Arm Lift in Turkey: Cost, Surgery & Recovery

What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift is designed to reshape the upper arm between the armpit and the elbow. This surgery is to remove sagging skin that cannot be improved by exercise.

This surgery may also be beneficial for patients who have:

• Poor skin elasticity.
• Excess skin and tissue after significant weight loss.
• Irritation from skin that folds.
• Upper arms that are disproportionate to the lower body.

Removal of loose skin enhances the appearance of the arms, but this surgery does not promote weight loss. It is advised that patients are at a healthy and stable weight prior to considering brachioplasty.

Why Choose Brachioplasty in Turkey?

Patients have many reasons to choose brachioplasty in Turkey. Some of these reasons may be attributed to the highly skilled plastic surgeons, advanced medical care, and packages created for international patients seeking cosmetic surgery.

The infrastructure for medical tourism in Turkey is well established. For international patients considering arm lift surgery in Turkey, clinics help to organize necessary travel arrangements from airport transfers to consultations, as well as accommodations and post-operative care.

Affordability may give Turkey an edge compared to other countries when it comes to cost-effective treatments, as the operational expenditure there is lower. However, costs should not be the only driver behind choosing a clinic.

Patients comparing Turkey arm lift options should account for:

• The surgeon’s credentials and their history.
• The facility the surgery will take place in.
• The specifics of the treatment package.
• The clinic’s aftercare.
• The scars—location and size.
• The risks and the gaps of the procedure.

A good consultation provides an answer to the question of the potential outcome of the surgery and clarifies what the surgery will not achieve and, in particular, what will not be guaranteed.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Turkey?

The cost of an arm lift in Turkey will be different for every patient as there is typically no final quote available to the clinic until the surgeon has examined the patient’s arms, the patient’s medical history and the patient’s goals.

A brachioplasty Turkey cost quote may be affected by:

• The quantity of skin that has sagged.
• The size of the lift—a mini arm lift vs. an extensive lift.
• The addition of arm lift liposuction.
• The skill level and the specialty of the surgeon.
• The costs incurred by the hospital and the use of anesthesia.
• The number of nights spent in the hospital.
• The cost of the lodging.
• The cost of meds and the compression garments.
• Translation and transport services.
• Post-surgery care and support.

A better price won’t always be better value. A detailed package breakdown should be included for any written quotes provided.

Patients should also inquire if the costs include the bloodwork, anesthesia, the hospital stay, meds, followups, and care for unforeseen complications.

What Could Be Part Of An All-Inclusive Arm Lift Package?

Packages of international patients vary from clinic to clinic. A package could contain:

• An online medical consultation.
• A physical examination before the surgery.
• Blood tests and routine medical checks.
• Fees of the surgeon and the anaesthetist.
• Costs of the hospital and the operating room.
• A short hospital stay.
• Prescribed medication.
• A compression garment.
• Hotel accommodation.
• Airport and clinic transfers.
• Translation support.
• Follow-up checks before the patient returns home.

Patients should verify the services offered before making the trip. Tickets and extra treatments are likely not included unless stated by the clinic.

Different Types of Arm Lift

The amount and location of excess tissue determines the procedure the surgeon will select. Generally, the longer the scar, the more skin that has been removed.

Mini Arm Lift

A mini arm lift, or mini brachioplasty, could be a good choice for patients who only have a small amount of loose skin that is located near the armpit.

The surgeon makes a small incision that is located in, or near, the armpit crease. This technique could create a less apparent scar, however, it cannot fix significant skin laxity that is located along the upper arm.

Standard Arm Lift

A standard or full arm lift is used to address skin laxity that is located between the armpit and the elbow.

An incision that typically runs along the back or inner side of the upper arm is made. The surgeon will then remove the excess tissue and will sculpt the remaining skin to cover the arm.

Extended Arm Lift

An extended arm lift can be performed after massive weight loss. It addresses skin contraction issues following weight loss, which presents as skin redundancy on the arms and along the sides of the chest.

For extended arm lifts, the scar along the arm is longer since more skin can be excised. Patients are encouraged to consider this and discuss the trade-off during their consultation.

Arm Lift With Liposuction

Patients can also present with excess skin and fat. In this scenario, surgeons can perform brachioplasty in combination with arm liposuction.

This provides a better aesthetic balance with the arm contour. However, the combination of the procedures can impact the overall surgical and post-operative plan.

Arm Lift vs. Arm Liposuction

An Arm Lift and Liposuction can also treat different issues.

Arm Liposuction is also mainly used for the removal of localized fat deposits and can be performed on patients who present with a skin contraction that is firm and good.

Liposuction may also be performed on patients who have inelastic or redundant skin; however, as a standalone procedure, it may further exacerbate the inelasticity of the skin.

The patient’s skin elasticity, contraction, desire to achieve a specific contour, and overall balance will be factors in determining whether the patient requires:

• Liposuction only
• Skin removal only
• Both procedures

Our arm lift vs liposuction guide looks at these differences in more detail.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Typically a good candidate for an Arm Lift is an adult with upper arm skin redundancy, who can also appreciate the permanent scarring from the procedure post-operatively.

Patients can also be deemed good candidates if they present with:

• Stable weight
• Good overall health
• Realistic expectations about the procedure scarring and potential results

Do not smoke or are willing to stop.

Can follow recovery guidelines.

Have a sufficient time to recover before travel/work.

Patients still losing weight may have to delay surgery. Weight changes can alter results.

Some conditions may slow postoperative recovery and increase surgery complications. The surgeon will assess the risk by reviewing all medical and surgical history, medications, and supplements.

Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

Preparation begins with a medical consultation. The surgeon will assess the arms, review the patient’s goals, and make a recommendation.

Patients may have to complete blood work or other medical assessments.

The medical team may have the patients:

• Stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery.
• Avoid aspirin or prescribed blood thinners when appropriate.
• Report all medications and supplements.
• Arrange for assistance for the first days of recovery.
• Have loose and comfortable clothing.
• Plan for enough time before returning home.

Patients should never stop taking prescribed medications without their doctor’s endorsement.

How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

Arm Lift Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.

The main steps are:

Incision Planning

The surgeon marks incisions for the removal of skin and tissue.

Making the Incision

The incision may remain lateral to the armpit or extend to the upper arm depending on the procedure.

Fat Removal

Liposuction may be performed to remove excess fat or localized fat deposits before skin removal.

Removing excess skin involves making an incision and resection of the planned amount of loose skin and tissue. Once all the excess skin has been removed, the remaining skin is positioned to fall over the inner side of the arm and will be closed with sutures to the remaining inner arm skin.

The length of surgery will vary based on the technique used and likely will take longer if performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures.

Arm Lift Recovery Timeline

The arm lift recovery period will be different for each patient. The first part of the recovery will involve the normal post surgical swelling, bruising, and tighter skin with some level of discomfort.

Compression garments will be worn over the arms, and are intended to reduce swelling and provide support. The length of time the garments are to be worn will be explained by the surgeon.

The First Several Days

The arms should be supported and rested. Discomfort may be treated with prescribed medication.

For some patients, the presence of drainage tubes will be necessary depending on the technique used.

The First Two Weeks

Light daily activities can slowly be resumed. It remains important to avoid stretching the incisions and refraining from heavy lifting.

Patients who have traveled from other countries should have their planned follow up appointments before leaving the country.

Weeks Three to Six

Gradual improvement in swelling is the norm. Patients may be cleared to resume their normal daily activities, with the surgeon’s approval.

Until clearance is provided by the surgeon, lifting and exercises to train the upper body should be avoided.

The Following Months

Reduction in swelling will continue, and the arms will settle. Scars will be firm or red, but will soften and fade over time.

The final results will not be visible for several months.

Risk Factors and Side Effects

Complications are a risk of any surgical procedure. Arm lift complications can be:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Buildup of fluid
• Slow healing of wounds
• Alterations in the sense which can be temporary or permanent
• Disproportionate arms
• Scarring becoming more pronounced
• Blood clots
• Complications related to anesthesia
• Need for revision surgery

Some complications can be affected by smoking, certain medical conditions, and ignoring post-surgery instructions. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and following the medical team’s post-surgery instructions may help reduce some risks, but complications can still occur.

Patients need to contact their medical team for any of the following:

• Increasing pain
• Abnormal swelling
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Any other unusual symptoms

Arm Lift Scars and Outcomes

Arm lift scars are a permanent alteration. The length of the scarring will be determined by the amount of skin that the surgeon removes.

If a mini arm lift is done, the scarring will be more limited and will be more of an armpit scar. The extended procedures and standard arm lifts will have scarring that more extensively will be along the inner arm or chest.

The scars are permanent, but the goal is to have incisions placed in areas of the body that are not easily visible. Scarring will become less pronounced over time which can be 1 year or more.

Patients should be instructed and encouraged to follow specific post-surgical instructions to care for the scar. Other than aging and significant weight fluctuations impacting the appearance of the arms, the results may remain long term if weight changes are not drastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an arm lift painful?

General anaesthesia eliminates any sensations during the actual procedure. Discomfort, swelling, and tightness will happen during the recovery phase. The staff will prescribe medication when necessary.

How long should I stay in Turkey?

This will depend on the plan for your surgery and the surgeon’s follow-up schedule. Many international patients are required to stay long enough to conduct their first post-operative visit.

When can I return to work?

Patients with desk jobs can return sooner than those with jobs requiring more physical activity. The surgeon will advise when that can happen based on the recovery status.

When can I exercise again?

Walking is encouraged during recovery; however, patients should avoid heavy lifting and upper body workouts. Surgery will determine when you are allowed to do that.

Are results permanent?

The skin that is removed will not grow back, yet the results can be impacted by aging and changes in weight. Keeping your weight steady can help with maintaining the results.

Can an arm lift be combined with another procedure?

Surgeons can combine arm lifts with some liposuction and other body contouring procedures. The demand for recovery will increase the more cosmetic procedures are combined. This should be assessed thoroughly.

Why Choose Bella Clinic?

Bella Clinic provides support for international patients during both the preparation and treatment phases.

Depending on the package chosen, services may include:

• A first medical assessment.
• Getting you in contact with the surgical team.
• Setting up the hospital and other appointments.
• Organizing your hotel and transportation.
• Providing translation services.
• Giving you guidance.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Every patient needs a unique treatment plan. What procedure is recommended, what scarring, recovery and cost is expected, all depend on the evaluation.

To determine if an arm lift is appropriate for you, please contact Bella Clinic for a customized consultation.

Medical Sources

• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) — American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Skin Sagging Treatment – Underarms — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Surgery, Recovery & What to Expect — Cleveland Clinic.
• Body Contouring — Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.