Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Istanbul
A brachioplasty removes loose, hanging skin and stubborn fat from the upper arm and tightens what remains — giving the arm a firmer, smoother, more toned contour that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve.
Quick answer
An arm lift is best for loose skin — the kind that hangs from the underarm after major weight loss or with age. If the concern is mainly fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may be the better, scar-free option. Most people are candidates for one approach or the other.
Key facts
- Procedure: excision of excess upper-arm skin ± liposuction
- Anaesthesia: general · Time: 1.5–3 hours
- Scar: inner arm; short-scar options for mild cases
- Recovery: desk work 7–14 days, full activity ~6 weeks
Who is it for?
Upper-arm laxity has two main causes: significant weight loss that leaves skin without enough elasticity to retract, and the natural loss of skin firmness that comes with age. In both cases, no amount of triceps training will tighten skin that has lost its recoil — surgery is the only reliable solution. You are likely a good candidate if you have loose upper-arm skin, are at a stable weight, are in good general health and a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations about scarring. Check the full candidacy guide →
What the surgery involves
The defining feature of an arm lift is the incision. For most patients with true skin excess, this runs along the inner arm — the position least visible at rest and easiest to conceal. Through it, the surgeon removes the redundant skin, addresses excess fat (frequently with liposuction for a smoother taper), and tightens the deep tissue layer so the result is supported from within rather than relying on the skin alone. Where laxity is mild and limited to the upper arm near the armpit, a much shorter "mini" or limited-incision approach can hide the scar almost entirely in the underarm crease.
The art of a good arm lift is not just removing skin — it's deciding how much scar is worth trading for how much contour, for each individual arm.
Recovery in brief
You will wear a compression garment for roughly 4–6 weeks to control swelling and support healing. Bruising and swelling are expected early on and settle gradually. Most patients return to desk-based work within 7–14 days and resume full exercise around the six-week mark. Scars are at their most noticeable in the first months and then fade and flatten over 12–18 months. A detailed week-by-week guide is here: arm lift recovery timeline →.
Why have it in Istanbul?
Istanbul has become a leading destination for body-contouring surgery because it pairs internationally trained, board-certified surgeons and accredited hospitals with costs far below those in Western Europe, the UK or North America. With Dr. Erdal, you are cared for by a double board-certified plastic surgeon and associate professor — not routed through a call centre. More on choosing Istanbul →
Reviewed and performed by your surgeon
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
Double board-certified plastic surgeon, associate professor and member of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Erdal focuses on natural, well-proportioned body-contouring results and treats every international patient personally, from first message to final review.
Frequently Asked Questions
After general anaesthesia, the surgeon marks the planned incision along the inner arm. Excess fat is removed — often with liposuction — and the loose skin is trimmed. The deeper supportive tissue is tightened with internal sutures, and the skin is closed in layers to minimise tension on the scar. A compression garment is applied before you wake.
Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain in the first few days, well controlled with oral medication. Discomfort eases noticeably after the first week. Swelling and bruising are normal and settle over several weeks.
Yes. Arm lifts are commonly combined with breast or body procedures, particularly after major weight loss. Combining surgeries can mean a single recovery and one trip to Istanbul. Suitability depends on your overall health and total operating time, which Dr. Erdal assesses individually.
As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection (seroma), changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, wound-healing issues and unfavourable scarring. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon and following aftercare closely meaningfully reduces these risks. All risks are reviewed honestly during your consultation.
Skin and fat removed in an arm lift do not return. Results are long-lasting provided your weight stays stable; significant future weight gain or loss, and natural ageing, can affect the contour over time.
Ready to discuss your arm lift?
Send a few photos on WhatsApp and Dr. Erdal will personally review whether brachioplasty is right for you — usually within 24 hours, in English.