About the procedure
After weight loss or with age, the skin on the inner upper arm sags and liposuction alone is not enough. In an arm lift, excess skin is removed through an incision on the inner arm, placed along the line closest to the body.
In mild cases, a short incision limited to the armpit may be sufficient.
The length and position of the incision are planned according to whether the sagging extends to the armpit or all the way to the elbow; the incision is placed on the inner side of the arm along a line that is not visible when the arm rests against the body. While the excess skin is removed surgically, the underlying fat layer is first thinned with liposuction; this helps protect the nerves and lymphatic vessels.
- ✓Scar along the inner line of the arm
- ✓Combined with liposuction
- ✓Lasting firmness
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Those with marked skin sagging on the inner side of the upper arm after weight loss.
- ✓People bothered by the arm swinging due to age-related laxity who would not get results from liposuction.
- ✓Those with a stable weight who do not smoke and accept a permanent scar on the inner side of the arm.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Those with tight skin and only excess fat; liposuction alone is more suitable in these patients.
- —Those still losing weight; the result is not planned until the weight is stable.
- —Those who have had breast or lymph node surgery through the armpit and have lymphedema in the arm.
- —Those with a marked tendency to scarring (keloids) who cannot accept a scar.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The extent of sagging and skin quality are measured; the short (armpit) or long incision option is chosen.
- 02
Preparation
Blood tests are done; smoking and blood thinners are stopped. The incision line is drawn while standing with the arm extended.
- 03
Surgery
Under general anesthesia, fat is first reduced with liposuction, then excess skin is removed and the incision is closed in layers.
- 04
Hospital and dressing
You stay 1 night; the arms are kept slightly elevated and compression sleeves are fitted.
- 05
Check-up
The incision line and swelling are assessed; any drain is removed.
- 06
Return and follow-up
Clearance to fly is given on day 7; scar care and the use of silicone sheets are taught.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
The arms are elevated on pillows; bending the elbow is fine, but raising the arm above the shoulder is restricted.
Days 3–5
Swelling and bruising become noticeable; the hands and fingers are moved to support circulation.
Week 1
Showering is allowed; the compression sleeve is worn all day. No weight is carried with the arms.
Weeks 2–3
Tension along the incision decreases; you can return to desk work.
Week 6
Exercise and weight training begin; the scar is red and slightly raised.
Year 1
The scar lightens and softens; the final appearance settles.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Arm Lift are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- A permanent scar; although on the inner side of the arm, in some patients it can widen or heal raised.
- Wound separation along the incision; because the arm is a mobile area, it requires particular care in the first 2 weeks.
- Prolonged numbness on the inner side of the arm; rarely, a permanent change in sensation.
- Seroma, bleeding, and infection; lymph leakage can occur with incisions extending into the armpit.
- Swelling in the arm (lymphedema) and asymmetry; rarely, a corrective surgery is needed.