The operation, which takes between one and two hours, leaves scars along the inner side of the upper arm. The incisions required for an upper arm lift are sited so that the unavoidable scars remain as unobtrusive as possible. The excess sagging skin is measured and removed exactly.
The excess fatty tissue is removed in a spiral from the middle of the inside of the upper arm. If there is considerable excess skin, an additional incision may be necessary in the armpit. In addition the aesthetic contours of the upper arm can be improved by the targeted liposuction of adjacent areas in the course of the operation. Before the incision is sutured, a drain is usually inserted to drain off blood and wound secretion.
This can be removed after a few days. A compression bandage is also applied to reduce swelling and pain, at the same time supporting the reshaping of the skin. 

As a rule a full anaesthetic and in-patient admittance to hospital are necessary. Depending on the extent of the area operated, this may be for 3 to 5 days. Only smaller skin lifts can be carried out under local anaesthetic and as an out-patient.