Aesthetic and plastic surgeon Doctor Roman Merle performs arm and thigh lift procedures in Antibes. These procedures aim to reduce the development of fat and tighten the skin on the arms and legs.

When is an arm or thigh lift appropriate?

As we age, the skin on the inside of the arms tends to sag, especially if there has been a significant or repetitive fluctuation in weight. Arms look crinkly or flabby and it can feel embarrassing to wear short-sleeved clothes. When skin sags, it can also make you feel self-conscious about wearing certain clothes, especially if there is redness or soreness due to rubbing. When you have an arm lift (brachioplasty), this involves removing the excess skin from the inner part of the arm and tightening it up again. If necessary, this can also be combined with liposuction, to remove any excess fat from the arm. The arms becomes firmer and more in proportion.

For legs, especially the inner thighs, there is a similar issue: the skin tends to be quite thin and fragile here and quickly shows the signs of aging and weight fluctuation, notably during pregnancy. If excess fat accumulates, then the skin inevitably stretches. This can then understandably lead to reluctance to wear shorter clothes when it’s hot or even difficulty in walking. As with the arm lift, the thigh lift will enable the surgeon to remove excess skin and provide a toned look. For excess fat on the thigh(s) liposuction is required.

Both procedures can be carried out from the age of 18 years.

Arm lift

Dr Merle will first carry out liposuction if there is any excess fat and then will proceed to take away any excess skin, using an incision along the inner side of the arm or in the armpit area.

The procedure tales around 1h30 to perform and is carried out under a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation. After surgery, you will generally be able to go home the same day or, in some cases, stay in hospital for 24 hours.

The cost of an arm lift performed in Antibes by aesthetic and plastic surgeon Doctor Roman Merle, starts at €2000  and may, in some cases be reimbursed by Social Security.

Thigh lift

If there is an accumulation of fat, Dr Merle will first carry out liposuction and then will proceed to take away any excess skin, using one of 3 techniques:
– Medial thigh technique: the incision is made from the groin area around to the crease under the buttock. This is usually used when the skin has sagged along the inner thigh.
– Lateral thigh technique: the incision runs along the inner thigh and its length will depend on how much skin needs to be removed. It can run to the knee in cases of massive weight loss. This technique is usually used where sagging has occurred across the thigh(s).
– Combined technique: the two techniques (described above) are used together when the excess skin runs along and across the thigh(s). The scar will be in a “t” shape.

Elasticated support bandages will help to reduce post-surgery swelling.

The cost of a thigh lift performed in Antibes by aesthetic and plastic surgeon Doctor Roman Merle, starts at €3000 and may, in some cases be reimbursed by Social Security.

What to expect following arm or thigh lift surgery?

After surgery, some discomfort may be experienced: tiredness, swelling and bruising often occur. Dr Merle will be able to prescribe appropriate medication to help reduce any discomfort. Practicing sport may be resumed 1 month after an arm lift and 6 weeks after a thigh lift.

The final results will be visible after around 6 to 12 months, when the swelling has gone and the scars have faded.

Case n°1 — Before/after