Upper Arm Lift Surgery in Prague
Upper Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as an upper arm lift, brachioplasty or arm reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess, sagging skin from the upper arms and improves their overall shape and contour. It is particularly suitable for patients who have loose skin after significant weight loss or due to reduced skin elasticity. At myMedical Prague, we arrange arm lift surgery in Prague for patients from the UK, Ireland and other European countries, with experienced plastic surgeons and comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and reshape the upper arms. The procedure is particularly suitable for patients who have loose or sagging skin that cannot be adequately improved through exercise or weight loss alone.
Excess skin on the upper arms is common after significant weight loss, but it can also develop naturally with ageing as the skin loses elasticity. Some patients refer to this loose skin as “bingo wings”.
During an arm lift, the surgeon removes the excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue to create a smoother and more defined contour of the upper arm.
An arm lift is not primarily a weight-loss procedure. The aim is to remove excess skin and improve the shape and proportions of the arms.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Arm lift surgery may be suitable if you:
- have excess or sagging skin on the upper arms
- have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose skin
- have reduced skin elasticity that cannot be improved sufficiently through exercise
- are at or close to your stable target weight
- are in generally good health
- have realistic expectations about the results of surgery
Your surgeon will assess your individual anatomy, skin quality and medical history and recommend the most appropriate treatment during your consultation.
If the main concern is excess fat rather than loose skin, liposuction may be a more suitable treatment. In some patients, arm lift and liposuction can be combined.
“Patients considering an arm lift are often concerned about loose skin on the underside of the upper arms, particularly after significant weight loss. The aim of brachioplasty is not simply to remove excess skin, but to create a natural and proportionate contour of the upper arm while placing the scar as discreetly as possible.”
— Dr. Alexander Vatlak, certified plastic surgeon
Arm Lift After Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can leave excess skin on the upper arms even after a successful weight-loss journey. When the skin has lost its elasticity, it may hang from the underside of the arms and can sometimes cause discomfort when moving or exercising.
An arm lift can remove this excess skin and improve the contour of the upper arms.
For patients who have undergone major weight loss, an arm lift may also form part of a wider body-contouring plan. Other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift, may sometimes be considered during the same treatment plan.
Your surgeon will assess your overall condition and discuss which procedures are appropriate and safe for you.
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
Before the operation, the surgeon carefully marks the areas where excess skin will be removed and determines the position and length of the incision.
The incision is generally made along the inner side of the upper arm, extending from the armpit towards the elbow. The exact length depends on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. The surgeon always aims to keep the incision and resulting scar as short as possible while achieving the desired improvement and a natural-looking result.
During the procedure:
- The surgeon makes the planned incision along the inner upper arm.
- Excess skin and, where necessary, underlying tissue are removed.
- The remaining skin is repositioned and tightened.
- The wound is closed with sutures, usually using absorbable material.
- A sterile dressing and compression bandage or garment are applied.
The exact surgical technique is individual to each patient. Your surgeon will explain the planned incision, expected scar and treatment approach during your consultation.
Upper Arm Lift and Brachioplasty
Upper arm lift, arm lift and brachioplasty are different terms commonly used to describe the same type of procedure.
Brachioplasty focuses on the removal of excess skin from the upper arms and tightening of the remaining tissue. It is particularly useful when there is significant skin laxity, for example after major weight loss.
The position and length of the scar depend on the amount of excess skin. In most cases, the surgeon places the incision along the inner part of the arm, where it is less visible when the arms are held naturally alongside the body.
Your surgeon will select the most appropriate technique according to your anatomy, skin elasticity and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Arm Lift with Liposuction
An arm lift can sometimes be combined with liposuction when both excess skin and localised fat are present.
Liposuction removes excess fat, while an arm lift removes loose skin and tightens the remaining tissue. Combining the procedures can therefore help improve the overall contour and definition of the upper arms.
However, liposuction alone is not always suitable when there is significant skin laxity. Removing fat without addressing excess skin may not produce the desired result.
Your surgeon will determine whether liposuction, an arm lift, or a combination of both procedures is most appropriate for you.
Arm Lift Surgery in Prague for Patients from the UK and Ireland
Prague is a popular destination for patients travelling from the UK, Ireland and other European countries for cosmetic surgery.
At myMedical Prague, we help international patients organise their treatment from the initial enquiry through to their return home. Before travelling to Prague, you can have an online consultation and provide photographs for an initial assessment.
We will provide information about the recommended procedure, surgeon, price, expected stay in Prague and recovery requirements before you make your decision.
Our team also assists international patients with the practical arrangements connected with their treatment and remains available throughout the process.
How Much Does Arm Lift Surgery Cost in Prague?
The price of arm lift surgery in Prague at myMedical Prague starts from €3,785.
The clinic price includes the standard costs associated with the procedure, including:
- consultation with the surgeon
- anaesthesia
- hospitalisation
- prescribed medication
- elastic bandages or compression garments
The final price can vary depending on the surgeon’s assessment and the individual treatment plan.
Before you decide to proceed, we will provide you with a detailed quotation based on your individual requirements.
Arm Lift Recovery and Aftercare
After arm lift surgery, some swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected. Your arms may feel tight during the first days following the procedure.
You should allow yourself sufficient time to rest after surgery and gradually return to normal activities according to your surgeon’s instructions.
A compression garment should generally be worn for 6–8 weeks, according to your surgeon’s recommendations.
Important: Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery
After upper arm lift surgery, lymphatic drainage massage may be recommended to help reduce postoperative swelling and support recovery. This is not a mandatory part of the treatment, but it can be beneficial for some patients.
Typical recovery includes:
- First days: Rest and limited use of the arms are recommended.
- First 1–2 weeks: Swelling and bruising gradually decrease, although the arms may still feel tight.
- Around 2 weeks: Many patients can gradually return to lighter everyday activities, depending on their recovery.
- 6–8 weeks: Most patients can gradually return to more demanding physical activities, subject to their surgeon’s advice.
- Around 6–8 weeks: Full recovery is generally expected.
Recovery varies from person to person. Your surgeon will provide individual postoperative instructions based on your healing progress.
Arm Lift Scars and Results
Scarring is an unavoidable part of arm lift surgery because excess skin must be removed through surgical incisions.
The scar is generally positioned along the inner side of the upper arm, extending from the armpit towards the elbow. The length of the scar depends on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed.
Initially, scars may appear red, raised or more noticeable. They gradually mature and usually become less prominent over time.
The aim of arm lift surgery is to create a smoother, firmer and more proportionate appearance of the upper arms. The excess skin removed during surgery does not grow back, although significant weight changes and the natural ageing process can affect the appearance of the arms over time.
Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results.
When Can I Fly Home After Arm Lift Surgery?
Patients travelling to Prague for arm lift surgery need to allow sufficient time for their initial recovery before returning home.
The appropriate time to fly depends on the extent of surgery, your individual recovery and your surgeon’s assessment. Before booking your return flight, you should follow the medical team’s recommendations regarding travel and postoperative care.
We will discuss your planned stay in Prague and return travel arrangements with you before surgery.
Risks and Possible Complications
Like all surgical procedures, arm lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:
- bleeding or infection
- swelling and bruising
- fluid accumulation
- delayed wound healing
- changes in skin sensation
- asymmetry
- visible or widened scars
- changes in skin contour
- blood clots and other complications associated with surgery
Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks with you during your consultation and explain how they apply to your individual circumstances.
Following the postoperative instructions carefully can help support a safe recovery.
Why Choose myMedical Prague for Arm Lift Surgery?
At myMedical Prague, we help patients from the UK, Ireland and other European countries arrange arm lift surgery in Prague.
Our service includes:
- experienced plastic surgeons
- established clinics in Prague
- transparent clinic pricing
- online consultation before travelling
- assistance throughout your stay
- support with postoperative arrangements
Our goal is to make the process of travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery as straightforward and comfortable as possible, while ensuring that you have clear information before making your decision.