Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Turkey

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms, usually between the armpit and elbow. The surgeon tightens the remaining skin to create a slimmer, firmer contour. Liposuction may be used alongside skin removal to reduce fat. The procedure is commonly considered after significant weight loss or when ageing has caused hanging skin under the arms. It does not build muscle or change arm strength, and the improvement in shape comes with a scar that is usually visible in some positions.

Good candidates usually have loose, hanging upper-arm skin, are at a stable weight and are in good general health. Many have lost a large amount of weight, while others have skin laxity related to ageing. Patients should accept that an arm lift trades loose skin for a scar. Smoking, poor nutrition and some medical conditions can affect healing. If the arm has mainly excess fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction may be enough. You can compare surgeons who list arm lift and request an examination.

The choice depends mainly on whether the problem is fat, loose skin or both. Liposuction may suit people with excess upper-arm fat and firm, elastic skin that can contract after fat removal. An arm lift is usually needed when skin hangs or folds, especially after major weight loss, because liposuction alone can leave skin looser. Many patients benefit from a combination of liposuction and skin removal. A surgeon will assess skin quality, the amount of fat and how far the laxity extends before recommending an approach.

The arm lift scar usually runs along the inner or back-inner surface of the upper arm, often from the armpit toward the elbow. It may be visible when the arms are raised or when wearing sleeveless clothing. Patients with loose skin limited to the upper part of the arm near the armpit may be suitable for a shorter scar. Scars are permanent and often look red or raised at first before gradually improving over 12–18 months. Discuss scar position with your surgeon and ask to see healed results.

Arm lift risks include wide, raised or visible scars, delayed wound healing, wound separation near the armpit, seroma, infection, bleeding and asymmetry. Numbness can occur, and injury to a sensory nerve along the inner arm may cause numbness or discomfort in the forearm. Some patients experience swelling related to lymphatic drainage. Removing too much skin can cause tightness or difficulty closing the wound, while removing too little may leave laxity. Smoking and poor nutrition increase complications. Ask how the surgeon plans the amount of skin removed.

Arm lift recovery usually involves a day-case procedure or one night in hospital, with compression garments or sleeves worn for several weeks. Many patients return to desk work within about two weeks. Swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort when raising the arms are common. Surgeons generally advise avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and extreme arm movements early on, while walking regularly to reduce clot risk. The contour improves gradually over months, and scars continue maturing for around a year or longer.

Arm lift results are generally long-lasting because excess skin is removed. However, ageing, gravity and weight changes can still cause some loosening over time. Significant weight gain can enlarge fat in the arms, while further weight loss may create new laxity. Maintaining a stable weight and following scar care advice helps protect the result. An arm lift does not change underlying muscle strength, so strength training can remain part of long-term fitness once your surgeon confirms it is safe.

An arm lift can sometimes be combined with other procedures after weight loss, such as a breast lift, upper body lift or liposuction of nearby areas. Combining operations can mean fewer anaesthetics, but it increases surgical time, discomfort and recovery demands. Some combinations can make early movement particularly difficult, especially when both arms and upper body are treated. Surgeons may therefore stage procedures based on safety and your priorities. Ask for a clear plan explaining which procedures can be combined and why.

Patients are commonly advised to plan around 10–14 days in Turkey after an arm lift. This allows early wound checks, assessment for seroma and a review of healing near the armpit, where wound separation can occur. Avoid carrying heavy luggage and arrange help at airports. Wear compression garments as instructed, walk during the flight and keep wounds clean and dry. Before leaving, ask for operation notes, scar care guidance and warning signs such as increasing swelling, discharge or fever. See our guide to post-operative complications.

The cost of an arm lift in Turkey depends on how much skin is removed, whether liposuction is added, the length of the incision, operating time, anaesthesia, facility and surgeon's fee. Compression sleeves, dressings, medication, follow-up visits, hospital stay and accommodation may be charged separately. Combining an arm lift with breast or body contouring procedures will increase the total and recovery time. Ask for a detailed written quote and how scar revision would be charged if needed. Request an arm lift consultation for an individual price.