I was very skeptical about aesthetic surgery until I came to Redeker Aesthetics. The process felt honest, calm and considered.
Summary
Type of procedure
Outpatient under general anaesthesia
Pain level
Moderate
Suture removal
Resorbable sutures
Scars
Inside of the upper arm
Return to regular activity
1-2 weeks
Avoid sport
2-6 weeks (depending on the sport)
Final result
12 months
Cost
About arm lift surgery
With increasing age or after weight loss, the skin on the upper arms can lose elasticity and sag. An arm lift, also called brachioplasty or upper arm lift surgery, removes excess skin and fatty tissue on the inside of the upper arms to improve arm contours.
This can be relevant when loose skin no longer improves through exercise or diet alone and begins to cause discomfort or dissatisfaction in everyday clothing and movement. In many cases, brachioplasty with liposuction is used to reduce volume and refine the transition between the arm, chest, and back.
Treatment is planned to improve upper arm firmness and shape while keeping the incision as inconspicuous as possible. The treatment plan depends on skin quality, fat distribution, the degree of loose skin on the arms, and whether the concern developed gradually or after significant weight loss. An arm lift can also be combined with liposuction in other areas or another skin tightening procedure when this supports a more balanced overall result.
When do we recommend arm lift surgery?
Upper arm contour depends on skin elasticity, fatty tissue, weight stability, and the amount of excess skin present. These factors are assessed together before deciding whether arm lift surgery is appropriate.
Loose skin on the upper arms
Loose skin on the upper arms can develop with age, after weight loss, or because of reduced skin elasticity. In more advanced cases, the skin may hang from the inner arm and no longer respond to training or diet.
Recommended procedure:
Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and tightens the upper arm contour. This can be especially relevant for patients seeking an arm lift after weight loss.
Flabby arms with excess tissue
Flabby arms may involve both loose skin and unwanted fat deposits. When both are present, removing skin alone may not create the most refined contour. Surgery for flabby arms is planned according to whether the main concern is skin laxity, fat, or both.
Recommended procedure:
Brachioplasty with liposuction can reduce volume while tightening the skin envelope. Liposuction also plays an important role in protecting nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic channels during surgery.
Localised fat deposits around the arms
Some patients have fatty tissue on the upper arms, the transition towards the chest, or the upper back. If the skin still has good elasticity, a less extensive approach may be possible.
Recommended procedure:
Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat deposits. In selected cases, BodyTite™ may support additional skin tightening, particularly when there is little excess skin and good skin quality.
Discomfort or dissatisfaction in everyday life
Excess skin on the upper arms can affect how clothing fits and how comfortable patients feel showing or moving their arms. For some patients, the concern is not only the appearance of loose skin, but the way it affects daily confidence and quality of life.
Recommended procedure:
Arm lift surgery may be considered when these concerns are significant and the tissue excess cannot be improved sufficiently with exercise, diet, or less invasive treatments.
“An arm lift with liposuction is planned around the amount of excess skin, tissue quality, and the contour of the arm. The aim is not simply to make the arm appear smaller, but to improve shape in a way that feels balanced and natural. ”
Jonathan Redeker
Board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Arm lift surgery explained
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the inside of the upper arms. The exact brachioplasty technique depends on skin quality, fat deposits, and the amount of loose skin present. The operation usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the extent of skin excess and fatty tissue.
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STEP
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Consultation and assessment
The upper arms are examined carefully, including skin elasticity, fat distribution, arm contour, and the position of excess skin. Brachioplasty markings are planned according to the amount of correction needed and the most discreet scar position possible.
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STEP
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Preparation and anaesthesia
The procedure is performed as outpatient surgery under general anaesthesia. Detailed verbal and written pre- and post-operative instructions are provided before surgery.
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STEP
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Liposuction and tissue protection
Upper arm volume is reduced with liposuction where appropriate, using precise incisions. Liposuction plays a crucial role in protecting nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic channels, while also allowing unwanted fat deposits to be removed from the arms, the transition area to the chest, and the back.
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STEP
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Skin removal and contouring
Excess skin is removed and tightened to create a more harmonious contour. The arm lift incisions are usually made on the inside of the arm so the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
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STEP
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Closure and post-operative care
The incisions are closed with resorbable sutures, and the wounds are covered with dressings. Before discharge, detailed aftercare instructions are reviewed. In some cases, compression garments should be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to support healing.
See arm lift results: Before & after
Before
After
Ideal arm lift result
We provide AI-generated examples that reflect ideal arm lift before and after results. These illustrate improvement in upper arm contour, reduced loose skin, and a firmer arm shape while keeping the result natural. During your consultation, we would be happy to show you photographs of actual patient results.
Before
After
Ideal brachioplasty result
We provide AI-generated examples that reflect ideal brachioplasty before and after results. These illustrate improvement in upper arm contour, reduced loose skin, and a firmer arm shape while keeping the result natural. During your consultation, we would be happy to show you photographs of actual patient results.
What our patients say
Patients often describe feeling more comfortable showing their arms after brachioplasty surgery. Clothing may feel easier to wear, and the upper arm contour can appear firmer and more defined.
Meet our experienced medical team
At REDEKER AESTHETICS, all procedures are performed by highly experienced plastic surgeons with over 10 years of experience in aesthetic plastic surgery and body contouring procedures. Each treatment is planned individually, based on skin quality, tissue distribution, and the desired arm contour, with a focus on safety and natural results.
Expert Advice
Why are plastic surgeons recommended for hyaluronic acid and botulinum injections?
“Before treatment, it is essential to clearly identify the anatomical problem and determine whether a non-surgical approach is the best option. This is why such treatments should ideally be performed by plastic surgeons, who are experts in facial anatomy and skilled in both non-surgical and surgical techniques. As the saying goes, ‘If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.’ Having the right knowledge and tools ensures each patient receives the most appropriate and effective solution.”
Dr. Fulvio Palmieri
Pre-care and post-care
Before and after arm lift surgery, these measures can help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Before
How to prepare for arm lift surgery?
A few measures before surgery can help reduce risks and make the procedure easier to manage.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood-thinning substances approximately 7-10 days before surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s advice.
Inform us about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or previous procedures.
Arrange for support during the first recovery period, especially with lifting and household tasks.
void excessive sun exposure or skin irritation on the upper arms before surgery.
Attend surgery with clean skin and without creams, lotions, or tight clothing around the treatment area.
After
What to consider after the surgery?
After surgery, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness will occur while the tissues heal. Careful aftercare can help support healing during the first recovery phase.
In some cases, an arm lift compression garment should be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to support healing.
Arm lift recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery. Light daily activities, such as short walks or simple household movement, are usually possible immediately. Physically strenuous activities involving the arms should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Gentle exercise can usually be started after about 2 weeks, depending on healing progress.
The final result becomes clearer after a few months, once the swelling has completely subsided. Arm lift scars fade over time and are made as inconspicuous as possible. Good aftercare can support scar healing.
Loose, comfortable clothing is usually easier to wear during the first phase of recovery.
Contact the clinic if severe pain, increasing swelling, signs of infection, wound healing problems, or unexpected symptoms occur.
View more
Enhance your post-brachioplasty recovery with photobiomodulation
At REDEKER AESTHETICS, we offer photobiomodulation (LED light therapy) to all surgical patients. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive adjunct therapy that helps make post-brachioplasty recovery faster, smoother, and more comfortable. Here’s how it supports your healing:
Photobiomodulation uses a gentle, low-level laser to support the body’s natural healing processes. It stimulates cellular repair and regeneration, helping the body heal more quickly after surgery while reducing infection risk, swelling, and bruising.
Pre-operative
Cleanse and reset the tissue
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Blue light for faster healing and reduced infection risk
The first step is performed pre-operatively to prepare the treated area. By reducing bacterial load and rebalancing excess oil production, targeted blue light optimises the skin environment and supports the body’s natural inflammatory response, creating an ideal foundation for efficient healing.
Celular level cleansing
Tissue reset
Post-operative
Accelerate healing and recovery
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Yellow light for less discomfort and inflammation
Photobiomodulation with yellow light supports the body's natural healing processes after surgery. It promotes lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Patients often report less discomfort and tenderness, as well as a smoother, more comfortable recovery and a faster return to daily activities.
Energy boost
Fast healing
Less Bruising
Long-term phase
Enhanced tissue repair and skin quality
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Red light to boost cellular energy
Red light therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity to boost cellular energy (ATP) and activates fibroblasts to enhance collagen and elastin synthesis. Over time, this improves skin quality, minimises visible scarring, and contributes to longer-lasting results.
Collagen Boost
Elastin support
Who is an upper arm lift suitable for?
For people with sagging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with exercise or diet.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
In mild cases, treatments such as non-invasive radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy can help, but they do not offer the same effectiveness as surgical tightening.
Is an arm lift possible without long scars?
If you are mainly dealing with excess fatty tissue on the upper arms and the skin has sufficient elasticity, liposuction can be combined with a skin-tightening BodyTite™ treatment to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. If there is little excess fat and good skin quality, minimally invasive skin tightening with BodyTite™ without liposuction is also possible.
How long does the procedure take?
The surgery usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the extent of the lift.
Are there any risks associated with an arm lift?
Possible risks include infections, wound healing disorders, impaired scarring or temporary loss of sensation in the arms. These will be discussed during the consultation.
How long does the result last?
Even if the skin tightening effect will diminish somewhat over time, the result will remain good for years if the body weight remains stable.
Can I have an arm lift and tummy tuck at the same time?
An arm lift and tummy tuck may be combined when both areas need correction and your overall health allows a longer procedure. This is often considered after significant weight loss, when loose skin remains on the upper arms and abdomen. The decision depends on the amount of tissue correction needed, recovery demands, and whether a combined operation can be planned safely.
How much does an arm lift or brachioplasty cost?
The arm lift surgery cost depends on the extent of the procedure and starts from CHF 11,200. You will receive a definitive cost estimate after a personal consultation.