- Oberhöchstadter Str. 8, 61440 Oberursel
- 06171 591 91
- Am Salzhaus 6, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
- 069 920 380 90
One Upper Arm Lift – medical Brachioplasty – is a surgical procedure to tighten the upper arms. During the procedure, excess skin and, if necessary, fat tissue are removed; the remaining skin is tightened, and the tissue is reshaped.
The result: firm, slender upper arms with harmonious contours that complement your body and significantly improve your quality of life.
Der Eingriff kommt vor allem nach ausgeprägter Gewichtsabnahme infrage, wenn die Haut sich nicht zurückbildet. Voraussetzung ist ein über längere Zeit stabiles Gewicht. Liegt kein Hautüberschuss vor, sondern ein Fettpolster bei elastischer Haut, reicht oft eine Fettabsaugung ohne Straffung. Die Straffung hinterlässt eine Narbe an der Arminnenseite, die je nach Ausmaß vom Ellenbogen bis zur Achsel reichen kann; sie ist der Preis für die Konturveränderung und wird vorab besprochen. Beraten wird in Frankfurt, operiert in Oberursel.
Advantages · Who is it for? · Mini-Lift vs. Full Facelift · Procedure · Aftercare Timeline · Risks · Costs · Alternatives · Team · FAQ · Date
Maybe you know the feeling: You’ve achieved your goals—the weight is gone, your body is slimmer. But your upper arms tell a different story. The skin sags, jiggles with every movement, and sleeveless clothes stay in the closet. That’s not you.
„Ich hatte so hart gearbeitet, um abzunehmen. Und dann diese Winkearme – ich konnte meine Erfolge gar nicht richtig genießen.“ – So beschreibt eine unserer Patientinnen ihr Gefühl vor der Behandlung.
An upper arm lift isn't about conforming to an ideal of beauty. It's about completing your transformation—without sagging skin that hides your achievements, and without the feeling that you have to hide even in the summer.
We’ll be with you every step of the way—with our experience, sensitivity, and the goal of helping you regain the freedom to show your arms with confidence.
Medically reviewed ✓
Written by Dr. med. Zeynep Potente
Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)
EBOPRAS – European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - ebopras.eu
✓ Over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery
✓ Specialization: Body surgery and skin tightening procedures
📅 Last updated: 11. August 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 on Google · over 300 more reviews on Jameda
✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)
✓ Our own certified operating rooms in Frankfurt and Oberursel
✓ Toned, well-defined upper arms – Excess skin is permanently removed
✓ Greater freedom of movement – No more uncomfortable chafing
✓ Long-lasting – The results last for many years as long as your weight remains stable
✓ Harmonious Proportions – The sleeves complement your slender figure
✓ More Self-Confidence – Finally wearing sleeveless clothes again
✓ Can be combined – Ideal in combination with liposuction or other body contouring procedures
✓ Scars can be easily concealed – On the inside of the arm; not visible when the arm is down
✓ Recognition of Your Achievements – Your weight loss is finally becoming noticeable
If you have excess skin after significant weight loss
Sie haben beeindruckend viel abgenommen – eine großartige Leistung. Doch die Haut an den Oberarmen hat ihre Elastizität verloren und kann sich nicht zurückbilden. Es bleiben schlaffe „Winkearme“, die bei jeder Bewegung schwingen. Sport strafft zwar die Muskulatur, aber erschlaffte Haut lässt sich dadurch nicht beseitigen. Diäten und Cremes helfen hier nicht weiter.
If age-related sagging is bothering you
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. The thin skin on the upper arms is particularly affected by this. The skin sags and forms wrinkles—even if you are at a normal weight. These changes are genetically determined or exacerbated by weak connective tissue and cannot be reversed without surgical intervention.
When is a medical evaluation advisable?
For very extensive body contouring procedures, especially following significant weight loss, we recommend a preliminary internal medicine evaluation. If you have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, lymphedema, or vascular diseases, a thorough evaluation is important. Female smokers should consistently abstain from nicotine for at least 4 weeks before and after the surgery. We work closely with experienced specialists to ensure your safety.
| Aspect | Mini Upper Arm Lift | Complete Upper Arm Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Main Objective | Slight sagging only on the upper arm | Significant sagging down to the elbow |
| Skin Removal | Small amount | Large quantity |
| Duration of surgery | 1–1.5 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Cutting Technique | Only in the armpit | From the armpit to just below the elbow on the inside of the arm |
| Scars | Only in the armpit (not visible on the arm) | Vertical scar on the inside of the arm (not visible when the arm is down at the side) |
| Anesthesia | Twilight sleep or general anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient or 1 night | 1–2 nights |
| Recovery time | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| firming effect | Moderate, upper range only | Comprehensive, entire upper arm |
| Special Features | No visible scars on the arm | A longer scar, but in a discreet location |
| Costs starting at | 3.500 € | 4.500 € |
We take the time to listen to you. During a detailed consultation, we’ll assess your upper arms, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.
What we'll discuss:
Mini Upper Arm Lift:
For mild sagging in the upper arm area, we make a small incision exclusively in the armpit. Through this incision, we gently remove excess skin and tighten the tissue. The advantage: There are no visible scars on the upper arm itself. This method is suitable for minor corrections in cases where the skin has good elasticity.
Complete Upper Arm Lift:
In cases of significant sagging, we first carefully mark the skin to be removed (with the arm raised at a 90° angle). The incision runs along the inner side of the upper arm from the armpit to just below the elbow. The skin is excised in a spindle-shaped incision, excess tissue is removed, and the wound edges are closed with fine sutures. The scar runs along the side of the arm facing the body and is not visible when the arm is at your side.
Combination with liposuction:
If there are fat deposits in addition to sagging skin, the lift can be combined with liposuction. This further improves the contours and reduces the strain on the suture, as it creates less tension.
Where will the surgery take place?
In our own certified operating rooms in Oberursel (Oberhöchstadter Str. 8). From preoperative preparation through the surgery to the recovery room—everything under one roof.
Our specialist in anesthesiology, Dr. med. Livia Köhler, will personally care for you throughout the entire surgery.
The First 48 Hours: Hospital Stay and Rest
After the surgery, you will stay at our clinic for 1 to 2 nights for observation (for a mini-lift, outpatient care is often possible). In the first few days, small drains will be inserted to remove wound fluid—these will be removed after 2 to 3 days. You will be given pain medication and injections to prevent blood clots. A compression bandage or a special compression bolero will be applied. Keep your arms slightly elevated and avoid sudden movements.
Days 3–7: Initial Mobilization
Starting on the third day, you may take a shower with caution. Be sure to wear your compression garments at all times. Short walks are important, but avoid lifting heavy objects (over 2–3 kg) and overhead movements. The swelling is at its worst but will subside each day.
Weeks 2–3: Suture Removal and Increased Mobility
The stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days (unless they are dissolvable). You will feel increasingly better and can resume light office work. The compression garments are worn for a total of 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising will subside.
Weeks 4–6: Returning to Everyday Life
After 3 to 4 weeks, you will have regained most of your mobility. Physically strenuous activities will be possible after 4 to 6 weeks. You should wear the compression garments for a total of 6 weeks. You can resume your normal daily activities, but you should still avoid carrying heavy loads.
Sports, Sun, and Sauna: Take a 6–8-week break
Give your body at least 6 weeks off from sports that put strain on your arms (strength training, swimming, tennis). Light walks are possible starting in week 2. You should avoid saunas and swimming pools for 6 weeks. Protect the scars from direct sunlight for 12 months by using sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ or higher.
Scar Care Starting in Week 3
Once the wounds have completely closed, intensive scar care begins. Applying special scar ointments or silicone gel daily, as well as gentle scar massages, promote healing. Special silicone patches can further improve scar formation. The scars are red at first but fade over 6 to 12 months into inconspicuous, light-colored lines.
The final result after 3–6 months
The full final results of your upper arm lift will be visible after 3 to 6 months—by then, healing will be complete, all swelling will have subsided, the scars will have faded, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your firm, slender upper arms.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with an upper arm lift. We will discuss these with you in detail:
Common (temporary):
Rare:
Very rare:
Our experienced team minimizes these risks through precise surgical techniques, careful patient selection, and close follow-up care. It is especially important that you consistently avoid nicotine before and after surgery.
The cost depends on the extent of the body contouring, the method chosen, and any combinations.
| Performance | Costs starting at |
|---|---|
| Mini Upper Arm Lift | 3.500 € |
| Complete Upper Arm Lift | 4.500 € |
| Additionally: Upper Arm Liposuction | approx. 1,500–2,000 € |
| Hospital Stay | 500 € pro Nacht, nicht im OP-Preis enthalten |
| General anesthesia | 1.000 €, nicht im OP-Preis enthalten |
| Compression Garments | approx. 80–120 € (sold separately) |
Im Preis enthalten
Zusätzlich zum Preis
Cash acquisition?
An upper arm lift is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Exceptions:
In these cases, you can apply to have the costs covered. To be eligible, your weight must have remained stable for at least 6 to 12 months. We will assist you with the application process by providing the necessary documentation and medical reports.
Alternatives to Surgery
Depending on the extent of the sagging, other treatments may also help:
However, in cases of true skin laxity following weight loss, there is no alternative to surgical tightening.
Useful Combinations
The results can often be improved with complementary treatments:
We provide honest, personalized advice—only what truly suits you and meets your needs.
You will stay at the clinic for 1–2 nights (for a mini-lift, the procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis). Most patients are able to return to work (office work) after 1–2 weeks and to physical labor after 3–4 weeks. Exercise is possible after 6 weeks. You’ll see the final results after 3–6 months.
With a mini upper arm lift, the scar is located only in the armpit—no scars are visible on the arm itself. With a full lift, the scar runs along the inner side of the upper arm from the armpit to just below the elbow. It is not visible when the arm is held down. The scar is red at first but fades over 6–12 months to become an inconspicuous, light-colored line.
In most cases, no, since this is a cosmetic procedure. If there is a medical necessity (chronic inflammation, limited mobility) following significant weight loss, you may apply for coverage. A prerequisite is a stable weight over a period of 6–12 months. We will assist you with the application process.
If your weight remains stable, the results are long-lasting and can last for many years or even decades. However, significant weight gain or further weight loss can cause the skin to stretch again. A healthy, stable lifestyle is the best way to maintain the results.
Yes, both upper arms are always operated on at the same time to achieve a symmetrical result. This makes the surgery take a little longer, but it is more efficient than two separate procedures.
You won't feel anything during the surgery because of the anesthesia. After the surgery, it's normal to feel some tightness and mild pain, which can be easily managed with medication. Most patients describe the pain as quite tolerable. Compression garments also help minimize discomfort.
Ideally, your weight should have been stable for at least 6–12 months. If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you should have reached your target weight and maintained it. Do not plan to lose any more weight, as this would cause your skin to sag again.
OP duration: 1–2 hours (depending on the scope)
Type of anesthesia: Twilight sleep (mini) or general anesthesia (complete)
Hospitalization: Outpatient or 1–2 nights as an inpatient
Incapacity for work: 1–2 weeks (office work), 3–4 weeks (physical work)
Sport: after 6 weeks
Socially Acceptable: after 1–2 weeks
Scarring: In the armpit (mini) or on the inner side of the arm (full)
Shelf life: Sustained at a stable weight
Final result visible: after 3–6 months
Costs: Starting at €3,500 (Mini), starting at €4,500 (Complete)
Acquisition of a pharmacy: Possible if medically indicated following weight loss
Follow-up care included: Yes, all follow-up appointments
Write to us! We will be happy to advise you!
