Treatment Overview
An Arm Lift in Korea (also known as brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings.” This procedure tightens sagging skin, reshapes the arms, and creates a more toned and youthful contour.
Korean plastic surgeons are known for their meticulous approach to body contouring and scar-minimization techniques. Depending on the degree of sagging, arm lifts in Korea can be performed using different methods, including mini incisions hidden in the armpit, standard linear incisions along the inner arm, or extended incisions for patients with significant skin laxity (such as after major weight loss). Liposuction is often combined to enhance results.
Purpose & Benefits
- Skin Tightening: Removes sagging skin from the upper arms.
- Fat Reduction: Eliminates stubborn fat deposits (often combined with liposuction).
- Improved Arm Contour: Restores toned and youthful arm appearance.
- Enhanced Clothing Fit: Allows patients to wear sleeveless and fitted clothing comfortably.
- Confidence Boost: Reduces self-consciousness about loose or flabby arms.
- Combination-Friendly: Can be performed with liposuction or other body-contouring procedures.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with sagging upper-arm skin due to aging, weight loss, or genetics.
- Individuals with excess fat and poor skin elasticity in the arms.
- Adults in good overall health and at a stable weight.
- Non-smokers with realistic expectations.
- Post-weight-loss patients seeking comprehensive body reshaping.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
- Scarring (depends on incision type, but minimized with Korean scar-care programs).
- Numbness or sensitivity changes in the upper arms.
- Fluid accumulation (seroma).
- Rare risks: infection, delayed wound healing, or asymmetry.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Mini Arm Lift: Small incision hidden in the armpit, best for mild sagging.
- Standard Arm Lift: Incision along the inner upper arm for moderate sagging.
- Extended Arm Lift: Longer incision from armpit to elbow for severe sagging.
- Liposuction (Optional): Removes fat deposits for smoother contouring.
- Scar-Minimizing Closure: Fine sutures and advanced aftercare to reduce scar visibility.
Recovery & Aftercare
- 1–2 weeks: Swelling and bruising subside.
- Compression Garments: Worn for 3–4 weeks to support healing.
- 1 week: Return to light daily activities.
- 2–3 weeks: Resume desk work and gentle movements.
- 4–6 weeks: Resume moderate exercise; avoid heavy lifting.
- 6–12 months: Scars gradually fade with proper care.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Wear compression garments as instructed.
- Keep incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Avoid strenuous arm movements early in recovery.
- Apply silicone gels or undergo scar therapies (laser/microneedling).
- Attend follow-up appointments for scar and contour evaluation.
Results & Longevity
- Slimmer, firmer, and more youthful arm appearance.
- Permanent removal of excess skin and fat.
- Scars fade over time with proper care.
- Long-lasting results if weight remains stable.
- Enhanced self-confidence in sleeveless clothing and daily activities.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Initial Consultation & Assessment
- Surgeons evaluate skin laxity, fat deposits, and patient goals.
- Decision made between mini, standard, or extended arm lift.
- Surgical Planning & Preparation
- Incision sites mapped discreetly along inner arm or armpit.
- Choice of anesthesia: local with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Surgery Day
- Incisions made according to chosen technique.
- Excess skin and fat removed; optional liposuction performed.
- Closure with fine sutures to minimize scarring.
- Post-Operative Monitoring
- Compression garment applied immediately.
- Same-day discharge or overnight stay depending on extent of procedure.
- Follow-Up & Refinement
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3–6 months.
- Scar management therapies offered for optimal results.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Surgeons experienced in scar-minimizing techniques for body contouring.
- Wide range of options (mini to extended arm lift) tailored to each patient.
- Advanced combination procedures (arm lift + liposuction).
- State-of-the-art clinics with cutting-edge scar-care technologies.
- More affordable than Western countries while offering premium safety and care.
Cost Range
The cost of an Arm Lift in Korea depends on skin laxity, incision type, and clinic expertise.
- Mini Arm Lift: USD $4,500 – $6,500
- Standard Arm Lift: USD $6,000 – $8,500
- Extended Arm Lift (post-weight-loss): USD $7,500 – $11,000
- Arm Lift + Liposuction: USD $6,500 – $10,500
- Premium Clinics (3D Imaging, VIP Aftercare, Advanced Scar Care): USD $9,000 – $13,000
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & imaging: USD $100 – $300
- Compression garments: USD $80 – $150
- Medications & aftercare: USD $100 – $250
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Specialists in body contouring with scar minimization.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for post-weight-loss arm lift procedures.
- JK Plastic Surgery Center (Seoul): JCI-accredited, high safety and premium aftercare.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Leaders in combining arm lift with liposuction.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Customized arm lift procedures for natural results.
