Arm Lift in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar — Dr. Marco Vricella, Plastic Surgeon
Arm Lift
Reshape and restore firmness to your upper arms. We eliminate the loose skin of the inner arm with precise technique, a discreet scar and natural results in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
With age or following significant weight loss, the inner upper arms can lose elasticity, developing folds and sagging that disrupt overall body harmony. An arm lift — or brachioplasty — corrects this excess skin, tightens the underlying tissue and restores a slender, youthful appearance with natural, long-lasting results.
In mild cases, a short incision is concealed within the axillary crease, leaving a scar that remains hidden even with the arms raised. When the sagging is more severe, the incision extends along the inner arm toward the elbow (the vertical technique). Targeted liposuction may be added in the same session to remove residual fat and refine the contour. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately two hours.
Dr. Marco Vricella assesses skin quality, the amount of residual fat and the patient’s overall health during the consultation, in order to design the most appropriate surgical plan. Reaching a stable weight before surgery enhances the outcome, and abstaining from tobacco at least three weeks before and after the procedure is critical for optimal healing.
The surgical plan is personalised according to the degree of skin laxity, the presence of residual fat and each patient’s goals. Dr. Vricella explains every option in detail during the initial consultation.
Axillary Brachioplasty
For mild cases of skin laxity. The short incision is hidden in the axillary crease, invisible even when the arms are raised. Ideal when there is little excess skin and looseness is concentrated near the upper arm.
Axillary scar · Mild cases
Vertical Brachioplasty
Indicated for severe sagging or after major weight loss. The incision extends down the inner arm toward the elbow, allowing a greater skin resection and a complete remodelling of the arm contour.
Severe sagging · Post-bariatric
Brachioplasty with Liposuction
A combination of arm lift and targeted liposuction in the same session, addressing both excess skin and residual fat deposits. Delivers a more complete and balanced remodelling of the upper arm.
Full remodelling · Combined
Technique · Procedure
Surgical precision, a strategic scar
Brachioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in approximately two hours. The incision is placed in the least visible area for each clinical case, with Dr. Vricella tailoring every detail of the surgical plan to the patient’s anatomy and goals.
General anaesthesia; approximate duration of 2 hours
Axillary incision (mild cases) or inner vertical incision (severe cases)
Recovery from brachioplasty is gradual and well controlled with appropriate medication. Some swelling and minor bruising is normal and improves noticeably within the first two weeks. Dr. Vricella’s team guides patients through every stage of the process.
Days 1–10 — Relative rest; no lifting or sudden arm movements
Weeks 1–2 — Swelling and bruising subsiding; compression sleeve in use
Weeks 3–4 — Sleeve still recommended; return to normal daily activities
Month 2+ — Gradual return to exercise; final result taking shape
Months 3–6 — Scars maturing; definitive result fully visible
Brachioplasty is indicated for patients with inner-arm laxity that does not respond to diet or exercise. A personalised assessment determines whether you are an ideal candidate and which technique best suits your case.
Ideal candidate profile
Sagging of the inner upper arms caused by weight loss, ageing or lipodystrophy
Stable weight for at least 6 months prior to surgery
Good overall skin quality and general health
Realistic expectations regarding the result and scarring
Non-smoker or willing to abstain from tobacco at least 3 weeks before and after surgery
Over 18 years of age with complete physical development
Additional considerations
Unstable weight: it is advisable to reach a stable weight before proceeding
Active obesity: arm lift is not the first-line treatment in this case
Active smoking: significantly increases the risk of healing complications
Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
Lymphoedema of the arms, which must be evaluated beforehand
Anticoagulants or other medications should be disclosed during consultation
The Process
From consultation to result
01
Initial Consultation
Assessment of the degree of sagging, skin quality, presence of residual fat and overall health. Selection of the most appropriate technique. No commitment required.
02
Planning
Design of the surgical plan: type of brachioplasty, possible combined liposuction, anaesthesia, and scheduling at the Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar clinic. Clear pre-operative instructions provided.
03
Surgery
Procedure under general anaesthesia lasting approximately 2 hours. One overnight stay. Dr. Vricella’s team ensures the highest standards of safety and patient comfort throughout.
04
Follow-up
Scheduled reviews to monitor progress, manage the compression sleeve and support a gradual return to daily and sporting activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arm Lift — Your questions answered
The most common questions about brachioplasty with Dr. Marco Vricella in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes excess loose skin from the inner upper arms and tightens the underlying tissue. Depending on the degree of sagging, the incision can be hidden in the axillary crease (mild cases) or extended along the inner arm toward the elbow (severe cases). It is particularly indicated following significant weight loss or age-related laxity.
In mild cases, the scar is completely hidden within the axillary crease, invisible even with the arms raised. In more severe cases, it extends along the inner arm toward the elbow, though with proper aftercare it fades considerably over time. Full scar maturation takes between 6 and 12 months.
Yes. When residual fat is present alongside excess skin, brachioplasty can be combined with targeted liposuction in the same session. This combination allows a more comprehensive remodelling of the arm, with more balanced and natural-looking results than performing them separately.
During the first 10 days, relative rest is recommended — avoid lifting or sudden arm movements. A compression sleeve is worn for 3 to 4 weeks. From the third week onwards most patients resume normal daily life, reintroducing exercise gradually. Swelling and bruising improve noticeably in the first two weeks.
No. The procedure focuses on the superficial tissue of the arm and does not affect tendons or joints. Some tightness when raising the arms is normal during the initial recovery phase and resolves as the tissue heals. Full mobility is restored progressively.
Initial results become visible once the early swelling subsides, around 3–4 weeks post-surgery. The definitive outcome — with tissues fully settled and scars matured — is appreciable from 6 to 12 months after the procedure.
Yes. Results are long-lasting provided a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are maintained. The skin that has been removed does not return, although the natural ageing process and significant weight fluctuations can affect firmness over the long term.
You can request a consultation via the form on this page, by phone or by email. Dr. Vricella’s team will get in touch to arrange your first appointment in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar. Contact us now →
First Step
Book Your Consultation Today
Take the first step towards slimmer, firmer arms. Dr. Vricella and his team will assess your case personally, answer all your questions and design the most appropriate plan for you — with no obligation.
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