Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Removes loose upper-arm skin, at the cost of a permanent scar on the inner arm.
Save up to 70% vs the UK & Germany
- Stay in Istanbul
- 7-8 days
- Time in theatre
- 2-3 hours
- In hospital
- 1 night
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Back to work
- 12 days
- Full result
- 6 months
Overview
An arm lift removes sagging skin and fat from the upper arm and tightens the contour. It is usually done after major weight loss or age-related slackening, where liposuction on its own would leave the skin hanging. The trade-off is a permanent scar running along the inner surface from the armpit towards the elbow, and accepting that scar knowingly is a precondition for the operation.
Benefits
- Removes surplus skin that liposuction cannot correct
- The scar is placed on the inner surface of the arm, facing the body
- Liposuction can be added in the same operation where there is surplus fat too
- A smaller upper-arm circumference means sleeves fit properly again
- Back to desk work in about 12 days, with the final contour at 6 months
Who is this treatment for?
Usually suitable
- Marked surplus upper-arm skin after major weight loss or age-related slackening
- A stable weight that has reached its target
- People who knowingly accept that the scar is permanent and visible
Needs assessment first
- Anyone unwilling to accept a visible scar; this operation is not for them
- Anyone still losing weight, who should complete that first
- A history of axillary lymph node surgery or lymphoedema, which needs separate assessment
Final suitability is decided by your consultant after examination and imaging in Istanbul.
Your treatment, step by step
- 01
Free online consultation
Send front and side photographs of your arms. Within 24 hours we tell you in writing whether a short-scar technique or a full brachioplasty is needed, and how the programme runs.
- 02
Examination and scar plan
Your surgeon assesses the skin laxity and marks the scar line while you stand, so you can see it. You need to see the length of the scar and accept it before surgery.
- 03
The operation
The operation takes 2–3 hours under general anaesthetic, after which you stay one night in hospital. Your arms are wrapped in compression sleeves.
- 04
Checks and flight clearance
After the dressing and suture checks your surgeon gives flight clearance. The whole programme runs 7–8 days.
Aftercare & long-term tips
Wear your compression sleeves for 4–6 weeks, keep your arms above heart level in the first days to reduce swelling, and lift nothing heavy for six weeks. Once the wound has closed, continue scar care with silicone tape or gel for at least six months; with this operation, scar care largely determines the part of the result people see.
First 24 hours
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods and drinks; avoid very hot or hard items while any numbness or sensitivity settles.
First few days
Ease back into normal eating as sensitivity fades — usually within a few days.
Long term
Eat normally and protect your result with the simple habits below.
Do
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Attend your regular check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Keep the area clean and rinse as advised
Avoid
- Biting very hard objects — ice, pen lids, shells
- Opening bottle or soda caps with your teeth
- Too many hard nuts or sticky, chewy sweets
- Smoking and staining drinks in the first days
What's included
- Free consultation & treatment plan
- Treatment by specialist dentists
- 5-star hotel accommodation
- Private VIP airport transfers
- Personal translator & 24/7 support
- Aftercare & treatment guarantee
Risks and an honest expectation
The commonest problems are scar widening and raised, thickened scarring, both more likely around the armpit and in smokers. Wound separation, seroma, prolonged or permanent numbness of the inner arm, rarely injury to a sensory nerve, and lymphatic swelling of the hand and forearm can all occur. Compression sleeves, one night of hospital observation and a scar care programme lasting at least six months are therefore standard.
They flew in. They flew home changed.
Frequently asked questions
Other treatments in this department
Ready for a new start?
Send a few photos. Within 24 hours you get a free treatment plan and a transparent, all-inclusive price.
- We reply in about an hour
- Save up to 70% versus the UK, Germany and Spain
Let us call you
60-second request — no commitment.
We reply within 24 hours. Your data stays private.