Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Tighten Loose Skin for a Slim, Toned Silhouette

The goal of brachioplasty is to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, eliminate “bat wings,” and reduce discomfort such as chafing or irritation caused by excess skin.

Many patients not only suffer from sagging skin but also have excess fat. In these cases, brachioplasty is often combined with Liposuction for optimal results.

During the surgery, we make an incision along the armpit or inner arm to lift and reshape the area. The position and length of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. If minimal skin needs to be removed, we can perform the procedure through a small incision in the armpit. For patients with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging plasma liposuction alone may be sufficient. In that case, the fat is removed through tiny incisions hidden in the arm.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or twilight sedation. Recovery is fast—most patients are able to leave their private recovery suite just 1–2 hours after the procedure and return to the privacy of their home.

We fully understand that visible scarring is a major concern. That’s why we always aim for the shortest possible incision in the most discreet location. After an arm lift, scars are generally not visible when wearing a tank top or swimsuit and are only slightly noticeable when raising the arms. What will no longer be visible are the typical “bat wings” that affect many women and men with age.

Liposuction leaves only discreet scars, has a quick recovery, and can deliver beautiful results. However, it only removes excess fat—it does not correct stretch marks or loose skin. In such cases, an arm lift may be the better choice. A 2015 study showed that combining brachioplasty with liposuction in patients with significant weight loss produced high satisfaction and improved quality of life.

After surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides after two weeks. A compression garment is required for at least 2 weeks to help tighten the skin.

You can usually return to work after one week, but we advise against heavy lifting or intense workouts until your incisions are fully healed. Most patients resume light exercise about two weeks after surgery.

Prices for arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) start at CHF 10,500.–

At Dr. Kelly®, your well-being and results are our top priority. Every patient is unique, and so are their goals. For this reason, we do not provide flat-rate pricing. The final cost will depend on your individual anatomy and desired outcome.

Would you like to learn more about arm lift surgery and pricing? Send us a message and book your personal consultation.