Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Turkey
Arm lift in Turkey: brachioplasty to remove loose upper-arm skin after weight loss, with liposuction and a scar hidden on the inner arm; 2 hospital nights and 6 hotel nights. Scar patterns, recovery, risks.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Operation time
2–3 hours for both arms
Hospital / hotel
2 nights / 6 nights
Stay in Turkey
8 nights (2 hospital + 6 hotel), drains out before you fly
Back to work
Desk work in 10–14 days; lifting and sport after 6 weeks
Package price
€1,680
What Arm Lift involves
An arm lift removes the loose, hanging skin of the upper arm — the "bat wing" that follows large weight loss or the loss of elasticity with age — and tightens the tissue beneath so the arm has a firm, slim contour from shoulder to elbow. Exercise builds the muscle underneath but cannot shrink skin that has stretched past its ability to recoil; once that has happened, removing the skin is the only effective treatment.
Liposuction is usually part of the operation. Removing fat first thins the arm and makes the skin easier to redrape, and it allows the surgeon to preserve the lymphatic vessels that run through the fat, which matters for swelling afterwards. The skin is then removed along a line on the inner arm, positioned so the scar faces the body and is hidden when the arms are at the side.
What it does not do: an arm lift is a trade of loose skin for a scar. The scar is long and permanent, and although it fades, it is visible when the arms are raised. Patients who have made peace with that trade are the ones who are happy. For arms with mild looseness and good skin, liposuction alone or a short armpit-only lift may be enough — the consultation decides.
Scars: A line along the inner arm from armpit towards the elbow, placed to face the body; a short scar in the armpit for mini lifts
Who it suits — and who it does not
Good candidates
- ✓Loose, hanging skin on the upper arm that persists after weight loss and does not improve with exercise
- ✓Weight stable for at least 6 months, ideally with a BMI under 30–32
- ✓Non-smokers, good general health, no lymphatic problems in the arms
- ✓Willing to accept a visible inner-arm scar in exchange for contour
- ✓After bariatric surgery once weight has stabilised, often combined with other body contouring
Usually advised against
- –Mostly fat with good skin tone — liposuction alone gives a good result without the scar
- –Weight still changing
- –Previous armpit lymph-node surgery or arm lymphoedema
- –Smokers unwilling to stop — the long inner-arm incision needs good blood supply
- –Expecting no visible scar
Techniques and options
Standard (full) brachioplasty
An incision from the armpit to just above the elbow along the inner arm, with an ellipse of skin and fat removed and the remaining skin closed in layers. The line is placed on the inner-posterior arm so it faces the body. Suits most patients after significant weight loss.
Extended brachioplasty
The incision continues into the armpit and onto the side of the chest to treat loose skin that extends down towards the bra line — common after massive weight loss. Longer scar, more complete correction.
Mini (axillary) arm lift
For mild looseness near the armpit only. A crescent of skin is removed through an incision hidden in the armpit crease, leaving no scar on the arm. It cannot correct skin excess lower down the arm.
Liposuction-assisted technique
Liposuction of the arm first, then removal of the loosened skin. This preserves lymphatics and nerves within the fat, reduces bleeding and gives a smoother contour. It is the default in our packages when there is fat to remove.
Closure and drains
Layered closure with dissolving sutures under moderate tension only; drains for 24–72 hours are common because the arm is mobile and fluid collects easily. Compression sleeves are worn from theatre.
What happens on surgery day
- 1
Assessment before travel: photos of the arms from the front and back with arms raised to shoulder height, weight history, and whether the looseness extends to the chest wall. The surgeon proposes full, extended or mini lift and whether liposuction is included.
- 2
Admission on the morning of surgery after fasting. Blood tests, ECG and anaesthetic review; compression stockings and an anti-clotting injection.
- 3
Markings standing with the arms raised; the incision is drawn so that it will lie on the inner-posterior arm.
- 4
Under general anaesthesia, liposuction of the arm, then the skin ellipse is removed and the arm closed in layers. Both arms are compared for symmetry.
- 5
Drains, dressings and compression sleeves. Two nights in hospital for pain relief, drain management and monitoring of hand circulation and sensation.
- 6
Discharge to the hotel on day 2. Drains removed and wounds checked at the clinic; fit-to-fly report before you travel.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Tightness and aching in the arms, hands slightly swollen; regular painkillers. Arms kept raised on pillows, elbows above the heart when resting. Walking encouraged.
Days 4–8
Drains out. Showers from day 3 with the incision protected. You can dress and eat independently but should not lift or push. Fit-to-fly report.
Weeks 2–3
Desk work resumes. Sleeves worn day and night. Numbness along the inner arm is expected. Scars are red and slightly raised.
Weeks 4–6
Sleeves continue; light walking and lower-body exercise from week 3–4. No lifting over 3–5 kg or stretching the arms overhead until week 6.
Weeks 6–8
Sleeves stop; upper-body exercise resumes gradually. Swelling of the hands and forearms resolves.
Months 3–18
Final contour by 3 months; the scar fades from red to pink to pale over 12–18 months with silicone and sun protection.
Results — and their limits
A slim, firm upper arm with a defined contour, visible in sleeveless clothing. The change in confidence is often the biggest result.
The scar is permanent and visible when the arms are raised; it fades substantially and is hidden when the arms are at the side. Its final quality depends on your skin, tension-free closure and scar care.
The result is long-lasting provided weight stays stable; significant weight change loosens the skin again.
Minor scar widening near the armpit, where movement is greatest, is common and can be revised under local anaesthesia after a year if wanted.
When it is final: Swelling settles over 3 months; scar matures over 12–18 months
Risks and how they are managed
Every operation carries risk. These are the ones that matter for this procedure, and what is done to reduce, spot or treat each.
Seroma
The commonest issue in a mobile area. Drains, compression sleeves and limiting arm movement early; a collection is drained with a needle.
Wound-healing delay or opening
Especially near the armpit. Non-smoking, moderate tension, a healthy BMI; small openings heal with dressings.
Widened or thickened scar
Inner-arm placement, layered closure, silicone from week 3, sun protection. Revision possible after a year.
Numbness or altered sensation along the inner arm
Expected for months because skin nerves are divided; usually improves. A persistent numb strip near the elbow can remain.
Swelling of the hands and forearms
Liposuction-first technique preserves lymphatics; elevation and sleeves; resolves over weeks. Permanent lymphoedema is rare in patients without prior armpit surgery.
Asymmetry
Arms are compared on the table; minor differences can be adjusted later.
Infection, bleeding
Antibiotic cover, stopping blood thinners, drains; prompt review of increasing redness or swelling.
Blood clots
Compression stockings, anti-clotting injections, early walking, no flight before the fit-to-fly check.
Package and cost
€1,680
One fixed price for the operation and a 8-night stay: 2 hospital nights and 6 hotel nights. No deposit surprises, no add-ons for anaesthesia or medication.
Included
- ✓Consultation with the operating plastic surgeon and assessment of skin versus fat
- ✓Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and anaesthetic assessment
- ✓Arm lift for both arms with liposuction under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating theatre
- ✓2 nights in hospital with nursing care, drains, medication and anti-clotting injections
- ✓6 nights in a 4- or 5-star hotel in Kuşadası
- ✓Private transfers between airport, hospital, clinic and hotel
- ✓Compression sleeves, dressings, drain removal, wound checks and fit-to-fly report
- ✓First silicone scar treatment and 12 months of remote photo follow-up
Not included
- –Flights and travel insurance that covers elective surgery abroad
- –Extended chest-wall skin removal if needed, quoted after photo assessment
- –A second set of compression sleeves and scar treatment beyond the first supply
- –Any later scar revision, assessed separately
How to compare this with a quote at home
Ask any clinic for the same list: surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital nights, tests, medication, garments or splints, follow-up visits. A cheaper headline price usually excludes several of these. Then add your flights and insurance to our price for a like-for-like comparison.
How to prepare
- 1.Send photos of both arms from the front and back with arms raised to shoulder height, plus your weight history.
- 2.Reach a stable weight and hold it for 6 months. Stop smoking and nicotine 4 weeks before and after.
- 3.Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E and herbal supplements 14 days before; discuss the pill or HRT.
- 4.Bring loose, front-fastening, short-sleeved tops that do not pull over the arms, and slip-on shoes.
- 5.Arrange 8 nights in Turkey, 10–14 days off desk work, and help at home for a week — you will not be able to lift, carry or push for two weeks.
Aftercare at home
- •Keep the arms raised on pillows when resting for the first week; avoid stretching them overhead or behind the back.
- •Wear compression sleeves day and night for 6 weeks, removed only to shower.
- •Showers from day 3 with incisions protected; no baths, pools or sea for 4 weeks.
- •No lifting over 3–5 kg for 6 weeks; walking daily; upper-body exercise from week 6–8.
- •Silicone gel or tape along the scar from week 3 for 6 months; keep it out of the sun for a year.
- •Report one-sided swelling, opening of the wound, spreading redness or fever immediately. Photos at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
How visible will the scar be?
Can I have liposuction instead?
Will the loose skin come back?
How painful is it?
Why are drains used?
Can it be combined with other body surgery?
When can I lift my children or go to the gym?
When can I fly home?
What is included in the price?
Often considered alongside
Free assessment
Send your details; a coordinator replies with a surgeon’s opinion and a written plan.