Upper arm lift and thigh lift
Arm lift and thigh lift are plastic surgery procedures that aim to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms and thighs respectively. These surgeries are often considered when aging, significant weight loss or genetic predisposition result in excess skin that cannot be corrected by exercise or diet alone.
Upper arm lift (brachioplasty)
Upper arm lift (brachioplasty)
The upper arm lift, also called brachioplasty, aims to tighten the skin on the upper arms and remove excess tissue. Patients often suffer from so-called “whacking arms”, where the skin swings back and forth when moving.
Reasons for an upper arm lift
Reasons for an upper arm lift
Weight loss: After a significant weight loss, excess skin often remains that no longer shrinks back. Aging: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, which can lead to sagging skin. Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to more sagging skin on their upper arms.
The procedure
The procedure
Brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. The surgeon makes an incision along the inside of the upper arm, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the remaining tissue. In some cases, liposuction is also performed to achieve a more aesthetic result.
Recovery period
Recovery period
After surgery, patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for about two to four weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal for the first few days, but will subside over time. Scars usually run along the inside of the arm and fade over time.
Thigh lift
Thigh lift
The thigh lift, also known as a thigh lift, aims to tighten the skin on the thighs and remove excess fat. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with an arm lift, especially in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
Reasons for a thigh lift
Reasons for a thigh lift
Gewichtsverlust: Nach starker Gewichtsreduktion kann überschüssige Haut an den Oberschenkeln verbleiben. Alterung: Mit zunehmendem Alter verliert die Haut an Elastizität, was zu schlaffen Oberschenkeln führen kann. Genetik: Manche Menschen haben genetisch bedingt mehr Fett- und Hautgewebe an den Oberschenkeln.
The procedure
The procedure
After thigh lift surgery, a recovery period of approximately two to four weeks is required. During this time, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and wear special compression garments to aid healing and reduce swelling. As with arm lift surgery, swelling and bruising may occur, but this will subside after some time.
Recovery period
Recovery period
After thigh lift surgery, a recovery period of approximately two to four weeks is required. During this time, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and wear special compression garments to aid healing and reduce swelling. As with arm lift surgery, swelling and bruising may occur, but this will subside after some time.
Risks and Complications
Risks and Complications
As with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks associated with arm and thigh lift surgery. These include infection, bleeding, scarring, loss of sensation and, in rare cases, asymmetrical results. It is important that the procedures are performed by an experienced plastic surgeon to minimize risks and achieve optimal results.
Conclusion: Both arm lift and thigh lift surgery offer effective solutions to remove excess skin and fat and achieve a tighter, smoother silhouette. These procedures can significantly increase self-confidence and improve physical appearance. However, before deciding to undergo surgery, a thorough consultation with a specialist is essential to realistically assess individual goals and potential outcomes.
Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
The Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at the Glückstadt Clinic deals with functional, cosmetic, shape-changing and reconstructive procedures.
In this area, surgical procedures are performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
In order to work as a doctor in this field in Germany, you must complete training as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Dr. med. Florian Bönke
Head of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Career
After completing his medical studies at the University of Kiel, Dr. Bönke initially worked there and completed basic surgical training in cardiac and vascular surgery at the Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital in Kiel. In 2015, he then switched to the clinic for plastic and hand surgery with a center for severe burns at the St. Georg Hospital in Leipzig. In 2017 he followed Prof. Dragu to the University Hospital in Dresden, where he played a key role in founding the Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, where he most recently worked as senior physician. Since 2023 Dr. Bönke leads together with Prof. Dr. Said the Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at Glückstadt Hospital.
Since 2015 Dr. Bönke works exclusively in plastic and aesthetic surgery. In addition to the reconstruction and restoration of the body shape using free tissue transfer and hand surgery, he specialized in body shaping and tightening operations after weight loss.
Dr. Bönke is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and a member of the German Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRÄC). He also has an additional qualification in hand surgery.
Indications
Abdominoplasty / tummy tuck
thigh lift
upper arm lift
body lift
liposuction
Liposuction for lipoedema
scar corrections
Local flaps
(Free flap plastics)
Hand Surgery:
Secondary tendon reconstruction
Tendon transfer / tendon rearrangement
Nerve sutures / nerve reconstruction / nerve transplant
Annular ligament release in tendovaginitis stenosans (snap fingers)
extensor tendon cleavage
Nerve decompression (e.g. carpal tunnel, loge de gyon, sulcus ulnaris)
Ganglion
M. Dupuytren
