Dr. Rosalia Luketina
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Waaggasse 5
8001 Zürich
Schweiz
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Schedule appointmentAn upper arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a firmer and more youthful contour. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or are struggling with age-related skin sagging. This article provides an overview of upper arm lift surgery, including eligibility, types of procedures, and important factors to consider before undergoing surgery.
Dr. Rosalia LuketinaCandidates for upper arm lift surgery should be in good health and preferably non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications.
Ideal candidates have a significant amount of loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arm area that cannot be improved through exercise alone.
Candidates should be at or close to their ideal weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the outcome of the procedure.
It is important to understand the possible results and limitations of an upper arm lift in order to be satisfied with the outcome.
Smoking can negatively affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications. It is recommended to quit smoking before the operation and during the recovery period.
This is the most common type of upper arm lift, in which an incision is made along the inside of the arm from the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a smoother contour.
This procedure involves making a smaller incision in the armpit, which is ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin sagging.
An arm lift involves making a longer incision from the elbow down the inner arm to the side of the chest. This procedure is suitable for people with significant skin laxity on both the upper arms and the side of the chest.
In some cases, liposuction can be combined with an upper arm lift to optimize fat removal and contouring.
Depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s preferences, an upper arm lift can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia.
Dr. Rosalia Luketina makes the incisions according to the chosen procedure, carefully considering the extent of skin laxity and the individual needs of the patient.
Excess skin and fat are removed from the upper arms, and the remaining skin is tightened to achieve a smoother, more contoured appearance.
Once the desired amount of skin and fat has been removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.
An upper arm lift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction or a lower body lift, to achieve a more comprehensive result.
A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon such as Dr. Rosalia Luketina is essential to determine the appropriate procedure(s) and to address any concerns or questions.
An upper arm lift is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. Discuss the costs and payment options during the consultation.
Follow Dr. Rosalia Luketina's preoperative instructions, which may include lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and laboratory tests.

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Dr. Rosalia Luketina will provide detailed instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Dr. Rosalia Luketina will likely prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Compression garments are typically worn for several weeks to reduce swelling, promote healing, and support the treated areas.
Gradually resume your daily activities and exercise, following your surgeon’s guidelines on activity restrictions and timelines.
Some swelling and bruising is to be expected after an upper arm lift, but this should subside within a few weeks. Following Dr. Rosalia Luketina’s instructions and wearing compression garments can help minimize these problems.
Proper wound care and hygiene are crucial to minimize the risk of infection after surgery.
There may be an accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma), which requires drainage or additional surgery.
In some cases, the incisions do not heal properly, leading to increased scarring or other complications.
Although scarring is an inevitable part of the healing process, following postoperative care instructions can help minimize the appearance of scars.
In rare cases, patients may not be completely satisfied with the results of their surgery and may require revision surgery.
With stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results of an upper arm lift can be long-lasting. However, it is important to know that the aging process continues to affect the elasticity of the skin over time.
Yes, an upper arm lift is an ideal procedure for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, as it can help remove excess skin and give the arms a more youthful appearance.
The recovery time depends on the individual and the extent of the procedure, but most patients can return to work within two weeks.
Non-surgical alternatives, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound treatments, can provide some improvement in skin tightening, but are generally less effective than surgical upper arm lift surgery in patients with significant skin laxity.
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Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Waaggasse 5
8001 Zürich
Schweiz
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+41 43 511 33 90
info@drluketina.ch
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