Short Scar Arm Lift

A short scar arm lift, or limited incision brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that contours the arms for a more slender, toned appearance. However, unlike a traditional arm lift that leaves a scar along the entire length of the inner upper arm, a short scar or mini arm lift utilizes a smaller incision concealed in the armpit. Excess tissue in the arms is a common concern, and can result from factors beyond our control, such as ageing and genetics. It can also pose a problem after weight loss. For patients with only moderate amounts of sagging tissue in their upper arms, a full arm lift isn’t always necessary. Patients with minimal amounts of excess fat and good skin elasticity can achieve sleeker contours with liposuction alone. But for patients that have small amounts of fat as well as excess skin, significant improvements can be made with a short scar arm lift. 

Dr Dalia Tobbia ensures that each of her patients receives world-class care and outstanding results. Depending on your circumstances, an arm lift, a short scar arm lift, a minimally invasive ultrasonic liposuction procedure, or a combination can produce attractive contours for your arms and improve your confidence. To see how you may benefit from these treatments, reach out to our Hamburg offices directly by calling +49 (0) 40 46 091 07.

About Arm Lifts

Excess skin and fat commonly occur between the armpit and elbow, and can be troublesome. If you’ve noticed this, and are ready to do something about it, you’re not alone. From 2000 to 2008, the rate at which brachioplasties were performed increased over 4000%! ^[1] Patients with tissue that hangs from their arms can feel limited in what they can wear and can find it difficult to conceal this part of their anatomy, especially during the warmer seasons. Unfortunately, this area is notorious for storing stubborn body fat. Unwieldy amounts of excess tissue in the upper arms can be the source of discomfort, mobility problems, and inflammation. That is why an upper-body contouring treatment such as a traditional arm lift is a beneficial solution for patients looking to improve the appearance of their arms following massive weight loss or fruitless efforts at the gym.

Arm lifts have been performed since the early 20th century, ^[1] and well over 100 years later, the overall goal has not changed. This transformative procedure reduces skin and fat while sculpting and slenderizing the upper arms. Since it was originally performed, the surgery has been further developed to offer more accurate, toned results, with scarring kept to a discreet minimum. Patients with less excess tissue can now achieve the contours they desire with a smaller, concealable scar, and a shorter recovery time. ^[2] 

A full arm lift is often required for patients that have undergone massive weight loss or have considerable excess tissue. However, this can often mean that patients are left with a scar on the inside of their arms that stretches from their armpit all the way down to their elbow. For patients with less severe upper arm laxity, a mini arm lift can improve the appearance of their arms by using incisions made only in the armpit, or axilla. The technique removes an elliptical piece of tissue from where the arm meets the armpit. This tightens the part of the arm causing the “bat wing” or “bingo flap” appearance once the incision is closed with sutures. ^[2]  

Benefits

A mini arm lift readjusts the firmness and silhouettes of the upper arms. 

Mini arm lift patients will also see these added advantages:

• Eliminated excess skin and fat
• Balanced bodily proportions
• Little to no visible scarring and discreet incisions
• Ability to wear short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts more comfortably and confidently

Candidates

If you are self-conscious or unhappy about your arm appearance, Dr. Dalia will first determine whether an arm lift will resolve your cosmetic concerns and if you are eligible for surgery. During your personal consultation, Dr Dalia will sit down with you to discuss your goals, explain the surgery, and address your concerns. 

Ideal Candidates for a Mini Arm Lift

• Healthy men and women without underlying health problems
• At or near target weight
• Have enough excess skin to justify surgery, but not enough to require a full arm lift
• Non-smokers or those willing to forgo the habit for at least six weeks
• Those who have been unable to improve the appearance of their arms with diet and exercise
• Patients with realistic expectations and who are willing to follow post-operative instructions faithfully

Personal Consultation with Dr Dalia

Dr. Tobbia’s commitment to outstanding results extends to each of her patients. She understands the impact that the surgical procedures she performs have on her patients’ lives, and this transformative process begins with a personal consultation. 

During this informative conversation, you’ll better understand how an arm lift can transform your aesthetic. Dr. Tobbia will learn more about your goals, your medical history and will examine the treatment area to determine the best approach. You are encouraged to voice your concerns or questions so that you’ll be able to make a confident decision about your procedure. After her medical evaluation, Dr Dalia will explain which arm lift technique will best meet your needs and result in an optimal appearance.

Schedule your initial appointment to see how you can achieve better-contoured arms. Call +49 (0) 40 46 091 07 today or reserve your appointment online.

Preparation

To ensure that you have the best experience possible, you’ll be given a list of instructions to complete before your surgery. They include:

• Quit smoking or using any nicotine products well in advance of your surgery. Nicotine constricts blood flow and can impede your recovery.
• Pick up the prescribed medication from your local chemist.
• Delegate someone to drive or accompany you home once the surgery is complete.
• Plan to take 1-2 weeks off from work to rest and recover.
• Start fasting 12 hours before surgery.

Procedure

Arm lifts are outpatient treatments that allow patients to return home after surgery. Once admitted, Dr Dalia will make surgical markings on your arms and you will be provided the appropriate anaesthesia. We’ll get started with your treatment once the general anaesthesia takes effect. Dr Dalia will then make a small elliptical incision along the crease where the upper arm meets the armpit. If the patient has good skin elasticity and considerable arm fat contributing to a sagging upper arm, Dr. Dalia may choose to incorporate liposuction.  Tumescent fluid is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer to assist in fat removal. A thin cannula is placed beneath the skin to suction out the fat. ^[3] Once the appropriate amount of fat is removed, unnecessary skin is trimmed away, and the incision is closed, tightening and smoothing the underside of the upper arm. Mini arm lifts only take from 1-3 hours, and after the incisions are closed, the area is securely wrapped with dressings and covered with a compression garment. 

Recovery

While you recuperate, you will feel moderate symptoms of soreness, swelling, bruising, and tension in the arms. However, the prescribed medications will help alleviate these symptoms. Continue wearing the post-surgical dressings and garments until we tell you to remove them. You can return to your routine, including work, within a week. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. ^[4]

Results

Noticeable results will become visible once swelling and bruising have subsided. No longer will your self-confidence suffer because of uneven arm contours. Instead, the treatment will provide a more slender, contoured aesthetic for your arms. These improvements are yours to keep for many years to come when coupled with a healthy lifestyle.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Dr Dalia’s patients have the luxury of choosing from different treatments that highlight other areas. These body contouring treatments are specifically created to address uneven contours caused by dramatic weight loss change, pregnancy, or the ageing process. At your consultation, you may be recommended:

• Back lift: A backlift removes unwanted skin folds in the upper and lower back.
• Buttock lift: A buttocks lift creates shapelier, well-contoured buttocks. A buttock lift treatment can easily be paired with a tummy tuck for comprehensive results.
• Thigh lift: Patients can have their inner or outer thighs addressed to eliminate sagging tissue.
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): Tummy tuck patients can achieve a dramatic makeover of the abdomen. 

Cost of an Arm Lift in Hamburg

Each patient’s unique anatomy will impact the cost of an arm lift. As a result, each patient will receive an individualized and accurate price breakdown for their treatment. Dr Dalia will explain any anticipated costs at your consultation.

FAQ

References

1. Nguyen, A. T., & Rohrich, R. J. (2010). Liposuction-Assisted Posterior Brachioplasty: Technical Refinements in Upper Arm Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 126(4), 1365–1369. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ebe23c
2. Hill, S., Small, K. H., Pezeshk, R. A., & Rohrich, R. J. (2016). Liposuction-Assisted Short-Scar Brachioplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(3), 447e450e. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000002489
3. Selamioglu, E., & Karacaoglu, E. (2022). Enhanced Liposuction for Arms. Enhanced Liposuction – New Perspectives and Techniques. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97572
4. Egrari, S. (2016). Brachioplasty: A Personal Approach. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(2), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv146