Aesthetic Surgery
Upper Arm Lift
Brachioplasty for excess skin on the upper arm
At a Glance
In Brief
Removal of excess skin on the upper arm
Treatment Duration
Approx. 1–2 hours
Anaesthesia
Usually general anaesthesia
Downtime
Usually back at work after about 2 weeks
Results
Visible immediately, final after several months
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting with a stable weight
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
An upper arm lift, known medically as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and the underlying fatty tissue from the upper arm. The remaining skin is tightened so that the arm regains a firmer contour.
The procedure may be considered by women and men whose skin on the upper arms has lost elasticity after major weight loss or over the years. The technique and incision are chosen by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei to suit your findings; in the consultation, he explains them to you and shows where the scars will lie.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Variants
The extent of the procedure depends on how pronounced the excess skin is.
Minor Excess Skin
Where there is only a little excess skin, a smaller procedure is enough. In this case, local anaesthesia may also be sufficient.
Pronounced Excess Skin
Where the excess is marked, the lift covers the whole length of the upper arm. General anaesthesia is then the usual choice.
After Major Weight Loss
After major weight loss, the loose skin can extend beyond the arm to the side of the chest. The lift is then extended accordingly.
Combination with Liposuction
If there are fat deposits as well as loose skin, a combination with liposuction is possible, which is decided in the consultation.
What is an upper arm lift?
In an upper arm lift, slack skin and the underlying fatty tissue are surgically removed from the arm, and the remaining skin is tightened. This kind of excess skin often develops after significant weight loss or as the skin loses elasticity.
Surgery is normally carried out under general anaesthesia, and the procedure takes about 1–2 hours. Depending on its extent, you go home the same day or stay for one night. In the weeks that follow, you wear compression sleeves, which limit swelling.
Like any operation, the lift leaves scars, which fade over time. The aim is a firmer, natural-looking arm contour that suits your proportions.
- Surgical procedure on the upper arm
- Removal of excess skin and fatty tissue
- Usually under general anaesthesia
- Takes about 1–2 hours
- Outpatient or with one overnight stay
Why an upper arm lift at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
The procedure is performed by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Planning Based on Findings
How extensive the lift is depends on how pronounced the excess skin is. With minor findings, the procedure is correspondingly smaller.
Combination Where Needed
The lift can be combined with other lifting procedures. During planning, we clarify what makes sense for you.
Anaesthesia at a Surgical Centre
Anaesthesia is given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre.
Stable Weight as a Basis
A stable weight before the procedure helps the tightened contour to last in the long term. We take this into account when planning.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
In a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei examines your arms and discusses the extent of the procedure, recovery and possible risks with you. You make your decision afterwards, in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
You receive clear instructions on medication, smoking and sun exposure in advance. Blood-thinning medication is only paused after consulting the doctor, and you should avoid nicotine around the time of the operation.
Surgery
During the operation, the excess skin on the arm is removed and the arm is tightened as a result, which takes about 1–2 hours. Surgery takes place at a certified surgical centre, usually under general anaesthesia, on an outpatient basis or with one overnight stay.
First Weeks
Compression sleeves limit swelling and are worn for about 6 weeks. Most patients are socially presentable after about 1 week and back at work after about 2 weeks.
Follow-Up
At the follow-up appointments, we check how healing is progressing and adjust your aftercare. Sport and heavy lifting are possible again after about 6 weeks.
| Upper arm lift | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out for you after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
During the operation, excess skin and the underlying fatty tissue are removed from the upper arm, giving the arm a firmer contour. The procedure takes about 1–2 hours and is carried out on an outpatient basis or with one overnight stay. You learn beforehand in the consultation which technique and incision are suitable for your findings and where the scars will lie.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. For a small amount of surplus skin, local anaesthesia may be sufficient. Anaesthesia is provided by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre, and the form intended for you is decided when the operation is planned.
What risks and side effects are possible?
Swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and temporary numbness in the operated area are common after the procedure and generally subside by themselves. As with any operation, bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems or noticeable scars are possible. We discuss your individual risks with you in detail before the procedure.
What should I consider before the procedure?
Your weight should be stable before the procedure, as larger fluctuations can change the contour of the arms again. You should avoid nicotine, because smoking increases the risks of an operation; blood-thinning medication is only paused after consulting the doctor. You receive the detailed preparation instructions after the consultation.
What should I consider after the procedure?
Wear the compression sleeves for around 6 weeks as prescribed and rest your arms in the early period. Heavy lifting, long drives and sport should be avoided at first. You receive further aftercare advice at the follow-up appointments, which accompany you through healing.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Most patients are socially presentable again after about 1 week and able to work after about 2 weeks; with physically demanding work it may take longer. You should wait 6 weeks before doing sport. Swelling and bruising decrease noticeably in the first few weeks.
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When do results become visible?
The firmer contour can be seen straight after the procedure, although it is initially masked by swelling. It can take several months for the swelling to subside completely, and only then can the final appearance be judged. The scars fade over time.
How long do the results last?
The effect of the lift is long-lasting, provided your weight remains stable. The skin continues to age naturally, and larger weight fluctuations can change the contour again. We discuss the factors that matter in your case during the consultation.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is usually sufficient, with both arms tightened in the same operation. Occasionally, a minor correction may be advisable later. The lift can also be combined with other lifting procedures, which is planned individually.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
An upper arm lift is suitable for women and men with marked excess skin on the upper arms, often after major weight loss or as skin elasticity declines. A stable weight, good general health and realistic expectations are required. If the concern is mainly fatty tissue with little excess skin, or if there are relevant underlying conditions, the procedure is less suitable. In a personal conversation, we clarify what makes sense in your case.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is available on request, as the cost depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. After the consultation, you receive a transparent breakdown of the costs.
Personal Consultation
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