Armplasty

The arm lift procedure tightens sagging skin on the inner side of the upper arms. Sagging skin is caused by ageing or slimming. Exercise and diet cannot tighten the skin of the arms and may even worsen the condition.

Arm lifts are performed under general anaesthesia. A bilateral arm lift takes about two hours. Through a hidden incision in the armpit fold, excess skin is removed and the skin of the upper arm is tightened. It is sometimes necessary to leave a scar on the inside of the upper arm. An arm lift can be combined with liposuction if the arms have both excess fat and sagging skin. A pressure sleeve is applied after the surgery. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis (in a day hospital).

After the procedure, one should take two weeks of rest and put as little strain on the arms as possible. Showering is allowed immediately after the procedure. The pressure sleeve should be worn on the arms for approximately a month. Scar aftercare will be explained during the post-operative check-up at 1 week, 6 weeks and 3-6 months. The pain is well tolerated with classic post-operative analgesics.

Post-operative bleeding and infection are very rare complications associated with an arm lift.

Wound separation may occur if the skin tension is too high (due to swelling) or if the skin is poorly vascularised (due to smoking). Sufficient rest, stopping smoking and wearing the protective pressure garments can help avoid these complications.

Arm swelling (lymphoedema) can occur after surgery, but this is temporary.

In cases of severe skin excess, such as with significant weight loss, health insurers provide partial reimbursement.

Latest publication date: 13/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vertriest Rudolf