Arm lift in Vienna
In brief
In an arm lift, Dr. Handl removes excess skin and fat on the inside of the upper arms. The operation takes about 60 to 150 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia; one to two nights in the clinic are recommended. Depending on your job, you are fit for work again after two to three weeks, and sport is possible after three to six weeks. Prices start at €6,900.
- Medical review
- This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
- Specialists for this treatment:
-
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
Dr. Victor Boulgaropoulos
- Cost:
- from €6,900
At a glance
- Location
- Practice
- Outpatient or inpatient
- inpatient
- Duration of the operation
- about 60-150 minutes
- Type of anaesthesia
- general anaesthesia
- Inpatient stay
- 1-2 nights (recommended)
- Recovery phase
- depending on your job, about 2-3 weeks
- Personal care / showering
- after about 10-14 days
- Sport
- after about 3-6 weeks, strength training after about 6-8 weeks
- Final result
- after about 3-6 months
- Special notes
- sun and sunbeds only with sun protection for 1 year
An arm lift is an effective solution for "bingo wings"
Many patients suffer from sagging upper arms caused by natural ageing, weight loss or insufficient skin retraction after liposuction. The slack, excess skin is often felt to be bothersome and has a negative effect on well-being.
Dr. Handl in Vienna offers a solution here to help many patients improve their contours and feel more comfortable in their own body – the arm lift. The excess tissue is removed through an incision that runs from the armpit to the elbow.
Dr. Handl places the incision on the inside of the arm so that the scar is “hidden” and barely visible later on. The result is slimmer and firmer arms.
The operation usually takes about one to two hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. After the procedure, patients stay in the clinic for one night for monitoring. A subsequent period of rest of about two weeks is recommended, during which the arms should be spared.
Dr. Handl emphasises that precise planning and an individual consultation before the procedure are essential, because every patient is unique and has individual needs. In a personal conversation, the course of the operation is discussed and possible risks and complications are pointed out.
As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Handl specialises in achieving the best possible results while keeping scarring to a minimum. An arm lift can improve not only your outward appearance but also your self-confidence and quality of life.
Arm lift methods
Consultation with the plastic surgeon
The arm lift is a surgical method of reducing slack skin and fat deposits on the upper arms and improving the appearance of the arms. There are various arm lift methods that can be used depending on the patient's individual needs and the size and shape of the arms to be treated. An experienced plastic surgeon will carry out a comprehensive examination beforehand to determine the most suitable method for each patient.
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is a widely used arm lift method. In this technique, an incision is made on the inside of the arm and the excess tissue is removed. This method is particularly effective for patients with very slack skin and excess tissue. However, a scar will remain on the inside of the arm.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a method of reducing fat on the upper arms. In this technique, the fatty tissue is removed with a cannula. Liposuction is particularly effective for patients with little excess skin and good skin quality.
Combination
In some cases, a combination of brachioplasty and liposuction can be the best method. In this technique, excess tissue is removed and the remaining fat is suctioned at the same time. The result is a slimmer, firmer arm contour.
Minimally invasive methods
There are also minimally invasive techniques for tightening the upper arms, such as fat-dissolving injections, Thermage or Ultherapy. However, these techniques are not as effective as the surgical methods and often require several treatments.
It is important that every patient undergoes a thorough examination and consultation in order to find the most suitable arm lift method. Dr. Handl will explain all the available options to you and help you make a well-founded decision.
Preparation, risks and aftercare
Preparation
An arm lift is particularly worthwhile when your weight is stable. In the consultation, Dr. Handl plans the incision on the inside of the upper arm with you. Before the operation under general anaesthesia, a health check and an anaesthesia briefing take place. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication and nicotine, which markedly impairs wound healing.
Risks
As with any operation, bruising, swelling, secondary bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems can occur. The anaesthetist discusses the risks of general anaesthesia with you beforehand.
The scar on the inside of the upper arm is long and takes months to fade. In rare cases, it can widen or thicken. Fluid collections (seroma), changes in skin sensation on the upper arm and slight asymmetries are also possible.
In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.
Aftercare
One to two nights in the clinic are recommended. Afterwards, you wear a compression garment for the arms to prevent swelling. Showering is possible after about 10 to 14 days, and depending on your job you are fit for work again after two to three weeks. Sport is possible after three to six weeks, strength training after six to eight weeks. The final result shows after three to six months. Protect the scars from the sun and sunbeds for a year.
Frequently asked questions
When is an arm lift advisable?
When severely sagging, excess skin is felt to be bothersome. This is often the case due to natural ageing or major weight loss. An arm lift can also be performed together with liposuction, or afterwards if the skin does not retract by itself. A lift makes sense once a stable body weight has been reached. Prerequisites are good general health and not being pregnant.
Can an arm lift be combined with liposuction?
In some cases, it can make sense to combine an arm lift with liposuction to achieve an optimal result. Dr. Handl will be happy to advise you in detail in a personal consultation.
What are the risks of an arm lift?
Like any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries risks, for example wound-healing problems or scarring. In the consultation, Dr. Handl informs you in detail about all the risks of an arm lift.
Will there be visible scars after an arm lift?
Dr. Handl pays particular attention to keeping scars inconspicuous. The scar is positioned on the inside of the arm so that it is barely visible later on.
Is the procedure painful?
Because the procedure takes place as an inpatient under general anaesthesia, it is not felt to be painful. In the first days after the procedure, pain can occur, which can be managed with painkillers. Pain perception varies from person to person, but many describe the pain as comparable to severe muscle soreness.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about 60 to 150 minutes.
What do I need to consider before the procedure?
Before an operation, it is important to avoid medication that affects blood clotting where possible (e.g. aspirin). You should also largely avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Nicotine can reduce the blood supply to organs and delay wound healing, so we recommend giving up cigarettes as far as possible during the treatment phase. You will find out more in your consultation with Dr. Handl.
What do I need to consider after the procedure?
After the procedure, you stay in the clinic for 1 to 2 nights to recover. Before your discharge, Dr. Handl goes through everything necessary with you. It is important to take it easy physically after the operation. Please do not lift heavy objects and avoid any tension and pressure on the arms. After about 14 days, the stitches are removed at a check-up and normal bathing is possible again. Sport is only possible again after 4 weeks. In the following months, please make sure the scar is not exposed to direct sunlight in order to achieve an aesthetic scar.
When can I do sport again after an arm lift?
You should avoid sport for the first 4 weeks after the procedure.
When are the stitches removed?
After about 14 days.
How long will I be off work after an arm lift?
That depends on your job. Desk work is possible again after just a few days.
When will the final result be visible?
A change can be seen immediately after the procedure. It takes about another 3 weeks for swelling or bruising to subside. Because the scar takes about a year to heal completely, the final result can only be assessed after this time.
What happens if I gain weight after an arm lift?
Essentially, nothing happens except that the skin tissue will stretch again. The scars cannot tear open, but depending on the stretching they could become wider.
Personal consultation
Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.
Prefer to call? +43 1 877 20 20
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