Arm lift
brachioplasty

Arm lift
and removal of excess skin

Arm lift
Body contouring surgery to redefine the arm and remove excess skin.

MADRID | ZURICH

Over the years, subcutaneous fat deposits may increase and the skin on the arms tends to lose elasticity. As a result, the inner arm area may become flabbier and sag.

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat in this area, improving the contour of the arm and restoring a firmer and more proportionate appearance.

At our clinics in Madrid and Zurich, each case is analysed individually to determine the most appropriate technique. Depending on the patient's anatomy, the arm lift can be performed alone or combined with liposuction to improve the overall contour of the arm.

  • DURATION 1 - 2.5 hours
  • DISCHARGE FROM THE CLINIC The same day
  • BACK TO WORK 7 - 10 days
  • DURATION 1 - 2.5 hours
  • DISCHARGE FROM THE CLINIC The same day
  • BACK TO WORK 7 - 10 days
  • SUITABLE FOR SOCIETY 5 days
  • ANESTHESIA Sedation or general
  • FULL RECOVERY 4 weeks
  • SUITABLE FOR SOCIETY 5 days
  • ANESTHESIA Sedation or general
  • FULL RECOVERY 4 weeks

Instructions

What an arm lift can improve

The arm lift is indicated when there is flaccidity or excess skin on the inside of the arms that does not improve with exercise or changes in body weight.

In selected patients, this surgery can help:

  • removing excess skin on the arms
  • improving the firmness of the inner arm area
  • reduce skin sagging
  • redefining the contour between shoulder, arm and armpit

When there is localised fat accumulation, the procedure can be combined with liposuction, allowing for a more complete contouring of the arm.

In which cases is brachioplasty recommended?

Not all alterations in the appearance of the arm require a facelift. This procedure is usually considered when the skin has lost its ability to retract naturally.

It is relatively common in patients who present with flaccidity on the inner side of the arms as a consequence of:

  • skin ageing
  • significant variations in weight
  • genetic predisposition to accumulate fat in this area

During the consultation, factors such as the quality of the skin, the distribution of fatty tissue and the degree of sagging are analysed to determine whether surgery is the most appropriate option.

Arm lift surgical techniques

In most cases, arm lifts are performed by combining liposuction with the removal of excess skin.

The surgeon assesses the silhouette of the arm and the excess tissue to determine the most appropriate technique. Depending on the case, it can be performed:

  • limited lifting, when excess skin is moderate
  • complete brachial lift, with incision on the inside of the arm
  • extended facelift, when there is greater skin sagging

In some cases, reinforced internal sutures are used, which help to improve tissue adaptation and promote skin contraction.

Scars

Location of scars after surgery

The location of the scar after an arm lift or brachioplasty depends mainly on the degree of flaccidity and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.

Depending on the case, different surgical approaches may be used:

One-dimensional lifting
The scar is placed on the inner arm, generally from the armpit to an inconspicuous point on the arm, making sure that it is as inconspicuous as possible in most positions.

Two-dimensional or semi-circular lifting
When there is more excess skin, the incision may extend around the armpit or cover part of the circumference of the arm. This location is strategically planned to eliminate sagging while keeping the scar as inconspicuous as possible.

To optimise the final appearance of scars, specialised suturing techniques and complementary dermatological treatments can be used to help improve the quality of healing over time.

Real case results
before and after arm lift

Arm lift:
Frequently Asked Questions

It is not designed for weight loss or to reduce overall arm volume. The arm lift is primarily used to remove excess skin and correct sagging. 

Yes, the scar is part of the procedure, as it is necessary to remove excess skin. It is usually located on the inside of the arm so that it is as inconspicuous as possible. 

The change in the contour of the arm is usually noticeable from the first few weeks, although initially there may be swelling. The final result is defined progressively as the tissues evolve. 

Arm lifts are often recommended for patients who have sagging or excess skin on the inner arm, especially after significant weight loss or with the passage of time. 

Yes, in some cases an arm lift may be combined with liposuction or other body contouring procedures to improve the overall proportion of the figure. 

Dr. Richard Fakin
international elite surgeon

Dr. Richard Fakin is Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon with solid experience in gender affirmation procedures. He specializes in breast surgery, facial surgery, and advanced body procedures. His practice combines technical precision, aesthetic sensitivity, and a deeply personalized approach to each procedure

At his clinics in Madrid and Zurich, Dr. Fakin leads a highly professional and committed team of specialists who share the same philosophy: to offer rigorous medical care, but friendly in its human approach. Each patient receives individualized support, from the first consultation to post-operative follow-up.

As a boutique plastic surgery clinic, the approach is neither massive nor standardized. The team dedicates the necessary time to understand expectations, analyze anatomy, and design a surgical plan precisely tailored to each case. This structure allows for maintaining a high level of quality, confidentiality, and detail in every intervention.

Dr. Fakin employs refined surgical techniques that prioritize safety, natural-looking results, and optimized recovery. Meticulous planning and the use of advanced technology allow for harmonious results that reflect each individual's unique identity.

Beyond the technique, Dr. Fakin and his team's commitment is reflected in transparent, honest, and personalized care, where Each patient is treated with dedication and professionalism in all phases of the process.

Our facilities

Madrid

  • C. de Velázquez, 109, 28006 Madrid, Spain
  • madrid@drrichardfakin.com
  • +34 679 85 86 39
  • C. de Velázquez, 109, 28006 Madrid, Spain
  • madrid@drrichardfakin.com
  • +34 679 85 86 39

Zurich

  • Giesshübelstrasse 45, 8045 Zurich
  • zurich@drrichardfakin.com
  • +41 78 206 44 88
  • Giesshübelstrasse 45, 8045 Zurich
  • zurich@drrichardfakin.com
  • +41 78 206 44 88

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