Short answer
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the underside of the upper arm to create a firmer contour. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia, often with one night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 6 to 7 days and return to desk work after 1 to 2 weeks.
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift is an operation that removes loose skin from the inner and back of the upper arm. Liposuction is often used at the same time to reduce fat before the skin is tightened.
The main trade-off is a scar, usually along the inner arm from the armpit towards the elbow. Most patients feel the firmer shape is worth it.
Who is it for?
It suits people at a stable weight whose upper arm skin hangs loosely and does not improve with exercise.
- Loose skin after major weight loss
- Skin laxity with ageing
- Difficulty finding sleeves that fit
- Patients who accept a visible inner-arm scar
How the procedure is done
Your surgeon examines your arms in person and marks the skin to remove. For mild laxity close to the armpit, a short scar hidden in the armpit may be enough.
For more skin, the incision runs along the inner arm. Excess skin and fat are removed and the wound is closed in layers. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you throughout.
Recovery and results
You wear compression sleeves for about 4 to 6 weeks and keep your arms raised on pillows for the first days. Lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
Most patients return to desk work in 1 to 2 weeks and to full exercise after 6 weeks. The scar is red at first and fades gradually over 12 months or more.
Scar care starts once the wounds have closed, usually with silicone gel or sheets and sun protection. Your coordinator stays in touch after you fly home, and your surgeon can review photos of the scar and shape during the first year of follow-up.
Preparing for an arm lift
An arm lift works best when your weight has been stable for at least 6 to 12 months, particularly after major weight loss. Further weight change can loosen the skin again.
Before surgery you will have blood tests and a medical review. Smoking should stop well in advance, because it slows wound healing, which matters for a long scar. Your doctor will also review any medicines that affect bleeding.
For the first weeks you will find loose, wide-sleeved tops easier to wear over the compression sleeves. Simple tasks such as washing your hair may need help for a few days, so plan your first week with this in mind.
Some patients combine an arm lift with other body contouring after weight loss. Your surgeon will advise whether a combined or staged plan is safer for you.
Risks and safety
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, wide or raised scars, numbness of the inner arm, wound separation and, rarely, nerve injury.
Scar quality varies between people. A doctor assesses your skin and suitability in person and shows you where the scar will lie before you decide.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Compression sleeves, arms raised
- Week 1Wound check, cleared to fly
- Week 2Return to desk work
- Week 6Full exercise and lifting allowed
- Month 6-12Scar fading, final shape
Frequently asked questions
Where is the arm lift scar?
The scar usually runs along the inner upper arm, from the armpit towards the elbow, where it is less visible when your arms are by your side. A short-scar version in the armpit suits milder cases.
Can liposuction alone fix loose arms?
Liposuction can reduce fat, but it does not remove loose skin. If the skin hangs, an arm lift gives a firmer result.
Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it is often combined with other body contouring, such as a thigh lift or breast lift, if your surgeon considers it safe.
Will I lose strength after an arm lift?
No, the operation removes skin and fat and does not affect the muscles.
