Plastic Surgery

Arm Lift in Zurich (Löwenstrasse)

When the skin loses its firmness, the tissue begins to slacken and sag. A common result is so-called „bat wings“: loose skin on the underside of the upper arms. The causes are increasing age on the one hand and significant weight loss on the other.

During an arm lift (brachioplasty), excess skin is removed and the tissue between the armpit and the elbow is tightened. Your doctor at the Swiss Derma Clinic is Dr. Chianese, specialist in plastic surgery and expert in aesthetic body contouring. The procedure is performed at our partner clinic Hirslanden. Consultation, preparation and aftercare take place at our practice in Zurich.

When we recommend a surgical arm lift

Once the skin is already sagging, non-surgical treatments are no longer sufficient. Muscle training will not achieve the desired result either. In such cases, we recommend a surgical arm lift. A stable body weight is a prerequisite for a good long-term result.

Important: not a weight-loss operation

An arm lift is not a way to lose weight. If the main issue is fat deposits while the skin is still elastic, liposuction, for example, may be the more suitable treatment.

Arm lift and liposuction?

At the Swiss Derma Clinic, we assess how much excess skin and fatty tissue there is and how elastic your skin is. In some cases, additional liposuction makes sense. For example, if the upper arm is to become slimmer or you would like a more harmonious contour from the upper arm to the shoulder.

How an arm lift is performed

The excess skin is removed through an incision on the inner or back of the upper arm. The underlying tissue is tightened and the skin is adapted to the new contour. The length of the incision depends on the extent of the procedure. The treatment is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

Will there be visible scars?

Scars are unavoidable; they occur with every surgical procedure. How noticeable they are after healing depends largely on how your wounds heal. We place the scars on the inner side of the upper arm, facing the body, where they are less conspicuous.

Healing and result

Some swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness after the operation are normal. Compression garments can support healing and help prevent swelling. You should avoid heavy lifting and sport for the first period.

You will see the firmer contour of your upper arms immediately after the procedure. The final result becomes visible after complete healing, after a few months.

Alternatives to a surgical arm lift

If the skin is only slightly lax, treatments such as Sofwave or Genius radiofrequency microneedling can be alternatives. We also use these treatments in addition to the procedure, for example to firm the skin or improve its texture.

Your doctor

Dr. med. (I) Nunzioluca Chianese, FMH specialist in plastic surgery

Dr. Chianese is an internationally trained specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. His speciality: modern body surgery. Our patients value his empathy and honest advice. Dr. Chianese stands for precision in treatment and for natural, aesthetic results.

The treatment

	Treatment duration	2-3 hours
	Duration of effect	long-lasting
	Anaesthesia	general anaesthetic
	Price	from CHF 7'900.-
	Sport	no sport for 4-6 weeks
	Socially presentable	after approx. 2 weeks

Your doctor

Dr. med. (I) Nunzioluca Chianese

Specialist FMH for Plastic Surgery

Dr. Chianese combines outstanding surgical expertise with a clear sense of aesthetics and a deeply empathetic, personable approach. His patients particularly value his calm, approachable demeanor, his attentive listening, and his ability to take individual wishes seriously and guide them with clarity and care. As an internationally trained specialist, he stands for meticulous planning, the highest safety standards, and natural-looking results that respect and enhance each person’s individuality. Dr.

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FAQ

I am planning to lose weight. When is the ideal time for an arm lift?

Your weight should be stable for several months before the operation. If you lose a lot of weight in a short time, your skin structure changes as well. Once it has "settled", we can assess the excess skin and its elasticity and recommend suitable treatments.

Is an arm lift possible after a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve?

After so-called bariatric procedures, excess skin can remain on the upper arms. An arm lift is therefore possible once the recovery period is over.

How long will I be unable to work after an arm lift?

Plan for about two weeks of recovery. If your job puts a lot of strain on your arms, rather longer.

Can I drive after an arm lift?

You must not drive yourself after the operation. Arrange to be picked up and take it easy on the day of treatment. Later on: you must be able to move your arms safely again, control the steering wheel even in an unexpected situation and not take any medication that impairs your ability to drive.

Why is nicotine a problem before an arm lift?

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels and can impair the blood supply to the operated tissue. The risk of wound-healing problems, infections and tissue damage increases. You should avoid nicotine for a few days before and after the procedure, ideally for a few weeks.

Can an arm lift also relieve physical complaints?

Larger amounts of excess skin can rub when you move your arms. This can lead to skin irritation, including in the skin folds, and to recurring inflammation. An arm lift can therefore also improve functional complaints.

Can an arm lift be combined with a tummy tuck or breast lift?

This is possible, but does not always make sense. If several lifting operations are planned, we have to weigh up the duration of the operation, the physical strain and the recovery phase. As a rule, several procedures are planned step by step, one after the other.

Does health insurance in Switzerland cover the costs of an arm lift?

A purely aesthetic arm lift is a private service that you pay for yourself. In special individual cases, the health insurer may cover the costs. This is assessed individually by the insurer and must be clarified with them.

Which examinations are carried out before an arm lift?

Before any operation, your state of health, pre-existing conditions and current medication must be clarified and discussed. Sometimes laboratory tests or further examinations are also necessary. All medication and dietary supplements must be disclosed in full, especially those that can affect blood clotting.

Our Q&A texts are by no means a substitute for a medical consultation. For an individual and well-founded medical assessment, we recommend a personal consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic. We are happy to take the time for you!

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