Plastic Surgery

Arm Lift

Removing hanging inner-arm skin after weight loss or ageing, accepted only when a visible scar is understood in advance.

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Procedure time
Usually 2–3 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Time in Istanbul
Typically 7 nights
Back to desk work
Often after 1–2 weeks
Overview

About Arm Lift

An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose skin and fat from the upper arms. The scar usually runs along the inner arm from the armpit towards the elbow.

It suits people with hanging skin after weight loss or with age. If the concern is mainly fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone may be enough.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Loose, hanging skin on the upper arms
  • A stable weight
  • Acceptance of a long scar on the inner arm
  • Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

The process

How it works

  1. Remote review

    You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

  2. Consultation in Istanbul

    The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

  3. Surgery

    Under general anaesthesia, excess skin and fat are removed along the inner arm and the wound is closed in layers.

  4. Check before you fly

    The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First days

    You usually stay in hospital for at least one night. Pain is controlled with medication, you start walking early to protect against clots, and drains may be in place.

  2. Weeks 1–2

    Drains and stitches are removed as healing allows. You wear a compression garment and avoid lifting and strenuous activity.

  3. Weeks 4–6

    Most people return gradually to exercise with the surgeon’s approval. Swelling is still present and can vary from day to day.

  4. Months 3–12

    Swelling settles and scars slowly fade and flatten. The final shape is usually judged after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • The scar is long and can be visible in short sleeves. It may widen or thicken.
  • Swelling of the forearms and hands and changes in skin sensation can occur.
  • All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
  • Smoking and nicotine products significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Most surgeons ask you to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
FAQ

Common questions

Will the scar be visible?

It is placed on the inner arm, but it may be visible with arms raised or in sleeveless clothing.

Can liposuction be done instead?

If skin tone is good and the issue is mainly fat, liposuction may be enough. Loose skin needs an arm lift.

How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?

It depends on the operation. Many are planned around one to two weeks so the surgeon can check you and remove stitches or drains before you fly. Flying soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon confirms when it is safe to travel.

How is the cost decided?

The price depends on the operation the surgeon recommends after examining you, the hospital stay and any combined procedures. You receive a written, itemised quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Arm Lift

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.