Women in particular are affected: drooping skin and slight fat deposits on the upper arms. So-called waving arms, which are particularly noticeable in sleeveless clothing during certain movements, can be tightened and smoothed as part of an operative upper arm lift – also called brachioplasty. A slimmer, sportier silhouette of the arms is the result of the treatment.
How does an upper arm lift work?
A tightening of the upper arms is performed inpatient under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. Depending on the extent of skin sagging and fat storage in the upper arms, which can occur genetically or age-related or are the result of a strong weight loss, the operation is correspondingly complex. Before the upper arm lift, the surgeon marks the course of the skin incisions on the upper arms. The incisions lie on the back or inside of the upper arms and run spindle-shaped from the armpit down to the elbow. With a strong excess of skin, an additional incision in the armpit may be useful. Via the skin incisions, the surgeon removes excess fat deposits – here a classic liposuction can be used – and tightens the skin of the upper arms, so that the arm appears slim and smooth. Excess skin is removed, wound drains are placed and the incisions are sutured with a special suture technique. A compression bandage is applied and the upper arm lift is completed.
What needs to be considered after an upper arm lift?
In the first 2 weeks after brachioplasty, the initially severely swollen arms should be kept calm. For the removal of the wound drainage and for initial observation, the patient remains in the clinic for about 1-2 days after treatment. At home, the compression underwear should continue to be worn to avoid excessive scarring and to support the healing process in the best possible way. It should be noted that an upper arm lift always leaves visible scars. Due to the positioning of the cuts on the inside or back sides of the upper arms, however, they are inconspicuously located. Conscientious scar care can further reduce the conspicuousness of the scars. About 2 weeks after the upper arm lift, the patient is socially acceptable again, the final result can be assessed after about 4 weeks.