Arm Lift and Thigh Lift: Comprehensive Body Contouring

By Dr. Christian Stallworth

When weight loss, aging, or genetics leave loose skin on both the arms and thighs, many patients feel trapped in clothing that hides the very progress they worked so hard to achieve. While exercise builds muscle, it cannot tighten stretched skin and that’s where surgical body contouring becomes transformative.

Both an arm and thigh lift in San Antonio offer a powerful solution these procedures deliver balanced, dramatic, and lasting results across the upper and lower body.

The Issue: Why Loose Skin Persists After Weight Loss or Aging

Skin is elastic, but only up to a point. When it has been stretched by pregnancy, significant weight changes, or the natural aging process, the fibers that keep it tight can become permanently damaged.

For many patients, this loose skin causes:

Sadly, no amount of exercise can fix stretched skin. This is why body contouring in Texas has become such a powerful solution.

Understanding the Separate Procedures

An arm lift (Brachioplasty) removes the hanging skin and excess fat from the upper arms. It corrects sagging underarms, “Bat wings”, skin that hangs in clothing and any discomfort from skin rubbing. The result is arms that match the strength and youthfulness you feel inside!

A thigh lift targets loose, wrinkled, or drooping skin on the inner or outer thighs. It improves thigh chafing, sagging after weight loss, loose skin that won’t tighten and poor contour in swimwear or shorts.  Combined with an arm lift, it creates a streamlined silhouette from top to bottom!

The Solution: What is Body Contouring?

Body contouring refers to performing multiple body-shaping procedures to achieve ideal results. Through multiple procedures, the surgeon reshapes the body holistically, creating smoother lines and more natural proportions. Instead of isolated improvement, you get a smooth, cohesive silhouette that looks natural from every angle.

If you get both an arm and thigh lift performed separately, you’d be targeting:

Patients who choose body contouring often describe the experience as reclaiming their bodies.  The approach is time effective and results in confidence that doesn’t just stay in the mirror; it shows up in relationships, social life, and how you carry yourself every day!

Despite both of these procedures resulting in your ideal silhouette, we do not perform them at the same time. They have to be tackled separately to ensure the best results and ideal recovery.

Not sure if you’re a candidate?

If you got to this point of the blog and are interested in learning whether a one of these procedures is the approach you should take, let us guide you through your eligibility:

You may be a strong candidate if you:

Our body conturing procedures are especially common for patients who have lost a large amount of lose skin and want their bodies to finally reflect that achievement.

Begin your transformation with Dr. Rokosz! 

If loose arms and thighs are holding you back from full y enjoying your body, an arm and thigh lift in San Antonio could be the final step in your journey. Body contouring requires experience: Texas Plastic Surgery specializes in procedures that deliver smooth, balanced, and natural-looking results.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Jennifer Rokosz in San Antonio.



Frequently Asked Questions: Arm and Thigh Lift in San Antonio

Can an arm lift and thigh lift be done at the same time?

At Texas Plastic Surgery, we perform arm and thigh lifts as separate procedures rather than combining them in a single operation. This approach gives your body the best opportunity to heal properly after each surgery, reduces overall risk, and allows Dr. Rokosz to focus fully on delivering optimal results for each area. Most patients appreciate the more manageable recovery that comes with tackling each procedure on its own timeline.

How long does recovery take after an arm lift?

Most patients take one to two weeks off from work and daily activities after brachioplasty. Swelling and tightness in the upper arms are normal during this period. Light activity resumes fairly quickly, but you’ll want to avoid heavy lifting or intense upper body exercise for about four to six weeks. Dr. Rokosz will give you a specific recovery plan based on your procedure and health history.

How long does recovery take after a thigh lift?

Thigh lift recovery is similar in timeline to an arm lift, typically two to three weeks before returning to most normal activities. Because the incisions are placed in areas that move with walking, patients are encouraged to take it easy in those first couple of weeks. Full recovery and final results are generally visible by three to six months post-surgery.

Who is a good candidate for an arm lift in San Antonio?

Good candidates for brachioplasty are adults who have significant loose or hanging skin on their upper arms that doesn’t respond to exercise. This is especially common after major weight loss or with age-related skin thinning. Candidates should be at or near a stable weight, be in good overall health, and have realistic expectations for what surgery can achieve. A consultation with Dr. Rokosz is the best way to determine if you’re a good fit.

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

Thigh lift candidates typically have loose, drooping, or wrinkled skin on the inner or outer thighs — often following significant weight loss or as a result of aging. Like with any body contouring procedure, stable weight and good overall health are important factors. If you’ve lost a substantial amount of weight and your thighs haven’t responded to diet and exercise, you may be an excellent candidate.

What is the difference between a thigh lift and liposuction?

Liposuction removes excess fat, but it doesn’t address loose or excess skin. A thigh lift specifically removes the redundant skin that remains after fat loss or aging. In some cases, both procedures may be discussed as part of a broader body contouring approach, but they serve different purposes. If your main concern is sagging skin rather than fat volume, a thigh lift is the more appropriate option.

Will I have scars after an arm lift or thigh lift?

Both procedures do involve incisions and, therefore, scarring. The location and extent of scarring depend on the amount of skin being removed. For arm lifts, scars typically run along the inner arm from the elbow toward the armpit. For thigh lifts, incisions are placed in areas that can be hidden by underwear or swimwear. Scars fade significantly over time and with proper care. Dr. Rokosz will walk you through what to expect during your consultation.

How is body contouring different from a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover typically focuses on restoring the abdomen, breasts, and other areas affected specifically by pregnancy and childbirth. Body contouring is a broader term that refers to procedures designed to reshape and tighten multiple areas of the body — often after significant weight loss. An arm and thigh lift combination falls under body contouring and is particularly well-suited for patients whose concerns extend beyond just the abdominal area.

Can I combine my arm or thigh lift with other procedures?

Depending on your health and goals, it’s possible to discuss combining either procedure with other body contouring surgeries during your consultation. Each patient’s situation is different, so Dr. Rokosz will help you build a plan that makes sense for your timeline, recovery, and desired outcome. We take a thoughtful, staged approach to make sure every procedure is done safely and effectively.

How do I get started with a consultation for an arm and thigh lift in San Antonio?

The easiest way to get started is to contact Texas Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Jennifer Rokosz. During that visit, she’ll review your medical history, discuss your goals, examine the areas of concern, and help you understand which procedures are the right fit for you. There’s no pressure — it’s simply a conversation to help you make an informed decision about your body and your care.

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