Body Contouring
Arm Lift in Istanbul
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms, typically along the inner arm. It is considered when skin laxity after weight loss or ageing does not respond to exercise. Results vary between individuals.
Quick facts
- Procedure
- Arm lift (brachioplasty)
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Typical procedure time
- 1.5–3 hours
- Hospital stay
- Day case or 1 night
- Recommended stay in Istanbul
- 7–10 days
- Initial recovery
- 1–2 weeks
- Return to work
- 1–2 weeks (desk-based)
- Exercise
- Walking immediately; upper body after 6 weeks
- Final results
- 6–12 months
- Follow-up
- Before departure, then remote
Typical ranges only — your specialist will advise on your individual plan. Results vary between individuals.
What is Arm Lift?
Brachioplasty treats the hanging skin on the back and underside of the upper arm that many women find bothersome after weight loss or with age. Excess skin and fat are removed through an incision on the inner arm, which may extend from the armpit towards the elbow depending on the degree of laxity. A shorter, limited incision in the armpit may be used for mild laxity close to the axilla.
Liposuction is frequently combined to refine contour. When skin quality is good and the concern is mainly fat, liposuction alone may be suitable. The main trade-off with brachioplasty is a visible scar on the inner arm, which is discussed carefully in consultation.
Who may be suitable?
- You have loose or hanging skin on the upper arms
- Your weight has been stable for several months
- You are in good general health with adequate nutrition
- You are a non-smoker or willing to stop for the advised period
- You understand and accept a permanent scar on the inner arm
What can this procedure address?
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Sagging skin related to ageing
- Difficulty fitting sleeves comfortably
- Excess fat on the upper arms combined with skin laxity
Consultation & assessment
An online assessment lets you send photos confidentially with arms raised and at your sides, together with your weight history and medical details. The surgeon can indicate whether liposuction, a limited lift or a full brachioplasty is likely to be appropriate.
Your in-person examination in Istanbul confirms suitability. The surgeon will assess skin excess, discuss scar position and length, review blood tests and explain post-operative compression and activity restrictions.
How the procedure is performed
The surgeon marks the planned incision and the skin to be removed with your arms raised. Liposuction may first be used to reduce fat. Excess skin is then removed through an incision on the inner or back-inner aspect of the arm.
The wound is closed in layers to support the scar, and compression sleeves or dressings are applied. Drains are used by some surgeons.
Anaesthesia
An arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia by an anaesthesiologist. Limited procedures may occasionally be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on your surgeon's assessment.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling and tightness in the arms are expected. Keep arms raised on pillows and avoid lifting.
Week 1
Discomfort eases. Your surgeon reviews wounds and compression before you fly.
Weeks 2–3
Light daily activities and desk-based work are usually possible. Avoid lifting or raising arms forcefully.
Week 6
Upper body exercise can often be reintroduced gradually with approval.
3–6 months
Swelling resolves and scars begin to soften.
12 months
Scars mature and the final contour is visible. Results vary between individuals.
What to expect during the first week
- Keep arms elevated on pillows when resting
- Wear compression sleeves as instructed
- Avoid lifting, pushing or pulling
- Walk regularly to support circulation
- Keep wounds clean and dry as advised
When can I fly?
Most surgeons advise waiting around 7–10 days before a long-haul flight after an arm lift. Avoid lifting heavy luggage, wear compression as advised, keep hydrated and walk during the flight to reduce thrombosis risk.
When can I return to work?
Desk-based work is often possible after 1–2 weeks. Roles requiring lifting or repetitive arm movements may need 4–6 weeks.
When can I exercise?
Walking is encouraged immediately. Lower body exercise may resume after 2–3 weeks, while upper body and arm exercise is typically delayed until about 6 weeks.
Scars
Brachioplasty leaves a permanent scar on the inner arm, which may be visible when arms are raised. Scars usually fade over 12–18 months, but can sometimes widen or thicken.
Results
Firmer, slimmer upper arm contour is the aim. Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed during consultation. Results vary between individuals.
Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting with stable weight, though natural ageing continues to affect skin.
Potential risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.
- Visible, widened or raised scarring
- Seroma and haematoma
- Wound separation or delayed healing
- Infection
- Injury to sensory nerves causing numbness of the forearm or inner arm
- Swelling of the forearm or hand, usually temporary
- Asymmetry or contour irregularity
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (VTE)
Choosing a surgeon
- Confirm specialist training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
- Verify registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant societies
- Ask about experience with brachioplasty and scar placement techniques
- Review consented before and after photographs, including scars
- Confirm hospital privileges and a clear aftercare plan
Arm Lift in Istanbul
Most women stay 7–10 days after an arm lift, allowing time for early review and a check that wounds are healing before travel.
Women travel to Istanbul for brachioplasty to access experienced surgeons, modern private hospitals and coordinated patient care. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.
The cost of an arm lift in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, extent of surgery, combined procedures, hospital stay and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.
Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.
Your hospital
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities
International patient journey
- 1
Confidential Enquiry
Tell us what you would like to change or understand. You can securely send photographs, your medical history or existing reports — or simply start with a conversation.
- 2
Medical Assessment
A patient coordinator reviews your information and directs your case to an appropriate specialist for an initial medical assessment, often by video consultation.
- 3
Specialist Recommendation
A physician assesses your case before any operation is recommended. Sometimes the right advice is a different approach, a staged plan — or no treatment at all.
- 4
Personalised Treatment Plan
You receive a written plan setting out the proposed treatment, hospital, doctor, recommended stay in Istanbul and the estimated recovery process.
- 5
Travel to Istanbul
Transfers, accommodation and appointments are coordinated before you arrive. You meet your surgeon in person, and pre-operative tests are completed before surgery is confirmed.
- 6
Treatment & Aftercare
Treatment takes place in a private hospital, followed by post-operative checks in Istanbul, a written recovery plan and structured remote follow-up when you return home.
Aftercare when you return home
- Continue compression sleeves for the advised period
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous arm movement until approved
- Begin scar care once wounds have healed
- Seek urgent care for increasing swelling, fever or wound opening
- Share progress photos for remote follow-up
Arm Lift: frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
Usually around 7–10 days, depending on your recovery and your surgeon's review.
When can I fly home after an arm lift?
Often after 7–10 days. Avoid lifting luggage and follow thrombosis precautions during travel.
How much does an arm lift cost in Turkey?
Cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, extent of surgery, combined procedures, hospital stay and accommodation. A written quote follows assessment.
Will the scar be visible?
The scar is placed on the inner arm and is often less visible with arms at your side, but it can be seen when arms are raised. It fades over time but remains permanent.
Could liposuction be enough?
If your skin is firm and the concern is mainly fat, liposuction may be suitable. Loose skin usually requires brachioplasty.
What results can I expect and can I see before and after photos?
Slimmer, firmer upper arms with a permanent scar. Consented before and after photographs are reviewed during consultation. Results vary between individuals.
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined following assessment by a qualified physician.
From the Women’s Journal
Further reading
Private & confidential
Get a Confidential Medical Opinion
Share your goals for arm lift and any relevant medical history. A patient coordinator will review your enquiry and arrange a specialist assessment.