Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Istanbul

What is an arm lift?

Brachioplasty removes the loose skin and underlying fat on the inner surface of the upper arm, from the armpit towards the elbow, and redrapes the remaining skin to fit the new contour. Depending on the amount of sagging, the incision may be confined to the armpit crease or extend along the inner arm.

Arm sagging is usually a problem of lost skin elasticity, and in that situation removing fat alone can make it worse. The first question in arm contouring is therefore "fat, skin or both?". Patients with excess fat and good elasticity do well with liposuction alone; those with loose skin need skin removal. An arm lift reduces the circumference of the arm and removes the skin that swings when you raise it, offering a permanent change in shape in exchange for a permanent scar.

Who is a good candidate?

Suitable candidates for an arm lift usually have the following:

• Loose skin: a fold on the inner arm that swings when the arms are held out. Whether it sits near the armpit or extends to the elbow determines the technique.
• Weight stability: weight should have been stable for at least six months. After bariatric surgery, waiting 12–18 months after weight has plateaued is preferred.
• Body mass index (BMI): ideally below 30; at a higher BMI wound problems and seroma risk increase and the result may be more limited.
• Skin quality: thin, inelastic skin with stretch marks benefits from an arm lift. If elasticity is good and the issue is fat alone, liposuction is preferred.
• Acceptance of the scar: a full arm lift leaves a scar along the inner arm; patients who see it as a fair trade for the loose skin are happy with the result.
• General health: non-smokers with no history of lymphoedema or axillary lymph node surgery and no uncontrolled chronic disease are preferred.

Techniques and options

The technique is chosen according to the amount and distribution of skin excess and your preference regarding the scar. The options below are usually combined with liposuction.

Mini (axillary) arm lift

Used when sagging is limited to the upper third of the arm. The incision is hidden in the armpit crease and the skin is gathered upwards. The hidden scar is its great advantage, but it does not correct sagging that extends towards the elbow.

Full arm lift (inner-arm incision)

The standard technique for sagging that runs from the armpit to the elbow. The incision is planned along the inner arm; excess skin and fat are removed as an ellipse and the skin is closed under gentle tension. In marked sagging the incision continues past the armpit onto the side of the chest (extended brachioplasty) to remove the skin that collects there after weight loss.

Scar placement

The scar is placed either along the centre of the inner arm (hidden when the arm hangs by your side, visible when raised) or along its lower border towards the back (hidden from the front, faintly visible from behind). Dr. Esmer agrees the position with you according to how you dress, how you hold your arms and your skin quality. The scar is red at first and fades over 12–18 months, but never disappears completely.

Combining with liposuction

In most arm lifts, liposuction of the whole arm and, if needed, the armpit and upper back is performed first. This makes skin removal safer and creates a smooth transition into the elbow and shoulder. With only mild laxity and excess fat, liposuction alone may be enough.

Arm lift after weight loss

After massive weight loss the skin excess extends from the arm through the armpit onto the side of the chest. An extended arm lift is planned and, where needed, combined with a breast lift in the same session or in stages.

Related procedure: thigh lift

A thigh lift removes loose skin from the inner thigh. For mild sagging the incision is hidden in the groin crease (horizontal or mini thigh lift); for pronounced sagging that extends towards the knee, a vertical incision along the inner thigh is needed. Arm and thigh lifts are usually scheduled as separate operations to keep operating time and recovery within safe limits. The principles are the same as for the arm: stable weight, skin quality and acceptance of the scar.

First consultation and planning

For patients from abroad, the initial assessment is done online with photographs taken from the front and back, arms held out and elbows bent. Weight history, bariatric surgery, previous armpit operations, lymphoedema, smoking and medication are recorded. From these Dr. Esmer assesses whether a mini, full or extended arm lift is appropriate, whether liposuction is needed, and shares a preliminary plan.

At the in-person examination the skin excess is measured with the arms out, and skin thickness, elasticity, fat distribution and the armpit are checked. The position and length of the scar are agreed with you. Blood count, clotting, biochemistry, an ECG where indicated and an anaesthetic review are completed. Expectations are discussed openly: an arm lift slims and tightens the arm, but it is not scar-free.

Preparing for surgery

• Smoking: stop at least four weeks before surgery and do not smoke during recovery; healing and scar quality depend directly on blood supply.
• Blood thinners: aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo and similar supplements are stopped for the period specified (usually 7–10 days). Prescribed anticoagulants are adjusted only with the prescribing doctor.
• Alcohol: stop a week before surgery.
• Fasting: nothing to eat or drink for 6–8 hours before surgery, following the anaesthetic team's instructions.
• What to bring: loose, front-opening tops with wide sleeves (nothing you pull over your head); non-slip slippers; your medication list; ID and previous test results.
• Compression sleeves: made to your measurements and fitted at the end of surgery; a spare pair is practical for washing days.
• Arrangements at home: for the first 3–5 days you will need help washing your hair, preparing food and carrying anything heavy.

The day of surgery

You are admitted about two hours before the planned start. The anaesthetic team reviews you and Dr. Esmer marks the skin to be removed, the scar line and any liposuction areas with your arms held out, checking the symmetry of both arms.

An arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia; a mini arm lift can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation in suitable patients. Operating time is about 1–1.5 hours for a mini arm lift, 2–3 hours for a full arm lift and up to 3 hours when extended or combined with liposuction. The arm is first slimmed with liposuction, the planned ellipse of skin is removed and the wound is closed in layers with absorbable sutures. The incision is taped and compression sleeves are fitted. Most full arm lifts have a drain in each arm for 1–3 days. A mini arm lift can be a day case; after a full or extended arm lift an overnight stay is preferred, with the arms raised on pillows above heart level.

Recovery and aftercare

Compression sleeves: worn continuously for the first 3–4 weeks, then during the day up to six weeks in total. They reduce swelling, help the skin settle and support the suture line.

Drains: if used, removed once output falls, usually on day 1–3.

Elevation: for the first week, rest your arms on pillows above heart level when sitting and lying to limit swelling of the arms and hands.

Movement: move elbows, wrists and fingers from day one. Do not raise the arms above shoulder height or stretch the suture line for two weeks; from week three, return gradually to full range of motion.

Walking: short walks from the evening of surgery reduce clot risk.

Sleeping: on your back with the arms by your sides on pillows; avoid lying on your arms for 3–4 weeks.

Showering: 24–48 hours after drain removal, with the suture line taped. You will need help washing your hair in the first week. Baths, pools and the sea are avoided for 4–6 weeks.

Lymphatic massage: from week two, particularly after combined liposuction, to reduce swelling and firmness.

Exercise: walking from day one; light cardio from week 3–4; arm and upper-body weights from week six with your surgeon's approval.

Scar care: tapes stay on for 2–3 weeks, then silicone gel or tape for at least six months. The scar fades over 12–18 months; keep it out of the sun and away from sunbeds for at least a year.

Risks and how they are minimised

An arm lift is a safe operation; the main concerns are scar quality and wound healing. The risks and the measures taken against them:

• Noticeable or widened scar: the inner arm is prone to scar stretching. Deep-layer suturing that takes tension off the skin, limiting arm movement early on and consistent silicone care improve scar quality; a revision can be performed after 12 months if needed.
• Seroma: prevented with drains, compression and lymphatic massage; drained in clinic if it forms.
• Wound-healing problems: small areas of separation can occur, particularly in the armpit, and heal with dressings. Smoking and a high BMI increase the risk.
• Contour irregularity and asymmetry: minimised by symmetrical marking, layered liposuction and careful skin removal.
• Altered sensation: branches of the sensory nerves on the inner arm can be affected; numbness is usually temporary.
• Lymphoedema: kept rare by preserving the lymphatic channels in the armpit and avoiding unnecessary deep dissection.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): compression stockings, pneumatic compression and early walking are used according to your risk score, with low-molecular-weight heparin where indicated.

For international patients

For patients from the UK, Europe and the Middle East the process starts with an online photo assessment. Once the plan is agreed, the coordination team arranges your surgery date, hospital admission, airport transfers, accommodation and an interpreter if needed; pre-operative tests are completed on the day you arrive.

The recommended stay in Istanbul for an arm lift is 5–7 days, covering surgery, one night in hospital, drain removal, dressing checks and a final examination before you fly; for a thigh lift or combined procedures, plan 7–10 days. On the flight, wear compression stockings, drink plenty of water, walk every hour and ask for help with hand luggage. Sutures are absorbable, so no suture removal is needed at home. Follow-up continues over WhatsApp with photographs and by video call when needed, at two weeks and at one, three, six and twelve months. See our international patients page for full details.

How the price is determined

If you are searching for "arm lift Turkey cost": Turkish regulations do not allow medical services to be advertised with prices, and since every surgical plan is different a single list price would not be realistic. The factors that determine the cost of an arm lift are:

• The scope of the technique: mini (axillary), full or extended arm lift
• Whether liposuction is added and how large the liposuction areas are
• Combination with a thigh lift, breast lift or tummy tuck
• Operating time, type of anaesthesia and hospital stay
• Compression sleeves, lymphatic massage and other aftercare items
• For international patients, transfers, accommodation and interpreter arrangements

After the online assessment you receive a personalised quote with the scope written out clearly. For any questions, please use the contact page.

Why Dr. Göktuğ Esmer?

Dr. Göktuğ Esmer is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and a member of ISAPS. In arm lift surgery his priorities are to place the scar where it is least visible for your lifestyle, to preserve the natural curve of the arm without over-tightening, and to achieve a smooth transition with liposuction.

Safety and close follow-up are standard: careful patient selection, DVT prophylaxis and a fully equipped hospital setting are non-negotiable, and scar care is monitored with photographs throughout the first year. Turkish and international patients receive the same care and the same protocol.

Recovery Timeline

The timeline below shows a typical course; healing speed varies between patients.

Frequently Asked Questions – Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Istanbul

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