Treatment Overview
Axillary Arm Lift in Korea, also known as a mini brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to tighten and smooth the upper arms by removing excess skin and small pockets of fat near the armpit (axillary) area. Unlike a traditional full arm lift that involves a long incision down the arm, the axillary technique uses a short incision hidden within the armpit crease, making it ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging.
Korean plastic surgeons are globally recognized for their expertise in scar-minimizing procedures and frequently combine axillary arm lift with liposuction to deliver slimmer, firmer, and youthful-looking arms without visible scars.
Purpose & Benefits
- Hidden Scar: Incision placed in the armpit crease for discreet healing.
- Tighter Arm Contour: Removes mild excess skin and fat.
- Minimally Invasive: Shorter incision compared to a full arm lift.
- Natural Results: Improves arm tone and proportion.
- Combination-Friendly: Can be paired with liposuction for enhanced contouring.
- Boosted Confidence: Restores confidence in sleeveless clothing.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with mild to moderate sagging skin in the upper arms.
- Individuals with genetic arm fat or early signs of aging-related laxity.
- Adults in good health and stable weight.
- Non-smokers with realistic expectations.
- Patients who want arm rejuvenation without long scars.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
- Small scar in the armpit crease (usually well hidden).
- Numbness or sensitivity changes in treated area.
- Mild contour irregularities if fat removal is uneven.
- Rare risks: infection, delayed wound healing, or scar thickening.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Axillary Incision: Short incision hidden in the armpit crease.
- Skin Excision: Removal of mild excess skin near the upper arm/armpit.
- Optional Liposuction: Refines contour by removing localized fat.
- Scar-Minimizing Sutures: Fine sutures placed for discreet results.
- Combination with Skin Tightening Devices: Some clinics add RF or laser for smoother finish.
Recovery & Aftercare
- 1–2 weeks: Swelling and bruising decrease.
- Compression garment may be recommended for 2–3 weeks.
- 1 week: Resume desk work and light activities.
- 3–4 weeks: Gradual return to exercise and arm workouts.
- 3–6 months: Final results visible as scars fade and arms settle.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Keep arms elevated to reduce swelling.
- Avoid lifting arms overhead excessively during the first 2 weeks.
- Use scar care (silicone sheets or creams) to minimize visibility.
- Follow surgeon’s recommendations for follow-ups.
Results & Longevity
- Slimmer, firmer, and more youthful-looking arms.
- Minimal, hidden scarring inside the armpit.
- Long-lasting results with stable weight.
- Enhanced confidence in sleeveless or fitted clothing.
Treatment Process in Korea
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
- Surgeons assess skin laxity and fat distribution in the upper arms.
- Decision made whether axillary arm lift, mini arm lift, or full arm lift is best.
2. Surgical Planning & Preparation
- Marking of incision placement within armpit crease.
- Choice of anesthesia: local with sedation or general, depending on extent.
3. Surgery Day
- Small incision made in armpit fold.
- Excess skin removed and tightened.
- Optional liposuction performed for better contour.
- Fine-line closure for scar concealment.
4. Post-Operative Monitoring
- Patients monitored for a few hours, then discharged same day.
- Compression garment may be applied.
5. Follow-Up & Refinement
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
- Scar refinement treatments available if needed.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Surgeons experienced in scar-minimized mini arm lifts.
- Advanced combination of liposuction + skin tightening.
- State-of-the-art clinics with minimally invasive techniques.
- Discreet, natural-looking results tailored to body type.
- More affordable compared to Western countries with world-class safety.
Cost Range
The cost of Axillary Arm Lift in Korea depends on extent of sagging and whether liposuction is included.
- Basic Axillary Arm Lift: USD $3,500 – $5,500
- Axillary Arm Lift + Liposuction: USD $5,000 – $7,500
- Mini Arm Rejuvenation with Laser/RF Tightening: USD $4,500 – $6,500
- Premium Clinics (VIP Aftercare, Scar Management, 3D Planning): USD $6,500 – $9,000
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & imaging: USD $100 – $300
- Compression garments: USD $50 – $200
- Medications & aftercare: USD $100 – $300
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Experts in mini and axillary arm lifts.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for advanced hidden-scar brachioplasty techniques.
- JK Plastic Surgery Center (Seoul): JCI-accredited, focusing on scar-minimized outcomes.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Leaders in liposuction + mini arm lifts.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Customized axillary arm lift with discreet scarring.
