upper arm lift

Upper Arm Lift – Synonyms & Principle

synonyms: Brachioplasty

principle:
Removal of excess skin in the upper arm area is almost always combined with preparatory liposuction. If the excess skin is small, pure liposuction (possibly combined with heat, e.g. ultrasound) is also possible

is often combined with…

• thigh lift
• tummy tuck

efficiency

The excess skin on the upper arm is removed and thus firmed

The excess volume is removed immediately (the maximum possible effect of liposuction per region is approximately 70-80%).

duration of surgery

On average, an upper arm lift takes 1-1.5 hours

repetition of the treatment

usually only after major weight changes

or pregnancy

or severe tissue deterioration for other reasons (e.g. aging)

Application in which body region

upper arms

decision-making aids

Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat make up an upper arm lift:

Should I have the upper arm lift do it at all? – Sometimes it is better not to do something at all.

Good advice highlights all the advantages and disadvantages of an operation – and thus helps you make the right decision:

cut=scar

This applies everywhere - definitely also in the upper arm area. The cut usually runs horizontally in the armpit area and then vertically downwards towards the elbow (like a "T"). Ideally, the scar is fine, soft, linear and relatively inconspicuous. However, the scar can also be more noticeable. The further the cut goes towards the elbow, the more noticeable it can be when wearing short vests. If there is only a slight excess of skin, the scar is not something you would accept. However, since there is no comparably effective method for larger excess skin, the improved shape and smaller circumference almost always outweigh the disadvantage of the scar. However, each patient must/may/should make this decision for themselves.

Liposuction before skin removal?

I almost always do this as preparation, even with patients who have little fatty tissue. This mobilizes the tissue to be removed and protects and preserves blood and lymph vessels as well as nerves. This then helps with wound healing. In addition, the addition of the fluid used means there is less bleeding.

compression garments

can have a very positive effect on healing and scarring (the pressure on the scar makes it softer) and is definitely useful for 6 weeks.

anesthesia type & combinations

If a smaller area of tissue is involved, an upper arm lift can also be performed under local anesthesia (possibly with twilight sleep).

Often, the upper arm lift is combined with other operations (breast, stomach, etc.). There is nothing wrong with this. However, if too many different regions would otherwise have to be operated on and protected at the same time, it is recommended to split the procedure into several operations.

What should you have heard/read before an upper arm lift?

Usually it is not a major operation. However, you should always consider the scar that you will have to more or less accept.

Prejudices

Conservative treatments such as ultrasound, biostimulating hyaluronic acid, threads, enzymes or similar can replace an upper arm lift

facts

From a certain excess skin onwards there is no comparable alternative.

common possible side effects/complications

• Wound healing disorder (especially in the area of the “T” in the armpit
• infection
• Scar – which can sometimes be annoying
• Asymmetry (always present on two sides to a certain extent)

details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents

In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations, upper arm analysis, etc.) and the surgeon’s experience are important factors for the success of an upper arm lift.

You should avoid…

• too much tension on the scar due to excessive skin resection – usually has a negative effect on the quality of the scar, and the upper arm should still remain wider than the forearm
  
• short cuts at any price (after surgery, a good shape is always more important than the length of the incision)

anesthesia

Possible anesthesiaforms for an upper arm lift

• Local anesthesia
• Local anesthesia + twilight sleep
• general anesthesia

the operation

Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – this results in a waiting period of at least 3-4 weeks from the decision to have an upper arm lift, but often longer.

Do not take any blood-thinning medication until 10 days before the operation. Also avoid citrus fruits and ginger.

We will inform you if a psychological report may be necessary before your surgery.

THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.

the operation

rest for 3 weeks in the sense of:

• do not lift more than 5-6kg
• nothing jerky
• Do not work upside down (protect your armpit area!)

In the first few nights after surgery, place a water-repellent pad under the wound area to prevent the bed from getting bloody wet

compression garments for 6 weeks day and night

our preferred technique/recommendation

• Liposuction and mobilization as preparation
• immediately afterwards removal of the excess skin (not too much tension – scar quality!)
• Anesthesia usually local anesthesia + twilight sleep
• Compression garments for 6 weeks (again, scar quality!)

Cost

Guidelines:

4900 Upper arm lift under local anesthesia

approx. 5600 upper arm lift including anesthesia

400 optional overnight stay at the clinic with nurse/450 for overnight stay from Friday to Saturday – if necessary or useful – usually not necessary

100 Costs for day admission to the clinic (if no overnight stay is planned) – if necessary or useful

50 Anesthesia information for planned anesthesia with an anesthetist

70 optional special price recommended scar ointment + disinfectant spray (regular after surgery 103)

The prices listed are average values and could be cheaper or more expensive. The final total price will be determined during the second consultation (=consent) depending on the individual effort/planned operation time, combinations, desired clinic/room category and other factors.

At the turn of the year, clinic prices are adjusted and may then be slightly higher.

reasonable budget

A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.

downtime

In general, 2-3 weeks of rest be taken into account – this means specifically:

• lifting no more than 5-6 kg
• no jerky movements
• do not perform any activities overhead

Important to know…

A corresponding protection with wearing the compression sleeves (with shorter breaks) is important. If you cannot take it easy after the operation, you should wait for a better/later time

Left

upper arm lift