Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose, overhanging skin from the upper arms and tightens what remains, giving a firmer, slimmer contour between the armpit and the elbow. It is most often chosen after significant weight loss, pregnancy-related weight changes or with age, when the skin has stretched and no longer shrinks back with exercise.

Plastic Surgery Turkey Group (PSTG) helps international patients plan an arm lift in Turkey, from the first online assessment to follow-up at home. The operation itself is carried out by the treating surgeon at a contracted healthcare institution in Istanbul or Antalya. The key trade-off with brachioplasty is simple: a better arm shape in exchange for a scar, and this page explains how to weigh the two.

Who is a good candidate#

An arm lift is designed for excess skin, not just excess fat. You may be a good candidate if you:

• have skin that hangs from the underside of the upper arm when you hold your arms out;
• have lost a lot of weight and reached a stable weight you can maintain;
• are in good general health and can stop smoking before and after surgery;
• accept a visible scar on the inner arm in exchange for a tighter contour.

An arm lift may not be suitable if you:

• mainly have fat with reasonably firm skin — in that case liposuction alone may be enough (see Arm Liposuction: Sculpting Toned and Defined Arms);
• are still losing weight or plan further bariatric surgery;
• have a history of lymphoedema, previous lymph-node surgery in the armpit, or poorly controlled diabetes;
• would find a long inner-arm scar harder to live with than the loose skin.

Your weight and overall health are part of the decision, because they affect healing and anaesthetic safety. The article Plastic Surgery and BMI explains why surgeons look at this so carefully.

Techniques and options#

The technique depends on how much skin there is and where it sits. Your surgeon will pinch and assess the arm to decide which pattern fits.

Standard brachioplasty#

This is the most common approach. An incision runs along the inner arm (or slightly towards the back of the arm) from the armpit towards the elbow. A wedge of skin and fat is removed and the edges are closed in layers. It suits moderate to significant laxity along the whole upper arm.

Limited or short-scar arm lift#

When the looseness is mild and concentrated near the armpit, the incision can be kept within or close to the armpit. The scar is shorter, but the amount of tightening is also more limited.

Extended brachioplasty#

After major weight loss, loose skin often continues from the arm onto the side of the chest. An extended arm lift carries the incision across the armpit and down the side of the chest wall to treat both areas together.

Adding liposuction#

Liposuction is often used alongside an arm lift to reduce remaining fat and refine the shape. In some cases it is done in a first stage and the skin removed later. Whether you need it depends on how much fat remains under the loose skin, and the surgeon decides this after examining you.

How the procedure is carried out#

An arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes around one and a half to three hours, depending on the technique and whether liposuction or other procedures are added.

1. Marking. With your arms raised, the surgeon marks the skin to be removed and plans where the scar will lie.
2. Liposuction, if planned. Fat is reduced first to allow a smoother result.
3. Skin removal. The excess skin is removed, taking care to protect the nerves and lymphatic channels that run along the inner arm.
4. Closure. The wound is closed in layers, and small drains may be placed for a short time.
5. Dressings. Dressings and a compression sleeve or garment are applied.

Many patients stay in hospital for one night. You will be encouraged to get up and walk soon after surgery.

Recovery and results#

Recovery is usually more about tightness and restricted movement than severe pain, and discomfort is managed with prescribed medication.

First week. The arms feel tight and swollen. You keep them raised on pillows when resting, avoid lifting and avoid reaching high above your head. Drains, if used, are usually removed within the first days.

Weeks two to six. Most people return to light daily activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Compression garments are usually worn for several weeks. Heavy lifting, gym work and pushing movements are delayed until your surgeon clears you.

Three to six months. The arm shape becomes clearer as swelling settles. The scar is usually red or pink at first and gradually softens and flattens over a year or more.

The result is a smoother, slimmer upper arm, especially noticeable in short sleeves and when you raise your arms. The scar will remain visible in sleeveless clothing, even when it has matured well. Keeping a stable weight helps the result last; natural ageing will still bring some change over time.

Risks and limitations#

The main risks of an arm lift include:

• scarring that widens, thickens or stays red longer than expected;
• wound healing problems, most often near the armpit or elbow where the skin is under the most tension;
• seroma (fluid collection) that may need draining;
• numbness or altered sensation on the inner arm or forearm, caused by irritation of small skin nerves; this often improves but can persist;
• swelling of the hand or forearm from disturbed lymphatic drainage, usually temporary;
• asymmetry or small folds of skin at the ends of the scar;
• infection, bleeding, blood clots and the general risks of anaesthesia.

Brachioplasty does not strengthen the arm muscles, and it cannot remove the scar it creates. If your main concern is fat rather than skin, it is worth discussing whether liposuction alone would be the better route.

Planning your treatment in Turkey#

Your planning begins with photos of both arms, taken from the front and back with the arms held out to the side, along with your weight history and medical details. The surgeon reviews them and, if an arm lift looks appropriate, you receive a written treatment plan and quote.

Many patients plan to stay around a week, which allows the first check and any drain removal before travel. Your surgeon will confirm when you are fit to fly. On the flight, avoid carrying heavy bags and follow any advice on moving regularly and wearing compression.

Depending on your package, PSTG coordinates:

• pre- and post-operative consultations and follow-up appointments;
• a 4–5-star hotel, and airport and clinic transfers;
• a personal interpreter or assistant and 24/7 support;
• post-operative medication, nursing and wound care;
• virtual follow-up after you fly home and coordination with your home doctor.

People who have lost a lot of weight often consider more than one area. An arm lift is sometimes combined with a thigh lift or abdominal surgery, or planned in stages. The surgeon decides what can safely be done in one operation.

Where treatment takes place#

Surgery takes place at a contracted healthcare institution authorised for international health tourism, in Istanbul or Antalya. The treating surgeon assesses you, recommends the technique and makes all clinical decisions. PSTG, a TÜRSAB-affiliated health-tourism intermediary, coordinates the arrangements around your treatment and shares the institution's and surgeon's details before you book.

If loose upper-arm skin bothers you and you would like a clear view of what an arm lift could achieve, send your photos for a free, no-obligation assessment. You can also look through the other plastic surgery procedures available and decide in your own time.