Loose skin and stubborn fat on the upper arms — commonly called bat wings — are one of the most self-conscious body concerns we treat. Our Colorado Springs team offers targeted solutions that slim, tighten, and reshape the upper arms without surgery.
Understanding Your Concern
Upper arm laxity is one of the most common concerns we see — and honestly, one of the most frustrating to deal with through conventional means alone.
Bat wings typically develop from a combination of two things: excess subcutaneous fat and skin that’s lost its ability to bounce back. As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally slows, which means the skin gradually loses the elasticity that once kept it firm and smooth. Genetics play a bigger role than most people realise — some individuals simply have a lower baseline for how well their skin recoils, meaning upper arm laxity can appear earlier or more severely regardless of body weight or fitness level.
Exercise helps, but only so much. Tricep work can strengthen the underlying muscle, but it can’t remove fat deposits or restore elasticity to skin that’s already begun to sag. Significant weight changes can stretch the skin’s elastic fibres to a point where they’re unable to retract — which is why loose, hanging skin on the upper arms is especially common after major weight loss.
The result is that familiar soft drape of skin on the underside of the arm — the kind that moves when you wave, and makes reaching for a sleeveless top feel like a no.
Upper arm fat distribution and skin elasticity are heavily genetic — independent of body weight or fitness level.
Collagen and elastin degrade with age, causing upper arm skin to lose firmness and begin to drape.
Significant weight loss leaves the upper arm skin stretched in ways that targeted treatment — not exercise — can address.
Treatment Results Last Long-Term
* Individual results may vary. Real patients, shown with consent.
Upper arm laxity isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither is the approach to treating it. Based on the degree of laxity, your anatomy, and what you’re hoping to achieve, Dr. Dunham and his team will recommend the option — or combination of options — that makes the most sense for you.
Permanently reduce upper arm fat — no surgery.
Destroys stubborn upper arm fat cells permanently through controlled cooling — ideal for patients who don’t have significant skin laxity.
Fat removal and skin tightening in one session.
Removes upper arm fat and simultaneously tightens overlying skin — the best option when there’s noticeable arm skin laxity along with excess fat.
Remodel arm skin texture from the inside out.
Tightens lax skin and improves surface texture on the arms — pairs naturally with CoolSculpting for a comprehensive result.
Smooth and tighten arm skin with radiofrequency.
Reduces fat cells and improves skin laxity and texture on the arms — a comfortable, no-downtime maintenance option.
Why Patients Choose Us
Recognized by InMode for clinical excellence and procedure volume across the entire state — 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Dr. Dunham's medical and surgical background means every arm contouring plan is built on real anatomical expertise.
We'll tell you straight if surgery would serve you better than a non-surgical option — your results matter more than a sale.
Yes — for many patients, BodyTite delivers results that significantly reduce the need for a surgical arm lift. BodyTite removes fat and tightens skin simultaneously, making it the most powerful non-surgical option available. For patients with very significant laxity, a surgical brachioplasty may still be the better outcome — and Dr. Dunham and his team will tell you honestly if that’s the case. For most patients with mild to moderate bat wings, a non-surgical or minimally invasive approach produces real, visible results.
CoolSculpting treats fat only — it permanently destroys fat cells in the upper arm but does not address skin laxity. If loose skin is your primary concern, CoolSculpting alone won’t resolve it and may make the skin appear looser once fat is removed. BodyTite treats both fat and skin — making it the better choice when laxity and fat coexist. For patients with good skin tone and primarily fat concerns, CoolSculpting is a strong option.
BodyTite results are long-lasting when weight is maintained — the structural tissue changes are permanent. CoolSculpting fat reduction is permanent. Morpheus8Deep and Venus Legacy results are long-term with our comprehensive, corrective treatment approach — with occasional single maintenance treatments, your results will last as long as you wish. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect at your consultation.
CoolSculpting and Venus Legacy have essentially zero downtime. Morpheus8Deep involves 2–5 days of redness and mild swelling. BodyTite requires 5–7 days of recovery — most patients wear a compression garment and avoid strenuous upper body activity during that time. We’ll prepare you for exactly what to expect before you commit.
Pricing depends on the treatment, the size of the area, and whether you’re combining procedures. We offer flexible financing options — apply in minutes to see what works for your budget. The most accurate pricing comes from your in-person consultation with Dr. Dunham and his team.
Dr. Dunham and his team will assess your arms in person and give you an honest recommendation for the approach that will get you the results you’re looking for. Real results rarely come from a single treatment. Dr. Dunham and his team often combine and stack multiple treatments into one strategic plan built around your goals — because we’re focused on your results, not a sales pitch.
