Arm lift in Turkey: techniques, recovery, risks and cost

What is an arm lift (Brachioplasty)?

Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure designed to tighten and reshape the skin between the armpit and the elbow. Over time, this area can become loose, creating what many describe as “bat wings.”

The goal of arm lift surgery is to remove excess skin, refine the arm contour, and, if necessary, eliminate localized fat through liposuction.

Depending on your needs, your surgeon may recommend:

• Mini arm lift: Ideal for mild sagging skin with minimal excess. The scar remains hidden in the armpit.
• Full arm lift: Recommended for moderate to severe skin laxity. This removes significant excess skin along the inner arm.
• Arm lift with liposuction: Combines skin removal and fat reduction for a smoother, more sculpted result, a common choice for arm reduction surgery patients.

Many patients also report improved comfort, clothing options, and self-confidence after the procedure.

Not sure which technique fits your case? Share a photo to receive a free assessment from our certified partner surgeons in Istanbul.

What causes sagging skin on the arms?

Several factors contribute to upper-arm skin laxity:

• Natural aging and loss of elasticity.
• Significant weight loss.
• Pregnancy.
• Genetics.
• Lifestyle factors (sun exposure, lack of exercise, poor nutrition).

Understanding the cause helps determine the most effective upper arm lift approach suited to your body and goals.

If you're unsure about your options, our coordinators can guide you free of charge.

Arm lift techniques offered by our partner clinics

Our accredited clinics in Istanbul offer several surgical options to adapt the procedure to your arm shape, skin quality, and the level of excess skin.

Full arm lift (traditional Brachioplasty)

The full arm lift is recommended when the excess skin is significant and extends along the entire upper arm.

• Removes moderate to severe excess skin.
• Incision extends from the armpit to the elbow.
• Provides the most visible tightening effect.
• Scars are carefully positioned to remain as discreet as possible.

Mini arm lift

The mini arm lift is suitable for patients with mild sagging limited to the upper part of the arm, close to the armpit.

• Shorter incision hidden inside the armpit.
• Ideal for minimal to moderate excess skin.
• Faster recovery compared to the full arm lift.
• Minimal scarring and subtle improvement.

Arm lift with liposuction

This combined approach is recommended when excess fat and loose skin are both present.

• Removes localized fat while tightening the skin.
• Enhances arm contour and improves overall tone.
• Especially effective for patients seeking a more sculpted result.
• Often chosen after weight loss or body transformation procedures.

With Turquie Santé, a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine which approach is the most suitable for your needs.

How does arm lift surgery work in Turkey?

Patients choosing arm lift surgery in Turkey typically follow this step-by-step process:

Arm lift before & after: What results can you expect?

Choosing an arm lift in Turkey is often motivated by the desire to correct excess skin and restore more toned arms. While each patient heals differently, there are consistent improvements that most people notice after brachioplasty. The following points give you a clear idea of the typical results observed after the procedure:

• Firmer, smoother arms with reduced sagging skin.
• More defined arm contours and a slimmer upper-arm profile.
• Immediate visible improvement once the excess skin is removed.
• Progressive refinement over the following weeks as swelling decreases.
• Scars gradually fade between 6 and 12 months, depending on skin type.
• Long-lasting results when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Want to know what your arms could look like after lift surgery? Request a free quote and receive a personalized simulation from our experienced plastic surgeons in Turkey.

Is an arm lift painful, and what do scars and recovery look like?

After an arm lift in Turkey, most patients want to know what they can realistically expect during the first days and weeks of healing.

Is an arm lift painful?

Pain levels are usually manageable, especially when compared to other body-contouring procedures:

• Pain ranges from mild to moderate and is easily controlled with prescribed medication
• Discomfort decreases significantly after the first few days
• Most patients can move their arms gently the day after surgery

Do you need drains after an arm lift?

Not every patient needs drains after an arm lift. Here is what you should know about them:

• Drains may be placed under the armpit or along the inner arm, depending on the surgical technique
• Their purpose is to remove excess fluid and reduce early swelling
• They are temporary and typically removed within 1–2 days, once drainage decreases

How long does healing take?

Healing is progressive and varies from person to person. To give you a clear idea of what to expect, here are the typical stages:

• Redness, swelling, and sensitivity gradually improve during the first few weeks
• Scars evolve slowly and fade between 6 and 12 months
• A compression garment is worn for 2–4 weeks to support healing and contour
• Light daily activities resume within 1–2 weeks
• Sports and heavier exercise are usually allowed after 4 weeks, with the surgeon's approval

Possible complications

Like any surgery, brachioplasty carries risks, and complications are not rare. Smoking and an unstable weight are known to increase the risk of complications (StatPearls, brachioplasty). In a literature review of 27 studies (1,065 patients),complications occurred in about 29% of patients, most often hypertrophic scarring, seroma and hematoma (Sisti et al., Acta Biomedica, 2017). Possible complications include:

• Hematoma or bleeding
• Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
• Infection at the incision site
• Wound opening (dehiscence) or delayed healing
• Permanent scars: they fade with time but never disappear completely, and they can remain long, visible and sometimes thickened (hypertrophic)
• Numbness or changes in sensation, usually temporary and most often on the inner arm or forearm; a nerve injury is rare, but it can cause lasting numbness, tingling or pain and occasionally needs further treatment
• Lymphatic fluid collection or swelling (lymphedema)
• Need for revision surgery

In the same review, the rate of revision surgery ranged from 0 to 21%. A revision means a second operation, most often to improve a scar, to correct a residual contour irregularity or to treat a wound problem. It is a realistic possibility that you should discuss with your surgeon before the operation.

Who may not be a suitable candidate?

There are few absolute contraindications, but the following situations (relative contraindications) can increase the risk of complications and may lead your surgeon to delay or advise against surgery:

• Smoking: stopping several weeks before surgery is generally advised
• Unstable weight, or still having significant weight to lose (BMI above 30)
• Poorly controlled diabetes or other health conditions, and nutritional deficiencies
• Untreated or poorly managed psychiatric disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder, a persistent preoccupation with perceived physical defects that surgery rarely resolves and may worsen. Your surgeon assesses this during the consultation by discussing your history and expectations
• Not being prepared to accept the scars along the inner or back of the arm

Your surgeon will assess your medical history, general health and expectations during the consultation.