Considering the skin and contour of your arms together
An arm lift removes excess skin and reshapes the underlying tissue. It may be an option after weight loss or when skin elasticity has declined. In Berlin, I discuss with you what improvement in contour is possible and what scar you would need to accept in return.
The examination findings and extent of treatment determine your individual treatment journey.
Treatment at a glance
Key information about arm lift surgery. These details put duration, recovery and costs into context for your personal planning.
Significant excess skin is distinguished from concerns caused mainly by localised fatty tissue.
The extent of surgery, treatment of both arms and any combined procedures influence the duration.
Limited corrections may be planned under local anaesthesia where appropriate.
This depends on the procedure, the anaesthesia and your circumstances.
Light duties can resume earlier; lifting and substantial strain on the arms can resume later, following a check-up.
The fit, how to wear the garment and how long to wear it are determined individually.
Depending on the amount of excess skin, the incision may extend close to the elbow and into the armpit.
Arm lift · depending on excess skin and technique. The starting price depends on the planned extent of treatment. Additional liposuction, extended armpit correction and additional care are listed separately in your personal cost plan.
Times given are a guide. An individual examination will clarify what applies to you.
Understanding what changes
Excess skin and, where necessary, underlying tissue are removed along a planned incision line. Additional liposuction can influence the contour, but it does not replace the lift itself when there is significant excess skin.
Assessing the excess tissue up to the armpit and the elasticity of the skin.
Removing tissue and discussing the scar with you beforehand.
Monitoring swelling, wound tension and how much strain the arms can tolerate.
Exercise can strengthen the muscles and support movement. However, it does not reliably reduce larger amounts of excess skin after weight loss. I therefore assess skin quality, fat distribution and the extent of excess tissue up to the armpit before we discuss the technique.
When excess skin extends along the arm, a scar on the inner upper arm may be necessary. If skin laxity extends into the armpit, the incision can be extended there. I-shaped and T-shaped incisions address different extents of excess skin; a short scar is not sufficient in every case.
Tension, blood supply and mobility are taken into account when closing the wound. Depending on the course of surgery, drains and individually fitted compression garments may also be used. The arm needs rest after the procedure, but neither complete immobilisation nor an early return to training on your own initiative is advisable. We discuss both in detail.
A more defined contour with realistic scar planning. The shape of the arms and the firmness of the skin can change. Ageing and weight continue to affect the tissue. Symmetry and a discreet scar are goals, not promises.
On the inner arm, the scar may be less visible in certain positions, but that does not make it invisible. Its width, colour and sensitivity develop over months. The improvement in contour you hope for needs to feel worthwhile to you in relation to the scar that remains.
Lymphatic vessels and superficial nerves run through the surgical area. Persistent swelling or altered sensation will be checked. Lymphatic drainage is not a routine measure to arrange on your own initiative. Energy-based tightening procedures are also not an equivalent substitute for removing a large amount of excess skin and require a separate assessment of risks.
Is this right for me?
Your wishes are the starting point. I assess whether the examination findings, your health and the expected benefit are compatible.
You are bothered by excess skin and accept that there will be a permanent scar.
Liposuction alone can make excess skin more noticeable when skin elasticity is poor.
Different causes require different solutions. Sometimes, choosing not to have a procedure is the right decision.
Compare alternativesFor localised fatty tissue and sufficiently elastic skin, a different extent of treatment may be appropriate.
Explore the optionsOther areas of the body require their own skin and scar planning.
Explore the optionsDistinguishing between fat distribution, excess skin and your individual stage of life.
Explore the optionsAn invasive thermal procedure for selected cases; not an equivalent substitute for removing larger amounts of excess skin.
Compare possibilities and limitationsA fuller upper arm and a concern caused mainly by excess skin require different solutions.
Understand the concern in more detailYour treatment journey
I examine both arms, and together we discuss the scar and plan your recovery around work, exercise and support at home.
The incision line is marked out. After anaesthesia, the planned excess tissue is removed and the wounds are cared for.
Follow-up appointments monitor the wounds, swelling and return to activity. Scar care begins when the wounds are ready.
Before you are discharged, we agree on how you can contact me directly for aftercare. General enquiries: team@dottore.caletti.de.
Your return to everyday life
Swelling, bruising and tension around the wounds are possible. Help with household tasks can ease the strain.
Light activities may be possible sooner than physical work. Wound checks determine when activity can be increased.
Clearance to resume exercise and stop wearing compression garments depends on the examination findings. Scars take considerably longer to mature.
These timeframes are a guide, not a firm promise. Your own recovery may differ.
Speaking openly about risks
Surgery changes tissue and carries risks. Before you make your decision, I discuss your individual circumstances, possible complications and aftercare with you.
Rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, pronounced redness with fever or unusual discolouration of the hand require immediate medical assessment. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or circulatory collapse, call 112.
Understand the costs and take your time to decide
Arm lift in Berlin: from €5,000. The starting price depends on the planned extent of treatment. Additional liposuction, extended armpit correction and additional care are listed separately in your personal cost plan.
Starting price
from €5,000
Arm lift · depending on excess skin and technique
The starting price depends on the planned extent of treatment. Additional liposuction, extended armpit correction and additional care are listed separately in your personal cost plan.
The extent of excess tissue up to the armpit and the amount of tissue determine the work involved.
Additional liposuction is not automatically included.
Anaesthesia, your stay, compression garments and aftercare must be clearly specified in the quote.
We set out which services are included in the total amount in your individual quote.
Additional procedures, medical aids, further stays or later corrections may incur separate costs. Your personal quote specifies which services are included. Insurance reimbursement is not automatic; you should clarify any potential cover and follow-up costs before surgery.
An examination and shared planning help you understand the costs. You will receive your personal cost plan before deciding to proceed with treatment.
Your specialist, personally responsible for your care
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Get to know meGood to know
A website can offer guidance. We discuss your personal situation during a medical consultation.
Ask your questionExercise strengthens the muscles. However, it does not remove significant excess skin. Whether you want surgery at all remains a personal decision.
This depends on the amount of excess skin. A scar along the inner arm, extending close to the elbow and possibly into the armpit, may be necessary.
It may be suitable if the concern is mainly fatty tissue and the skin is elastic. Where there is a large amount of excess skin, it usually does not address the concern sufficiently.
No. Whether this treatment is appropriate depends on the findings after surgery. Persistent or new swelling should be examined first.
Only after medical clearance. Several weeks of rest from strenuous activity are often necessary; intensive arm training may be possible later than gentle movement.
Costs start from €5,000. Pricing basis: arm lift · depending on excess skin and technique. The starting price depends on the planned extent of treatment. Additional liposuction, extended armpit correction and additional care are listed separately in your personal cost plan. You will receive your personal cost plan before making your decision.
Further specialist information on the procedures described, their limitations and risks.
Removing excess skin and the limitations of exercise when there is significant excess skin.
Wound healing, scarring, fluid accumulation and possible injury to deeper structures.
Contact & directions
My team will be happy to help with questions about your appointment and how to find us.
Let’s begin with a conversation
Tell me what matters to you.
I will take time for your questions.
