dr. Kim performs a brachioplasty (arm lift), removing the extra skin and tightening the upper arm. He often combines it with liposuction to smooth out leftover fat. An arm lift leaves a scar along the inner arm, and he'll walk you through where it sits and how it usually fades over time.
If your skin is still fairly firm and the issue is mostly fat, liposuction or CoolSculpting may be enough on its own. A quick exam usually makes it clear which camp you're in.
Recommended Treatment
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) is a surgical procedure aimed to reshape and provide improved contour to the upper arms and connecting area of the chest wall. While “Brachioplasty” is commonly used to describe a specific procedure for the upper arms, the term can also be used to describe any surgical arm contouring. Brachioplasty is often used to address issues such as excessive loose skin or excessive fat in the arms when it does not respond well to diet and exercise. Brachioplasty is a common procedure for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and has gained popularity since 2000.
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