How long does an arm lift take?
Depending on the extent, the operation takes 1.5–3 hours and generally takes place under general anaesthesia. A mini arm lift with smaller incisions near the armpit is usually shorter than the traditional lift.
Do I have to stay overnight after the arm lift?
Not necessarily. After the procedure, you are monitored in the clinic for a few hours until you have recovered well; in some cases you stay one night for observation. The arm lift is therefore possible as an outpatient or inpatient procedure.
Where do the incisions run in an arm lift?
On the inner or back side of the upper arms. In the traditional lift, the incision runs from the armpit to the elbow; in the mini arm lift, it is limited to the upper part of the arm near the armpit.
Which arm lift technique suits me?
This is decided above all by the amount of excess skin. If the excess extends across the whole upper arm, the traditional brachioplasty is usually an option; if it is slight and limited to the area near the armpit, the mini brachioplasty is often enough. After the examination, your surgeon will suggest the suitable technique.
Is fat also suctioned during an arm lift?
In some cases, yes. The lift is then combined with liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue and shape the contour more harmoniously. If it is mainly a matter of fat and less of skin, liposuction alone may be an option.
Is an arm lift also an option without stomach surgery?
Yes. It is carried out after a bariatric operation as well as after conservative weight loss or with age-related excess skin. What matters is that your weight is stable and your state of health is good. The procedure is not intended for weight loss itself.
How do I prepare for the arm lift?
A blood test comes before the procedure. Your surgeon tells you which medication to continue or stop and gives advice on diet, and you refrain from alcohol and nicotine. Arrange support for the first days, because with freshly operated arms you are restricted in everyday life.
How long do I have to wear compression after the arm lift?
Several weeks around the clock; you take it off only for showering. The compression garment controls swelling, helps the skin adapt to the new contours and reduces the risk of complications.
When can I use my arms normally again?
Gentle movements of the arms are desirable in the first days, because they promote circulation. Lighter everyday activities are usually possible again after 2–3 weeks, strenuous activities and sport after about 6 weeks – in each case following your doctor’s instructions.
How long does healing take, and when can the result be seen?
Swelling and bruising generally subside within a few weeks. The final result shows after about three to six months, when healing is complete and the skin has adapted to the new contours. Results vary from person to person. Until then, avoid strenuous activities; gentle movements of the arms promote circulation.
Will scars remain after an arm lift?
Yes. The scar lies on the inner or back side of the upper arm; how long it is depends on the technique. For scar care, your doctor recommends special creams or treatments so that they become as inconspicuous as possible.
What risks and side effects can an arm lift have?
As with any surgical procedure, risks and side effects are possible: swelling, bruising, infections and uneven skin contours, and in rare cases thromboses or wound-healing disorders. Choosing an experienced specialist and careful aftercare can reduce the risk; it is important to follow all medical instructions closely. Your doctor will inform you about possible risks and complications before the procedure.
What should I look for when choosing a doctor for an arm lift?
Look for a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery with extensive experience in arm lifts, particularly after significant weight loss. Check qualifications and certifications. Open, trusting communication is also important, so that your needs and expectations are taken into account.
What does an arm lift cost?
Treatment costs start at about €6,500. How high they are for you depends on the medical indication and the extent of the procedure; you receive an exact cost estimate after the personal initial consultation. All prices at a glance: Costs & prices.
Does the German health insurance pay for an arm lift?
Only where there is a medical indication, for example if the sagging skin leads to recurrent inflammation or considerable restrictions in movement. Approval is not guaranteed, and each application is examined individually. You can read how the application works above in the guide under “Costs & German health insurance”.
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