Facts about upper arm lift

Technical term: | Brachioplasty |
Duration: | approx. 1–2 hours |
Anesthesia: | twilight sleep |
Aftercare: | compression for 4–6 weeks, no sports for 4 weeks |
Socially acceptable: | after approx. 3 days |
Price: | from CHF 8,000 |
Thanks to modern surgical techniques, beautifully defined arms no longer have to remain a pipe dream. If your upper arms have become saggy over the years or their contours are poorly defined due to your genetic makeup, an upper arm lift in Zurich can improve your appearance.
Our team of specialists led by Dr. Köhler will create a treatment plan for you that takes your individual body shape into account. Sagging tissue is removed and the upper arms are sculpted into a firm shape. The result is a significantly improved arm contour. The overall silhouette is harmonized.
If you are considering having your upper arms lifted, we at KALEIDOSCOP in Zurich are happy to assist you. Upon request, Dr. Köhler will advise you personally on upper arm lifts in Zurich and how precise corrections can improve the aesthetics of your arms in the long term.
Information about upper arm lift
Definition of upper arm lift
An upper arm lift is a surgical procedure to improve the shape of the upper arms. During the treatment, sagging tissue is removed and the upper arms are sculpted into a firm, slim shape. The aim of an upper arm lift in Zurich is to correct unwanted changes such as skin laxity or stored adipose tissue.
There are various reasons for significant sagging of the upper arms. Some people suffer from genetically weak Connective tissue, which tends to sag prematurely. Others observe increasing age-related skin laxity, which is not unusual but can affect aesthetics.
Even after weight loss, significant excess tissue can remain, which often does not completely recede. If, despite all efforts, the arms do not return to their former shape, an upper arm lift in Zurich can finally make the weight loss visible.
Reasons for an upper arm lift
Cosmetic reasons play a major role in the decision to have the upper arms lifted. Sagging arms affect aesthetics and are difficult to hide under clothing, especially in the hot season. However, significant excess skin can also cause discomfort. In this case, an arm lift should also be considered from a medical point of view.
Common reasons for upper arm lift surgery in Zurich are:
- cosmetically unsightly skin laxity ("bingo wings")
- Fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and diet
- restrictions in freedom of movement
- the desire for firm and slim arm contours
- relief from skin irritation and other complaints
- Boosted self-confidence
- Greater freedom in choosing clothing
At KALEIDOSCOP in Zurich, we take your personal motivation into account so that you feel completely comfortable with the results of your arm lift.
The goal of an upper arm lift in Zurich
Greater freedom of movement, increased self-confidence, and a lasting improvement in your silhouette are our goals for upper arm lifts in Zurich.
By removing the sagging tissue, we can restore the youthful agility that you may have been missing in recent years.
Especially after significant weight loss, loose skin and stubborn fat deposits are often very distressing. Many people can only fully enjoy their weight loss success once these last traces of the past have finally been eliminated.
Our goal is to give you a whole new body feeling with an upper arm lift in Zurich. You can go through life more carefree and finally wear sleeveless clothing with confidence.
Upper arm lift procedure
Preparation for treatment
A personal consultation is very important to us for a customized arm lift. Dr. Köhler will be happy to take the time to discuss your treatment wishes with you in detail and show you suitable surgical methods. You will learn all the important details about incisions, risks, the surgical procedure, and aftercare.
To ensure that you are in the best possible health at the time of your upper arm lift in Zurich, Dr. Köhler may recommend various preliminary examinations. You should also inform us of any previous illnesses, allergies, and medications you are taking.
If possible, refrain from smoking before and after your upper arm lift in Zurich so as not to jeopardize Wound healing. Blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ASA) should also be discontinued at least 14 days before the upper arm correction.
Performing the upper arm lift
Your upper arm lift will be performed on an Outpatient basis in Zurich under twilight sedation. This means you will not have to undergo general anesthesia and can return home on the day of the treatment. Please note that your ability to actively participate in road traffic may be restricted immediately after the operation. We therefore recommend that you arrange for someone to pick you up after your upper arm lift in Zurich.
The exact procedure for an arm lift may vary depending on the extent of correction required. As a rule, a vertical incision is made along the inside of each arm to tighten the sagging upper arms. If there is significant skin laxity, additional incisions may be necessary in the armpit area. The sagging tissue is completely removed and the upper arms are sculpted into a beautiful, firm shape.
An upper arm lift can be combined with liposuction in Zurich if stubborn pockets of fat are affecting the appearance. In this case, the adipose tissue is carefully suctioned off using fine special cannulas and the upper arm is precisely shaped.
Aftercare
After having your upper arms lifted, you should rest your arms and avoid heavy lifting and sudden arm movements. We generally recommend a period of physical rest and no exercise for about 4 weeks. During this time, you will wear a compression sleeve, which supports the success of the treatment by applying gentle pressure.
You can shower again shortly after arm lift surgery if you wear a waterproof bandage. We recommend using a disinfectant shampoo. In general, fresh wounds should be carefully cared for and kept dry. You should refrain from visiting saunas, solariums, and swimming pools during the first few weeks.
It is also important to protect the fresh scars from the sun for several months so that they heal as discreetly as possible.

Frequently asked questions about upper arm lifts
Where will the scar be after an arm lift?
The incisions are usually made on the inside of the arms so that the Scars are not noticeable in everyday life.
The exact incision depends on the extent of the arm lift surgery. A fine vertical skin incision is often sufficient for a moderate lift. If larger amounts of excess skin need to be removed, additional incisions in the armpit area may be necessary.
Dr. Köhler always takes care to preserve the natural aesthetics. Skilful placement of the surgical incisions should ensure that even extended incisions do not result in any cosmetic limitations.
What are the risks of an arm lift?
As with other operations, general risks include infection, post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders, or numbness. Sensitivity is not usually permanently impaired, but returns during the Healing process.
After an upper arm lift in Zurich, swelling and bruising may be visible for up to 2 weeks, but these can be easily concealed under clothing and compression sleeves.
How long do the results of an upper arm lift last?
The result of your upper arm lift in Zurich is permanent. Sagging tissue is carefully removed and the arms are reshaped into a permanently firmer form.
Further changes may occur, for example, due to significant weight fluctuations. We therefore recommend that you aim to maintain a stable body weight after having your upper arms lifted.
If significant sagging occurs again due to age or genetic predisposition, the upper arm lift in Zurich can be repeated without any problems. In most cases, however, this is not necessary.
What types of arm lifts are there?
There are several differences in the incision technique used in arm lift surgery. Where possible, a single vertical incision is made along the inside of the arm. This results in a very elegant cosmetic result; no traces of surgery are visible when the arms are held at the sides.
For larger corrections, the vertical skin incision may need to be extended beyond the elbow. Additional incisions in the armpit may also be necessary.
It is also possible to combine upper arm lift surgery in Zurich with liposuction if necessary.
Is an arm lift painful?
Thanks to Local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during your operation. After having your upper arms lifted, you should be prepared for a few days of slight wound pain or tension. However, the discomfort is usually minimal and can be alleviated with compression sleeves and, if necessary, pain medication.
How long should I wear compression garments?
Before your upper arm lift in Zurich, Dr. Köhler will give you individual recommendations on how to use the compression sleeve. We generally recommend wearing the compression garment for 4-6 weeks. You can remove the compression garment when showering.
How much does an upper arm lift cost in Zurich?
The cost of an arm lift in Zurich depends on the treatment required. Once Dr. Köhler has assessed your individual situation, he will be happy to advise you on how to tighten your sagging upper arms. He will recommend a surgical method that is suitable for you and calculate the costs accordingly.
Please feel free to arrange a personal consultation to learn more about upper arm lifts in Zurich and the costs involved.

Reviewed by Dr. Christian Köhler
Dr. Christian Köhler, general practitioner, MBA, and certified expert in Zurich, has more than 18 years of operational experience in aesthetic medicine. The information presented on this page has been personally reviewed by him and meets the highest medical standards.
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