After significant weight loss, or due to the natural aging process, many people are left with loose, sagging skin on their arms and thighs. Unfortunately, no amount of exercise can tighten this excess skin. An arm lift (brachioplasty) and a thigh lift (thighplasty) are surgical procedures specifically designed to address this issue.
These procedures remove excess skin and fat, creating a firmer, smoother, and more youthful contour.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift targets the loose skin on the underside of the upper arm, often referred to as "bat wings."
- The Goal: To create a tighter, more toned appearance in the upper arms.
- The Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the upper arm, typically running from the armpit to the elbow. Through this incision, they remove a crescent-shaped section of skin and fat. The remaining skin is then redraped and sutured into place. Liposuction is often used in conjunction to further improve the contour.
- The Scar: This procedure does involve a significant scar. However, it is placed on the inner aspect of the arm so that it is not visible when your arms are by your side.
- Mini Arm Lift: For patients with a small amount of loose skin near the armpit, a less extensive "mini" lift with a smaller incision confined to the armpit may be an option.
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift addresses sagging skin on the inner and/or outer thighs.
- The Goal: To create firmer, more attractive thighs.
- The Procedure:
- An inner thigh lift is most common. The surgeon makes an incision in the groin crease, extending down the inner thigh. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the skin is lifted and tightened.
- An outer thigh lift involves a more extensive incision that runs from the groin, around the hip. This is often part of a larger body lift procedure.
- The Scar: The scar for an inner thigh lift is well-hidden in the groin and along the inner thigh.
Cost of Arm and Thigh Lifts in Albania
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): from €2,400
- Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): from €2,800
These all-inclusive packages offer substantial savings and cover the surgery, anaesthesia, clinic fees, hotel stay, and all post-operative care.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from these procedures requires careful adherence to post-operative instructions.
Weeks 1-2: You will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You must wear compression garments on the treated areas. Movement will be restricted, particularly reaching overhead after an arm lift or spreading the legs after a thigh lift.
Weeks 3-4: You will feel much more comfortable and can return to a desk job and light activities. Compression garments are still worn.
Week 6: You can typically resume all normal activities, including exercise, with your surgeon's clearance.
Final Result: The improvement in contour is immediate. The final result will be visible after 3-6 months when all swelling has resolved. Scars will continue to fade over the course of a year.
For patients who have put in the hard work of losing weight, an arm or thigh lift is often the final, rewarding step in their transformation journey, allowing them to feel confident and comfortable in their new shape.