Arm and Thigh Lift

Arm and Thigh Lift

Sagging skin and stretch marks on the arms and legs may develop after significant weight gain and loss, as a result of reduced skin elasticity with age, or at a younger age due to genetic predisposition.

Loosening and loss of the supporting tissue beneath the skin, as well as excessive or disproportionate fat accumulation, can create the need for this surgery on the arms and legs.

With an arm and thigh lift, you can have firmer, younger-looking arms and legs.

How is the operation performed?

Suitable incisions are made in appropriate areas to remove excess, sagging skin and the tissue beneath it. The operation may leave scars in areas of the body that are not easily seen. For the arms, these scars are usually located near the armpit and on the inner arm, the least visible areas when viewed from the outside. For a thigh lift, the scars are hidden in the groin, on the inner thigh and in the fold beneath the buttocks. Liposuction is often performed together with an arm lift. This allows more of the fat beneath the skin to be reduced and more sagging skin to be removed.

Duration of surgery

Under general anaesthesia, an arm lift takes about 2–3 hours and a thigh lift about 2.5–4 hours.

What should I pay attention to after surgery?

There is some pain for a few days after surgery, which is relieved with painkillers and gradually disappears completely. During the first days, there is also a feeling of tightness and swelling in the arms and legs. During this period, it is recommended to keep the hands and feet elevated to reduce swelling. The patient is usually discharged after 1–2 days in hospital.

Swelling and bruising may also appear after surgery and usually subside within a few weeks. Patients return to work within 7 to 10 days. However, wearing a suitable compression garment is recommended for one month. During the same period, you should avoid strenuous exercise and over-stretching your arms and legs.

It takes 6 months to 1 year for all swelling to subside and for your arms and legs to take on their final shape.