Arm Lift

Arm Lift
(Brachioplasty)

Arm lift surgery aims to reduce inner arm skin excess and laxity due to weight loss, aging or decrease in tissue elasticity. The goal isn't just to remove excess skin; The aim is to provide a more natural and collected appearance by evaluating the general form of the arm, scar placement and harmony with the body.

What is Arm Lift Surgery?
Who is Arm Lift Surgery Suitable for?
How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Will There Be Any Scars After Arm Lift Surgery?
Getting an Arm Lift Surgery in Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions

Anesthesia Type:
General

Surgery Duration:
1 Hour

Hospital Stay:
1 Day

Stay in Istanbul:
6 Days

Return to Life:
7 Days

What Is Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is the process of surgically removing excess skin and fat tissue in the upper arm area between the shoulder and elbow. Arm skin loses its elasticity over time, which can lead to a baggy appearance called "bat wing". Arm lift surgery both removes excess skin and, if necessary, slims the arm circumference by combining it with liposuction.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

People experiencing rapid weight loss: People who have significant skin sagging in the upper arm area after gastric sleeve (bariatric) surgery or intense diet.
Individuals with Decreased Skin Elasticity: Those who experience loosening and sagging of the underarm skin due to advancing age.
Those Who Cannot Respond to Exercise: Those who cannot eliminate the bags under their arms despite sports and muscle building activities.
Those with Suitable General Health Conditions: People who have no health problems that prevent surgery or anesthesia, are close to their ideal weight, and whose weight has been stable for the last 6 months.
Non-smokers or those who take a break: Candidates who are willing to quit smoking in the pre- and post-operative period as it negatively affects wound healing.

How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1.5 - 3 hours depending on the degree of sagging.

Planning and Drawing:

Before the surgery, the excess skin and fat tissue to be removed is mapped with precision while the patient is standing.

Slimming with Liposuction:

If there is dense fatty tissue that causes thickness in the arm, the arm volume is reduced by first removing the fat with VASER or standard liposuction.

Removal of Excess Tissue:

* Mini Arm Lift: If the sagging is only in a limited area near the armpit, the procedure is completed by hiding the incision in the armpit fold.

* Standard (Traditional) Arm Lift: In cases of significant sagging, the incision is extended from the inner or back part of the arm from the armpit to the elbow; Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, the remaining skin is tightened and stitched.

Sutures and Bandages:

The incisions are closed with aesthetic stitches and a special medical corset or bandage is applied to the arm to control edema.

Does Arm Lift Surgery Leave a Scar?

Yes, as with all surgical operations involving skin removal (resection), there will inevitably be a stitch scar left in arm lift surgery. However, the strategies followed regarding trace placement and prominence are as follows:

Incision Location: The incision is placed on the inner aspect of the arm or on the posterior region facing the torso. As a result, the scar is not directly visible when the arm is in its natural resting position or when viewed from the front.
Mini Arm Lift Scar: In mild cases, the scar is hidden only in the natural fold under the armpit.
Scar Healing Over Time: The stitch scar, which appears pink/reddish in the first months, gradually fades within 6 to 12 months and becomes indistinct, approaching skin color. Scar removal creams and silicone gel sheets are recommended after surgery for scar management.

Getting an Arm Lift Surgery in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s leading healthcare hubs for body contouring and post-bariatric aesthetic surgery. The advantages of choosing to undergo an arm lift (brachioplasty) in Istanbul include the following:

Expertise in Combined Surgeries: Experienced plastic surgeons in Istanbul frequently and safely combine arm lift surgery with other body contouring procedures, such as breast lifts, tummy tucks, or 360-degree liposuction.
Advanced Technology and Comfort: Operations are performed in fully equipped A Plus hospitals with JCI accreditation, using modern tissue-friendly suture and liposuction technologies.
Medical Tourism Services: Package solutions including airport transfer, hotel accommodation, special medical corset supply and language support are offered for patients coming from out of town or abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a compression garment be worn after arm lift surgery?

It is recommended to use a special arm corset for approximately 3-4 weeks after surgery to ensure tissue adhesion and prevent edema accumulation.

When can one start exercising after surgery?

Light walks can be started from the first day. However, at least 6 weeks should be waited for heavy exercises, fitness and weight lifting that will strain the arms.

Can sagging recur after an arm lift surgery?

The removed skin and fat tissue do not come back. However, some loosening of skin elasticity may occur over time due to excessive weight gain or loss or aging. As long as you maintain your weight, the form provided by the surgery will remain permanent for years.