Arm Lift

Arm Lift


What is an arm lift and when is it performed?

Over the years, our skin naturally loses elasticity – the degree of this varies from person to person.
Many patients first notice changes in their upper arms through photos: the skin appears looser, with irregular texture similar to cellulite.
As the sagging increases, it can even cause irritation or friction in the armpit area.
This is often referred to as the "bat wing phenomenon."
An arm lift can be considered to remove excess skin and restore a firmer contour.

Arm

What can I expect from an arm lift?

During an arm lift, the soft tissue of the upper arm is significantly reduced.
This eliminates the “wing effect” and relieves mechanical discomfort near the armpits.
The scar is placed on the inner arm, making it less visible.
In our clinic, the procedure is usually combined with liposuction, allowing the removal of excess tissue with minimal trauma to lymphatic vessels and blood supply.

What is a dermolipectomy?

This combined method of liposuction and gentle removal of excess skin and soft tissue is called dermolipectomy.
The goal is to protect lymphatic vessels and small nerves, ensuring both functional preservation and an aesthetically pleasing result.

How long does an arm lift last?

The removed tissue does not return.
However, as the natural aging process continues, and in cases of connective tissue weakness, a new “wing effect” may appear again after about 10 years.

Is an arm lift painful?

Although it is a surgical procedure, most patients tolerate it well.
We use tumescent anesthesia and an individualized pain management plan to ensure comfort and quick recovery.

How is an arm lift performed at our clinic?

After your consultation – including thorough counseling, examination, and planning – we perform the surgery in our own clinic. We take great care to meet your needs and mark the incision lines in advance. On the day of surgery, you will be admitted at a fixed time to minimize waiting. I will personally go through all the details again and repeat the markings. Our nursing and anesthesia team will take care of you throughout the procedure. After surgery, you can usually go home accompanied by a family member.

Advantages / disadvantages / risks – are there alternatives?

The arm lift significantly reduces soft tissue on the upper arm. Rubbing between the upper arms and torso is minimized. There are currently **no alternative methods** that achieve comparable tightening of skin and soft tissue. A temporary feeling of tightness may occur post-operatively.

What should be considered after surgery?

**Compression garments** should be worn for about **6 weeks** to achieve the best results. When resorbable sutures are used, **no stitch removal** is necessary. Patients are generally **socially active again after about 10 days**. **Sports** can be resumed carefully after **6 weeks**, and **showering** is possible from **day 2** after the operation.

Treatment facts

  • Duration?
  • Procedure duration approx. 2.5 hours
  • Technique?
  • Incision on the inner upper arms
  • Anesthesia?
  • General anesthesia
  • Hospital stay?
  • Usually outpatient
  • Follow-up?
  • After 2 and 6 weeks
  • Suture removal?
  • Not necessary
  • Aftercare?
  • Compression garments for 6 weeks. Showering from the 2nd day after surgery. Socially presentable after 4 days. Sports after 2 weeks.