Upper arm lift / tightening of the upper arms / arm lift

Excess skin on the upper arms can be caused by age-related skin sagging or after losing weight. As skin elasticity decreases over time, exercise and dieting often do not lead to the desired results.

How do you firm up flabby upper arms?

Sagging upper arms can be tightened with an upper arm lift. In medical terms, the operation is known as brachioplasty. This is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arms in order to achieve a firmer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

OP methods

Depending on the degree of sagging, different surgical procedures can be used. In principle, we endeavour to use techniques that minimise scarring. A distinction is made between the following types of surgery:

Liposuction - This can often improve the silhouette of the upper arm. An additional tightening operation can be useful as a supplement to this.
If the skin is extremely loose, a spindle-shaped skin removal is performed from the armpit to the elbow on the inside of the upper arm. This tightens the upper arm. However, a scar remains, which is barely visible when the upper arm is in place and fades within a year.

Brief overview of upper arm lift:

Duration of treatment:
2-4 hours (depending on the area)

Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia

Follow-up treatment:
6 weeks wearing a compression garment

Load restrictions:
1-2 weeks

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Yes - depending on the initial situation, there are also methods that do not require surgery. We can offer you the following alternative methods:

Upper arm lift with Ultherapy without surgery

Associated terms:

Skin tightening and skin smoothing with micro-focussed ultrasound, gentle lifting without surgery, soft lift, ultrasound lifting

Ultherapy is a new and non-invasive procedure for skin tightening and smoothing. At our practice, we treat you with Ultherapy Prime - the latest generation of this innovative procedure. Sagging areas of skin on the face (e.g. "hamster cheeks"), neck ("turkey neck") and décolleté are gently and effectively tightened. Areas of the body such as the upper arms or inner thighs can also be treated effectively with this procedure.

With Ultherapy, an ultrasound head glides gently over the skin and creates many small heat points at three different depths in the skin layers. The lifting effect is achieved by the micro-focussed ultrasound, which provides controlled heat of up to 70°C. The deeper skin layers can normally only be mobilised during a surgical facelift. The temperature range achieved leads to the existing collagen fibres being tightened (collagen shrinking). The new production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, which increases the skin's elasticity. The stable collagen fibres can thus strengthen the connective tissue layer and tighten the skin.

Brief overview of Ultherapy Prime:

Duration of treatment:
30-120 minutes (depending on the region)

Anaesthesia:
Not necessary, administration of a painkiller before treatment, anaesthetic cream or twilight sleep if necessary

Follow-up treatment:
none

Load restrictions:
none

Upper arm modelling with EMSCULPT without surgery

Associated terms:
Muscle building triceps and biceps, upper arm fat reduction, upper arm fat removal, upper arm skin tightening

EMSCULPT is the world's only non-invasive procedure for effectively shaping and toning upper arms from the USA. This innovative technology creates a stimulating electromagnetic field that penetrates muscle and fat holistically and performs an intense muscle workout that allows both women and men to build muscle and burn fat. The procedure creates excessive muscle contractions in rapid succession that cannot be achieved through normal exercise. One session of EMSCULPT is equivalent to around 20,000 muscle contractions.

You can find more information about EMSCULPT on our page

Brief overview EMSCULPT:

Duration of treatment:
20 minutes
4 sessions (2 x /week) required

Anaesthesia:
Not necessary, not painful

Follow-up treatment:
none
No downtime

Load restrictions:
none

What are the reasons for an upper arm lift?

Overall, the reasons for an upper arm lift can vary from person to person. The procedure offers a solution to aesthetic, medical, psychological and practical problems that can be caused by excess skin on the upper arms. However, before deciding on surgery, it is important to seek detailed advice and weigh up all the possible risks and benefits.

Arm lift procedure with and without surgery

An upper arm lift can be performed either surgically or non-surgically. The most suitable method for you depends on your initial situation. For this reason, a consultation and assessment of the findings as part of an informative discussion is the basis for successful treatment. Together with you, we will weigh up which solution is best for you.

You will learn everything about the procedure, possible risks and results, the costs involved and the expected healing process. Once you have all the information you need, you can decide whether the procedure is right for you.

The course of the treatment itself depends on the respective method.

Results and healing of the operation

After the operation, you will be given a specially customised compression bandage that you should wear day and night for 6 weeks. During the first two weeks, you should refrain from exerting your arms heavily or for long periods of time. Intensive skin care to improve the limited elasticity can have a supportive effect.

The final results of an upper arm lift are usually visible after a few months, once the swelling and bruising have completely subsided and the skin has adapted to the new shape.

How long does an upper arm lift last?

The longevity of an upper arm lift can depend on several factors, including the individual's skin type, age and lifestyle. In general, the results of an upper arm lift can last for many years, especially if the person maintains a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, it is important to note that the natural aging process and fluctuations in body weight can affect long-term results.

What are angled arms and can they be corrected with an arm lift?

Angular arms, also known as "bat arms", refer to a flabby area of skin on the upper arms that is particularly visible when lifting the arms. This phenomenon often occurs with age or after significant weight loss. An upper arm lift can effectively remove this excess skin and improve the contour of the arms. The operation tightens the skin and removes fatty tissue, resulting in a smoother and firmer appearance.

What should you look out for when choosing a doctor / clinic?

When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.

Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.

Why should you come to us?

Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and and maximum care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews, our seals and awards.

Benefit from our many years of experience. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.

Do you have any questions?

Dr Michaela Montanari and Dr Anna Maria Bugariu will be happy to answer all your questions about your arm lift treatment. We will work with you to find out how you can get rid of your angular arms. Arrange your personal consultation.