Upper Arm Aesthetics

An arm lift (brachioplasty), also called upper arm aesthetic surgery, is an operation that removes sagging skin and excess fat from the back and inner side of the upper arm, giving the arm a smoother, firmer contour. If there is no skin sagging and the problem is only excess fat, arm liposuction may be enough. The right method depends on skin elasticity and the degree of sagging.

What is upper arm aesthetic surgery?

The typical features of aging upper arms, especially in patients who have lost a lot of weight, are wrinkled skin and skin that sags together with fat. When the arms are raised to the side, there is clear sagging of curved skin and fatty tissue. This sagging can extend to the armpit and, in very advanced cases, can occur together with sagging along the side of the torso. Surgical treatment of this condition is not a simple or minor procedure. The operation is performed on the back and inner side of the arm, and the sagging skin and fatty tissue are removed; liposuction can be added when needed. Strictly speaking, the surgical treatment of arm sagging is not a true lift: the aim is not to raise the tissues towards the armpit but to remove the sagging tissue.

Sagging of the upper arms most often develops after major weight loss, with the loss of skin elasticity that comes with age, and because of genetic predisposition. The tissue that hangs down when the arms are raised to the side does not tighten with exercise, because the problem lies in the excess skin, not the muscle. Depending on how advanced the sagging is, the scar from an arm lift can extend from the armpit towards the elbow.

Who is upper arm aesthetic surgery suitable for?

It is suitable for people with a stable weight who have sagging skin on the upper arms and can accept a permanent scar. Those with sagging after major weight loss and those whose arm skin has loosened with age are the most common groups. For people with elastic skin and only excess fat, liposuction alone may be enough; for very mild laxity, non-surgical skin tightening methods can be considered.

How is an arm lift performed?

The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The incision is placed on the inner or back-inner side of the arm so that it is least visible when your arms are at your sides; if the sagging extends to the armpit, the incision continues into the armpit. Excess skin and fat are removed, surrounding fat is thinned with liposuction if needed, and the incision is closed in layers. In arm liposuction, fat is removed with fine cannulas through openings only a few millimeters wide.

At Sculpture Polyclinic in Etiler, the consultation and planning before upper arm surgery are carried out by plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Op. Dr. Toygar Ünveren. The limits of the sagging are marked at the examination, and where the scar will be and how long it will be are explained in advance.

What is recovery like?

In the first days there is swelling, bruising and tightness in the arms; an arm compression garment or elastic bandage is used for several weeks to reduce swelling. Raising the arms slightly on a pillow helps in the first days. Return to desk work is usually possible within a few days after arm liposuction and within one to two weeks after an arm lift; sports that strain the arms should wait a few weeks. The scar takes months to mature. The timeframes in the summary above are averages and vary from person to person.

What are the risks and possible complications?

A thickened or widened scar, fluid collection, bleeding, infection, separation of the wound edges and small differences between the two arms can occur. If the skin nerves on the inner side of the arm are affected, there may be temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in sensation in the forearm. The scar from an arm lift is permanent, so the balance between your expectations and the scar should be weighed carefully before surgery.

Who is upper arm aesthetic surgery not suitable for?

Surgery is postponed or not recommended for people whose weight is still changing, those who are hesitant about a permanent scar, and those with an uncontrolled chronic illness or a bleeding disorder. People with a history of lymphedema in the arms need a particularly careful assessment. If you notice numbness in the hand, a marked change in color, increasing swelling or a fever after surgery, seek medical help immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Does an arm lift leave a scar?

Yes, a permanent scar remains on the inner side of the arm. The incision is placed so that it is least visible when your arms are at your sides, and the scar fades over time.

Can exercise fix sagging arms?

Exercise improves muscle tone but does not remove excess skin. For significant skin sagging, a lasting correction usually requires surgery.

What is the difference between arm liposuction and an arm lift?

Arm liposuction removes only excess fat and leaves small entry-point scars. An arm lift also removes sagging skin and leaves a long scar on the arm.

How long is the arm compression garment worn?

The compression garment or elastic bandage is usually worn for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon decides on the duration based on how the swelling progresses.

How long after weight loss should I wait for an arm lift?

Your weight should have been stable for some time. If surgery is done while you are still losing weight, new sagging can develop afterwards.

How long do the results of upper arm surgery last?

The skin and fat that are removed do not come back. However, aging and weight changes can affect the appearance of the arms again over time.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. For information about an arm lift or to book a consultation, please get in touch with us.