Upper arm lift Frankfurt: Your specialist for firm and aesthetic upper arms!
Our skin has the fascinating ability to stretch enormously and thus adapt to our body. However, this elasticity also has its limits. These can be seen, for example, when the skin and tissue on the upper arms no longer fully recover after losing a lot of weight and hang limply. Genetic factors such as weak connective tissue or age can also cause the skin in the upper arm area to lose its firmness, resulting in so-called “angular arms” on the inside of the upper arm.
For those affected, the wrinkles, dimples or skin flaps on the upper arms caused by the loss of elasticity are often a burden, especially in summer. Many deliberately refrain from wearing short-sleeved tops in the warmer months and lose quality of life and self-confidence as a result.
With an upper arm lift, plastic and aesthetic surgery offers the possibility of surgically removing excess upper arm skin, visually rejuvenating the upper arms and restoring their natural contours. For optimal results, however, it is important that the procedure is performed by a specialist in plastic surgery. Dr Nichlos specializes in upper arm lifts, among other things, and routinely performs the operation in Frankfurt. Make an appointment now and let us advise you on the possibilities of an arm lift!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
The upper arm lift:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is an upper arm lift?
An upper arm lift (also known as an arm lift, medical term: brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arms. The aim of the operation is to optimize the arm contour so that there are no more sagging areas of skin (angled arms) and the upper arms look firm and smooth.
What are the reasons for an upper arm lift?
Most people come to us with the desire for a tightening of the upper arms after significant weight loss or age-related sagging skin. The loss of elasticity can lead to sagging and drooping of the upper arm skin in both women and men, which many sufferers find unattractive and therefore hide their arms. Massages or exercise cannot tighten excess skin.
Lipoedema, which occurs mainly in women on the arms and legs, is also a frequent reason for patients to enquire about a tightening operation in our practice. In the case of fat distribution disorders, however, it is not only necessary to tighten the skin but also to remove the fatty tissue (usually in combination with liposuction).
Methods
What treatment methods are available for tightening the upper arms?
During an upper arm lift, Dr. Nichlos surgically removes the excess skin on the upper arms. To do this, the plastic surgeon uses various incision techniques, which are selected depending on the extent of the skin stretching:
If the excess skin is only slightly pronounced, a mini upper arm lift with a so-called “field hockey stick” incision, which is crescent-shaped and mainly in the armpit area, is often an option. It can be used to tighten the skin and tissue in the upper third of the arm without causing major scarring.
For larger excess skin, an incision along the inner side of the upper arm, which can extend from the armpit to the elbow, makes sense. With this classic upper arm lift, fat can also be removed in addition to a large amount of excess skin. If necessary, the upper arm lift can be combined with liposuction for this purpose.
Preparation
What happens before the upper arm lift?
Before the upper arm lift, you will have a detailed personal consultation with Dr. Nichlos. You can tell him about your wishes and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Depending on which method is suitable for removing your excess skin, he will then explain the exact procedure and inform you about the possible risks and complications of an upper arm lift.
Following the consultation, he will draw up an individual treatment plan for you as well as a cost estimate detailing all the costs for the upper arm lift.
Please note: An upper arm lift is no substitute for exercise or a healthy diet. The procedure should only be performed if fat deposits or excess skin do not disappear despite a healthy lifestyle.
Procedure
Upper arm lift: How does the operation work?
Dr. Nichlos performs the surgical tightening of the upper arms in the operating rooms of the Berger Klinik under general anaesthetic. Depending on the initial condition and extent of the excess skin to be removed, the operation takes 1-3 hours.
As soon as the anaesthetic has taken effect and the surgical area has been thoroughly disinfected, Dr. Nichlos draws the incision on the skin. When selecting and making the incisions, he attaches great importance to a scar-saving technique. The actual operation then begins.
You lie on your back with your arms outstretched. Dr. Nichlos makes the necessary incision and then removes the excess skin and tissue. Of course, he takes great care to protect the underlying blood vessels and nerves.
The skin is then carefully sutured with fine stitches and a pressure bandage or compression bandage is applied.
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Aftercare
What happens after the upper arm lift?
Give yourself and your body time for the wound to heal properly. To support healing and stabilize the result, you will need to wear a special compression bandage for the first 4-6 weeks. Please wear this consistently.
Avoid sport and other physical exertion during this time, especially lifting and carrying heavy objects. You should only put weight on your arms again once they have fully healed. Please make sure you attend your follow-up appointments at our plastic and aesthetic surgery practice in Frankfurt.
Risks
What are the risks associated with an upper arm lift?
An upper arm lift is considered a low-risk procedure when performed professionally under strict hygiene guidelines, but like any operation it is associated with some general risks. For example, there is a risk – albeit small – of secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders and infections.
A feeling of numbness and/or tightness in the arms often occurs after the procedure, but this is only temporary and usually subsides after a few weeks at the latest. In very rare cases, complications such as dying tissue (necrosis) or blood clots may occur.
Consultation appointment
Upper arm lift in Frankfurt: Arrange a consultation now!
Do you have sagging skin flaps, a wrinkled skin structure or dimples on your upper arms after a diet or due to natural skin ageing and are not happy with your appearance? A tightening of the upper arms can help to eliminate this common problem area in men and women and give your upper arms a smooth and firm shape again. As an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Nichlos is available for a personal consultation. Simply send your request using our online form.
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
for upper arm lift:
- Who is an upper arm lift suitable for?
An upper arm lift is suitable for adults who suffer from sagging skin in the upper arm area – whether due to age or after significant weight loss. The prerequisite is a stable body weight and good general health. The procedure should not be performed during pregnancy.
- How does an upper arm lift work?
During an upper arm lift, Dr. Nichlos removes excess skin on the inside of the upper arms. The incision is made in such a way that the subsequent scar remains as inconspicuous as possible. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.
- Is an upper arm lift painful?
Thanks to the anesthetic, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. In the days afterwards, you may experience soreness and a slight feeling of tension, which can be easily treated with standard painkillers.
- When will I be socially acceptable again after an upper arm lift?
Patients are usually socially acceptable again after around 5 to 7 days. Light everyday activities are then usually possible. Physical exertion should be avoided in the first few weeks.
- When can I do sports again after the operation?
Sport is possible after 4 to 6 weeks at the earliest. Initially, the arms should be spared and only slowly loaded again. Full weight-bearing is possible after about 10 to 12 weeks – after consultation with Dr. Nichlos.
- Will visible scars remain?
Yes, a scar remains after an upper arm lift. This runs in the inner area of the upper arm and is only visible during certain movements after healing. Consistent scar care can improve the appearance.
- Is the result permanent?
The result is long-term, but is subject to natural influences such as skin ageing or weight fluctuations. These can affect the firmness of the upper arms.
- Which form of anesthesia is used?
Depending on the extent of the upper arm lift, the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. The decision is made individually according to your needs and the surgical procedure.
- Is hospitalization necessary?
An upper arm lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis. In certain cases, however, an overnight stay at the clinic may be advisable – for example in the case of major surgery or additional care requirements.
- What does aftercare look like?
After the procedure, you will be given a special compression bolero, which you should wear for 4 to 6 weeks. Self-dissolving stitches, regular check-ups and, if necessary, lymphatic drainage support the healing process.
- Are the costs covered by health insurance?
As this is an aesthetic procedure, statutory health insurance companies do not usually cover the costs. Dr. Nichlos performs treatments on a purely private medical basis – billing with statutory health insurance is not possible.
- How much does an upper arm lift cost in Frankfurt?
The costs start from 5,000 euros plus anesthesia, hospital stay, compression bolero and overnight stay if necessary. After the consultation, you will receive a transparent cost plan with all items in detail.