Arm Lift

You may benefit from a “full” arm lift if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or have more severe age-related skin laxity. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations. Dr Cotrufo will assess whether a traditional, mini, or hybrid approach is right for you. Dr Cotrufo’s principle is that: “this should be planned as your last surgery ever on this specific anatomical segment”. Revision/re-do cases are obviously more complicated and might require additional touch ups.

An arm lift restores definition to the upper arms, removes loose skin, and smooths underlying tissue. When combined with energy-assisted liposuction, it can dramatically enhance arm tone with minimal visible scarring: the incisions for VASER liposuction by Dr Cotrufo are usually 5mm short.

In a recent case, Dr Cotrufo treated a woman in her late 30s who had significant arm laxity following major weight loss. He performed a short-scar arm lift with the incision hidden in the armpit, using VASER liposuction along the arm to tighten and contour the skin. The result: smoother, sculpted arms with minimal scarring.

During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will examine the upper arms, assess skin texture and damage, your fat distribution and recommend the most suitable approach. He’ll explain the surgical plan, recovery process, and expected outcomes in detail.

Surgery begins with local or twilight  anaesthesia: not general anaesthesia. Fat is “broken”  via VASER and/or power-assisted liposuction (Vibrasat or Microair), and skin is activated to contract;any obvious excess of skin is excised where needed. The tissues are tightened using internal sutures to minimise scarring. Surgery takes 1.5–2 hours for an execution with the highest standard..

Mild swelling and bruising are common for the first week. Most patients return to light activity within 2-7 days and full activity after 6 weeks. Final results appear around 12 weeks.

With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, arm lift results are long-lasting. Some natural skin laxity may return with age.

Scars are discreetly placed along the inner arm or in the armpit, depending on the technique. They typically fade well over 6–12 months.

Yes. In the vast majority of cases Dr Cotrufo combines arm lifts with liposuction using VASER or power-assisted tools for enhanced contour and minimal scarring.

Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort, well managed with prescription of basic painkillers.

Dr Cotrufo uses advanced Power-Assisted Liposuction (Vibrasat, MicroAire) and Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER) to achieve “smooth contouring”, reduce scarring, and enhance skin contraction.