Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arms — the “bat wing” look that often follows major weight loss or comes with age, and that exercise cannot tighten. The result is a firmer, more toned arm contour.
What is an arm lift?
When skin loses elasticity or is left loose after significant weight loss, the upper arm sags in a way no amount of toning can fix, because the issue is excess skin rather than muscle or fat alone. An arm lift removes the excess skin (and refines fat if needed) and tightens the contour.
Arm lift, mini-lift or liposuction — skin quality decides
Loose upper-arm skin (“bingo wings”), often after weight loss, does not respond to exercise. The right procedure depends on how much loose skin you have.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Liposuction only | For good-quality skin with mainly fat — no lifting scar, but it will not tighten loose skin. |
| Mini (short-scar) arm lift | For looseness near the armpit only — a shorter, hidden scar. |
| Full brachioplasty | For significant loose skin along the whole arm — a longer scar along the inner arm, the trade for a firm contour. |
| With liposuction | Often combined to refine fat while the skin is tightened. |
Are you a good candidate?
- Loose, hanging upper-arm skin after weight loss or with age.
- A stable weight and good general health.
- Acceptance of a scar in exchange for a firmer contour.
An arm lift is a trade of loose skin for a scar along the inner arm. For the right person that trade is well worth it; your surgeon is honest about the scar so you can decide.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How it is performed
Under general anaesthesia, excess skin is removed and the arm re-draped through an incision usually along the inner arm, where it is least visible. Liposuction may be combined to refine fat. The contour is tightened and closed.
Recovery
Soreness and swelling settle over one to two weeks, supported by a compression garment. Most people return to desk work in about two weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. The scar matures and fades over the following months.
Risks and safety, honestly
An arm lift is well-established and generally safe, but honesty about risk matters — most of all about the scar. A full brachioplasty leaves a long scar along the inner arm; it fades but is permanent, and it is the direct trade for removing loose skin. Other risks include fluid collection (seroma), altered sensation, and slow healing. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, and the scar is discussed frankly so your decision is fully informed.
Results
Results are long-lasting with a stable weight. The scar is permanent but placed as discreetly as possible; the firmer contour is the trade-off many people are very happy to make.
Cost in Turkey
An arm lift in Turkey costs well below UK, EU and North American prices, within an all-inclusive package. Your quote follows an assessment.
Your surgeon
Procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your suitability and plan are confirmed after an honest assessment.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Will an arm lift leave a scar?
Yes — a scar along the inner arm is the trade for removing loose skin. It is placed as discreetly as possible and fades over time. Your surgeon is honest about this before you decide.
Can exercise tighten my arms instead?
No — if the problem is loose skin rather than fat or muscle, exercise cannot fix it. That is when an arm lift helps.
Is it usually done after weight loss?
Often, yes — loose upper-arm skin is common after major weight loss, and an arm lift addresses it.
Can it be combined with liposuction?
Yes, to refine fat as well as remove excess skin, for a smoother contour.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to desk work in about two weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks.
How long do results last?
Long-lasting with a stable weight; large weight changes can affect the contour.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually around 7 days, confirmed in your plan.
Can liposuction alone fix loose arm skin?
Only if the skin quality is good and the problem is mainly fat. Loose, hanging skin needs a lift — liposuction would leave it emptier but still loose.
Where is the scar and is it worth it?
Along the inner arm, where it is least visible. It is permanent but is the honest trade for removing loose skin; a mini-lift has a shorter scar when suitable.
Is it done after weight loss?
Very commonly — significant weight loss — including after bariatric surgery — leaves excess arm skin that only surgery removes.
Will the skin sag again?
Not if your weight is stable; major weight change can affect any body-contouring result.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes, often with other post-weight-loss contouring, decided on your health and priorities.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
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Considering an arm lift?
Message us on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment. See also liposuction and thigh lift.