UPPER-ARM CONTOUR
A firmer, slimmer upper arm. We remove the loose, hanging skin — often called ‘bat wings’ — that lingers after weight loss or with age, for a toned arm contour that sits comfortably in sleeves again.
THE PROMISE
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm by removing excess loose, sagging skin and, where present, a layer of stubborn fat. As skin loses its elasticity — typically after significant weight loss or with age — the upper arm can develop soft, hanging folds (often called ‘bat wings’) that diet and exercise cannot tighten, because the issue is excess skin rather than fat alone.
We remove the loose, hanging skin from the upper arms that often occurs after weight loss or aging, re-draping what remains for a slender, toned arm contour that fits comfortably in sleeves. Where there is also excess fat, liposuction is frequently combined to refine the shape at the same time.
FROM INSTAGRAM
Short videos Dr Karatzias has shared on Instagram.
Marking the upper arm before surgery
The excess skin is removed through an incision usually placed along the inner or back of the upper arm, where it is least visible, running between the armpit and the elbow. Its length is matched to how much skin needs to come away — when laxity is limited to the upper arm near the armpit, a much shorter (‘mini’) incision can be enough. Liposuction is often used first to remove excess fat, then the loose skin is trimmed and the remaining skin re-draped smoothly and closed. A scar is the trade-off for the tighter contour; it is positioned discreetly and fades over time.
Whether a short-scar or a longer arm lift suits you, whether liposuction is combined, and the type of anaesthesia are all planned with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation.
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
2 hours
ANAESTHESIA
Sedation or general anaesthesia
DISCOMFORT
Mild post-operative discomfort
RECOVERY TIME
2 to 3 weeks
VISIBLE RESULTS
Immediately
FINAL RESULT
At 3 to 4 months
HOW LONG IT LASTS
Permanent
A compression garment is worn around the arms for several weeks to control swelling and support the new contour, and the arms are kept elevated early on. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks, while heavy lifting and strenuous arm exercise are resumed gradually over four to six weeks. Swelling settles over the following weeks, and the scar continues to soften and fade over the following months.
Good candidates are people bothered by loose, hanging upper-arm skin — most often after major weight loss or with age — who are at a stable weight and accept a scar in exchange for a firmer, slimmer contour. If the upper arm is heavy with fat but the skin tone is still good, liposuction alone may be enough; if the main problem is loose skin, an arm lift is what tightens it. A stable weight and not smoking help healing and the quality of the scar.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call at +357 22 275522.
+357 22 275522
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Where will the scar be, and how visible is it?
The incision usually runs along the inner or back of the upper arm, between the armpit and elbow, where it is least visible — long sleeves and most short sleeves cover it. When laxity is limited to the area near the armpit, a much shorter scar may be enough. The scar is the trade-off for a tighter arm; it is placed discreetly, and continues to soften and fade over the months that follow.
How much time off work and downtime should I plan for?
Most people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks, with the arms kept elevated early on and a compression garment worn for several weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous arm exercise are reintroduced gradually over about four to six weeks rather than straight away. Plan a lighter couple of weeks and arrange help with anything that strains the arms at first.
Does it hurt, and what are the bruising and swelling like?
Most people describe tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain in the first days, managed with simple pain relief. Bruising and swelling around the upper arms are normal early on and then settle over the following weeks, helped by the compression garment. The arms gradually feel and look more like your own as the swelling resolves.
How long do the results last?
The skin that is removed does not come back, so the firmer contour is lasting. Keeping a stable weight protects the result the most — significant weight gain or loss afterwards can stretch or loosen the skin again. Natural ageing continues gently over the years, as it would anywhere.
Could I need a second operation?
Most people need only the one. Occasionally a minor revision is considered later — for example to refine the scar or a small area of residual looseness — which is a recognised possibility rather than a sign anything went wrong. Your surgeon will be honest with you about this beforehand.
What kind of anaesthesia is used?
An arm lift is typically carried out under general anaesthesia so you are fully asleep and comfortable throughout. The exact plan — and whether liposuction is combined at the same time — is confirmed with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation. Cost varies with the individual plan and is discussed there too.
RELATED PROCEDURES
Removing stubborn arm fat — often combined with an arm lift to refine the contour.
Ultrasound-assisted sculpting of the arms and body with a faster recovery.
Advanced sculpting that etches athletic definition where skin tone allows.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether an arm lift is right for you. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
+150
Excellent 4.9 out of 5
Prefer to chat first? Send me an email or connect with me on social.