Mini Arm Lift (Limited-Incision Brachioplasty)
A mini arm lift tightens mild upper-arm laxity through a small incision tucked into the armpit — the smallest-scar option for the right candidate.
What it is
The mini, or limited-incision, arm lift treats loose skin confined to the upper third of the arm — the area nearest the armpit. Instead of running down the inner arm, the incision is kept short and hidden within the underarm crease, where it becomes very difficult to see once healed.
Who it suits
This technique is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity and reasonably good skin tone — often those who have lost a moderate amount of weight or are noticing early ageing changes, rather than significant hanging skin. If laxity extends toward the elbow, a mini lift will not reach far enough, and a standard brachioplasty technique gives a better result.
The honest trade-off: a mini arm lift buys you the smallest scar, but it can only do so much. Attempting to treat heavy loose skin with a short incision is the most common cause of disappointment. Dr. Erdal will tell you frankly if your skin needs a longer incision to look its best.
Recovery
Because the incision is smaller, recovery is often a little quicker than a full arm lift, though you should still expect to wear compression for several weeks and avoid heavy lifting. Many patients are back to desk work within about a week. See the full recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scar sits inside the armpit and is hard to see in most positions once it has matured. It is not invisible, but it is the most discreet of all arm-lift incisions.
It comes down to how much loose skin you have and where. A photo assessment on WhatsApp, or an in-person consultation, will confirm whether the laxity is limited enough for a mini approach.
Yes — pairing limited skin excision with liposuction is a very common and effective combination for the right candidate, refining both fat and skin in one procedure.
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.