Treatment Overview
Extended Arm Lift in Korea, also known as an extended brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed for patients with severe sagging skin and fat that extends from the upper arms down to the armpit and chest wall. Unlike a standard or mini arm lift, the extended arm lift uses a longer incision to remove excess tissue, tighten the arm contour, and smooth the transition into the chest area.
This surgery is especially popular among patients who have undergone massive weight loss or aging-related skin laxity. Korean plastic surgeons are internationally recognized for their scar-minimizing and body contouring expertise, often combining extended arm lift with liposuction for enhanced results.
Purpose & Benefits
- Comprehensive Tightening: Removes sagging skin from arms, armpits, and chest wall.
- Slimmer Arm Contour: Eliminates “bat wings” and improves upper body shape.
- Improved Proportions: Restores balance between arms, chest, and torso.
- Long-Lasting Results: Provides dramatic improvement for severe laxity.
- Confidence Boost: Restores comfort in fitted clothing and sleeveless outfits.
- Combination-Friendly: Often paired with back, chest, or breast contouring.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with massive weight loss leaving behind significant excess skin.
- Individuals with severe sagging extending from arms into the chest area.
- Adults in good health and at stable weight.
- Non-smokers with realistic expectations.
- Patients who want dramatic correction beyond mini or standard arm lift.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Swelling, bruising, and soreness in arms and chest area.
- Extended scars (though minimized with advanced Korean techniques).
- Numbness or altered skin sensation.
- Fluid buildup (seroma) or minor asymmetry.
- Delayed wound healing (rare with proper aftercare).
- Rare risks: infection or thickened scars.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Extended Incision: Runs from elbow, along inner arm, through armpit, and down chest wall.
- Skin & Fat Removal: Excises significant tissue for smooth contour.
- Optional Liposuction: Used to refine stubborn fat deposits.
- Scar-Minimizing Sutures: Fine closures placed to reduce scar visibility.
- Combination Procedures: Can be integrated with chest or breast surgery for balanced results.
Recovery & Aftercare
- 2–3 weeks: Swelling and bruising gradually improve.
- Compression garment worn for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.
- 2 weeks: Resume light daily activities.
- 6–8 weeks: Return to exercise and heavy lifting.
- 6–12 months: Final results visible as scars fade and arms settle.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Keep arms elevated when possible to minimize swelling.
- Avoid stretching arms excessively during early healing.
- Use scar care products (silicone sheets, creams, or laser).
- Attend follow-ups to monitor healing and scar management.
Results & Longevity
- Dramatic improvement in arm and chest wall contour.
- Permanent removal of sagging skin and stubborn fat.
- Slimmer, firmer, and more youthful upper body appearance.
- Scars fade significantly with proper care.
- Long-lasting results with stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Treatment Process in Korea
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
- Surgeons evaluate arm and chest wall skin laxity.
- Decision made between mini, standard, or extended arm lift.
2. Surgical Planning & Preparation
- Extended incision lines mapped for maximum skin removal.
- Choice of anesthesia: usually general anesthesia.
3. Surgery Day
- Extended incision made from upper arms to chest wall.
- Excess skin and fat excised.
- Optional liposuction performed.
- Skin tightened and sutured with scar-minimizing closure.
4. Post-Operative Monitoring
- Compression garment applied immediately.
- Short hospital stay may be required.
5. Follow-Up & Refinement
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
- Scar refinement treatments (laser or microneedling) if needed.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Surgeons highly skilled in post-weight loss and extended body contouring surgeries.
- Advanced scar-minimizing techniques with natural results.
- Combination procedures tailored for massive weight loss patients.
- Internationally accredited clinics with English-speaking support.
- More affordable compared to Western countries, with equally high safety standards.
Cost Range
The cost of Extended Arm Lift in Korea depends on severity of sagging and whether liposuction is included.
- Extended Arm Lift (basic): USD $7,000 – $9,500
- Extended Arm Lift + Liposuction: USD $9,000 – $12,000
- Massive Weight Loss Patients (extensive correction): USD $10,000 – $13,500
- Premium Clinics (3D imaging, VIP care, scar management): USD $12,000 – $16,000
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & imaging: USD $100 – $300
- Compression garments: USD $100 – $200
- Medications & aftercare: USD $100 – $300
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Specialists in extended brachioplasty and body contouring.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for advanced arm lifts in post-weight loss patients.
- JK Plastic Surgery Center (Seoul): JCI-accredited, focusing on scar-minimized extended lifts.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Experts in liposuction + extended brachioplasty.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Offers customized extended arm lift with scar refinement.
