Oberarmstraffung in Zug

Upper arm lift in Zug

As the tone and firmness of the skin deteriorates over time, many people gradually develop “bat wings”—excess slack tissue that hangs down from their upper arms. In other cases, people who have lost a great deal of weight are left with unattractive flaps of stretched-out skin that cannot retract to fit their newly slender frames. Further dieting and targeted exercise generally have little effect, but surgical arm lifts (also called brachioplasty) to remove the excess skin can yield slimmer, more shapely arms, providing a long-lasting boost to patients’ well-being and quality of life.

Overview

Arm lifts in Switzerland at a glance

  • Procedure

    In-patient surgery

  • Duration of surgery

    1.5 – 2 hours

  • Anesthesia

    General

  • Rest and recovery

    min. 2 weeks

  • Return to work

    After around 2 weeks

  • Follow-up care

    Compression bandage (approx. 2 days); compression clothing

  • Risks

    Swelling, redness, bruising, reduced sensitivity, restricted movement

Preparation

Preparing for an upper arm lift

A comprehensive consultation session at my clinic is the first step before any treatment process. The consultation is primarily about getting to know my patients and finding out what they want. Based on that information and a careful examination, I present the available treatment options and explain them to my patients in detail. Together, the patient and I develop a treatment concept that will provide aesthetically pleasing results.

If possible, patients should avoid taking medications that affect blood clotting in the week before the procedure, as they can increase the risk of post-surgical bleeding and bruising. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during that period as well.

Treatment

Arm lifts in Zug: what to expect

I start by marking the planned incisions on the skin. If possible, I prefer to place them on the inside of the upper arm in order to conceal any potential scars. Arm lifts are done under general anesthesia; once it has taken effect, I remove the excess skin precisely. Depending on the individual patient’s situation, I may also use liposuction to remove bothersome fat deposits and create firmer, more aesthetically pleasing results. I finish the procedure by placing small surgical drains to help release wound secretions and then wrapping the arms in compression bandages. The drains can usually be removed after a day or two. All in all, the procedure generally takes ninety minutes to two hours.

Unattractive upper arms are not always due to loose or hanging skin; some patients are more troubled by stubborn fat, whereas the skin on their arms is taut. In such cases, liposuction often suffices to trim and contour the arms—a full arm lift procedure may not be necessary.

Follow-up care

What to do after an arm lift

After undergoing an arm lift, patients usually remain at the clinic for two days of monitoring. Though the compression bandage applied immediately after the operation does an excellent job of reducing swelling, the arms may still be slightly swollen at first. Redness and bruising are possible as well. To ensure the best possible treatment results, patients wear a special compression vest for around four to six weeks. It is important that patients avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy for the first two weeks. Sports should be avoided for up to six weeks so that the body has enough time to recover. Some arm lift patients report that cooling the treated areas helps as well. 

Following a successful arm lift procedure, patients should be mindful to maintain their normal weight. Brachioplasty provides permanent results in combination with a healthy lifestyle; significant weight fluctuations, on the other hand, can lead to more excess skin and droopy arms.

Complications

What complications could occur?

Arm lifts are a low-risk procedure when performed by experienced plastic surgery specialists. Complications such as bleeding, wound healing issues, and infections are rare.

Some people experience temporary numbness of the arms. Redness, swelling, and bruising cannot be entirely avoided. The scar may look red and obvious immediately after the operation, but in our experience, it will fade over time.

Consultation

More information on arm lifts – Your consultation appointment with Katja Kassem-Trautmann

Toned upper arms cannot always be achieved through diet and exercise alone—excess skin and stubborn fat deposits can negatively affect the arms’ appearance as well, and these can only be corrected professionally. I would be glad to sit down with you and discuss brachioplasty in more detail. You can schedule your personal consultation via telephone or email.

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