What It Is

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a slimmer, more toned contour. This surgery addresses what many call “bat wings” or sagging arms, which often result from significant weight loss, aging, or decreased skin elasticity.

The procedure reshapes the arm by tightening the underlying tissues and smoothing the skin, giving patients a more youthful and defined arm appearance.

Why It’s Done

Patients choose arm lift surgery because:

• They have loose, sagging skin on the upper arms that does not improve with exercise.
• Weight loss has left stretched, hanging skin that causes self-consciousness.
• They want to wear sleeveless clothing confidently.
• Excess skin causes physical discomfort or chafing.

Good candidates include:

• Men and women with moderate to severe upper arm laxity.
• Patients at a stable weight after weight loss.
• Individuals in good overall health who do not smoke.

Alternatives

• Liposuction alone: Effective for patients with good skin elasticity but stubborn fat in the arms.
• Non-surgical treatments: Radiofrequency or ultrasound-based tightening may help with mild laxity but cannot remove significant skin.
• Short-scar brachioplasty: For patients with moderate skin laxity, offering a smaller incision.

Preparation

Before undergoing brachioplasty in Korea, patients will:

• Have a consultation to assess skin laxity and fat deposits.
• Undergo medical testing (bloodwork, ECG if needed).
• Stop smoking and alcohol at least 4 weeks prior.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
• Arrange for 1–2 weeks of recovery and support at home.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: Performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation in smaller cases.
• Incision: A long incision is made along the inner or back of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. Surgeons in Korea often place incisions where they can be hidden when arms are at the sides.
• Skin and fat removal: Excess skin is excised, and liposuction may be used to refine contour.
• Tissue tightening: Underlying tissues are reshaped for a firmer arm profile.
• Duration: 2–3 hours, typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Recovery

• First week: Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the arms are common. Pain is controlled with medication.
• Compression garment: Worn for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.
• Return to work: Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks.
• Exercise: Gentle movement is encouraged, but strenuous activity and lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks.
• Results: Improved contour is visible immediately, with final results after 3–6 months.

Possible Complications

• Temporary numbness or sensitivity changes in the upper arm.
• Scarring along the inner arm (which fades over time but may remain visible).
• Delayed wound healing, especially in patients with poor skin quality.
• Rare risks: infection, asymmetry, or seroma (fluid buildup).

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

Korean surgeons evaluate skin laxity, fat distribution, and patient goals through physical examination. 3D imaging may be used to plan incision lines and show predicted outcomes.

Medical Treatments

For mild cases, non-surgical tightening devices or liposuction may be suggested as alternatives.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Traditional brachioplasty for extensive skin excess.
• Short-scar brachioplasty for moderate laxity.
• Liposuction-assisted arm lift for patients with both fat deposits and sagging skin.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Post-surgical follow-ups to check healing and scar progression.
• Scar management (silicone gel, laser treatments).
• Physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage massage to improve comfort during recovery.
• International patients benefit from multilingual aftercare and support programs in Korean clinics.