Brachioplasty in Seoul: Arm Lift for Loose Upper-Arm Skin
The short answer
Brachioplasty, or arm lift, removes a strip of loose skin and fat from the inner upper arm and closes the skin more tightly, so the arm looks firmer when you raise it. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 6–10 million, takes 2–3 hours under general anesthesia, and leaves a scar along the inner arm. Plan about 10–14 days in Seoul; most people return to desk work in about 2 weeks.
Key facts
- What it treats: Loose, hanging upper-arm skin
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 6–10 million
- Operating time: About 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Scar: Inner arm, armpit to elbow (shorter for mild cases)
- Compression: About 4–6 weeks
- Recommended stay: About 10–14 days
How an arm lift tightens the upper arm
Skin on the inner upper arm is thin and loses its spring after large weight loss or with ageing. The skin and fat then hang below the arm when you raise it, which some people describe as "bat wings." Exercise can build the triceps underneath, but it cannot remove stretched skin, and fat-removing treatments can make loose skin look worse.
An arm lift removes a strip of excess skin and fat along the inner arm and closes the skin tighter over the arm. The trade-off is a visible scar, placed on the inner side where it is seen less when your arms are by your sides. Many patients combine it with arm liposuction to slim and smooth the whole arm at the same time.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
- Stretched arm skin after significant weight loss
- Skin laxity that does not respond to tightening devices
It is often part of an upper body lift after weight loss and is frequently combined with liposuction.
The procedure, step by step
Mark and incise
With your arms raised, the surgeon pinches the loose skin to plan how much to remove, marking an elliptical area along the inner arm.
Remove and close
Liposuction may be done first. The marked skin and fat are removed, and the wound is closed in layers to reduce tension on the scar.
Where the incisions are made
For mild laxity near the armpit, a short scar in the armpit crease may be enough. For more laxity, the scar runs from the armpit toward the elbow, along the inner or slightly back side of the arm.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Arm scars tend to stay red and raised longer than many other scars, often for 3–6 months. They usually flatten and fade by 12–18 months. Silicone sheets, taping and sun protection help.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and tightness; arms kept raised on pillows |
| Days 10–14 | Stitches out; desk work |
| Weeks 2–6 | Compression sleeves; no lifting above shoulders |
| Weeks 6–8 | Return to upper-body exercise |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have loose skin that hangs when your arm is raised
- Are at a stable weight
- Accept a long scar in exchange for tighter contour
Another option may suit you better if
- You have fat but good skin tone: arm liposuction alone may work
- Laxity is mild: non-surgical arm tightening may help a little
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about wide or raised scars, wound separation near the armpit, seroma, numbness on the inner arm (from nerve irritation), asymmetry and swelling of the forearm. Ask where exactly the scar will sit and see examples.
Brachioplasty cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam quotes are KRW 6–10 million, higher when combined with liposuction. See body contouring clinics in Seoul.
Brachioplasty vs. arm liposuction
| Brachioplasty | Arm liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes skin | Yes | No |
| Scar | Long inner-arm scar | Tiny ports |
| Recovery | About 2 weeks | About 1 week |
| Typical cost | KRW 6–10 million | KRW 2.5–5 million |
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Where will the arm lift scar be?
Usually along the inner arm from armpit toward elbow, or only in the armpit for mild cases.
Can I combine an arm lift with liposuction?
Yes, this is common and helps slim the arm as well as tighten it.
When can I lift my arms fully?
Most surgeons advise avoiding lifting above shoulder height for about 3–4 weeks.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting if your weight stays stable.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 10–14 days for stitch removal and a check.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.