Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
Medical Review Date: August 15, 2026
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess upper-arm skin and improve the contour of the arms. In selected patients, treatment may also involve removal of localized fat.
The procedure is commonly considered after significant weight loss, ageing or other changes that leave loose upper-arm skin. Exercise may improve muscle tone, but it cannot remove substantial excess skin.
Clinic Care Center’s current 2026 estimates vary according to the amount and location of excess skin, the type of arm lift required, whether liposuction is performed and the individual surgical plan.
You can also explore other Body Aesthetic Treatments in Turkey or learn about Vaser Liposuction in Turkey for concerns primarily related to localized arm fat.
Arm Lift Turkey Cost in 2026
Clinic Care Center’s currently published estimates are:
| Treatment | Estimated 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| Vaser Liposuction – Arms Only | $2,200–$3,000 |
| Mini Arm Lift | $2,800–$3,500 |
| Standard Brachioplasty | $3,500–$4,200 |
| Extended Arm Lift | $4,000–$5,500 |
Important: These figures are estimates rather than guaranteed treatment prices. Final costs can vary according to the amount of skin and fat being treated, incision length, anaesthesia requirements, facility fees, additional procedures and the individual treatment plan.
Who Provides Arm Lift Treatment?
Clinic Care Center is a medical tourism provider that coordinates the treatment process for international patients.
Arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures are performed by Op. Dr. Abdolreza Khash, a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
The procedure is performed at Beylikdüzü Kolan Hospital in Istanbul.
The patient’s medical assessment, suitability for surgery and individual treatment plan are evaluated by Op. Dr. Abdolreza Khash before the procedure. Final treatment recommendations are based on the patient’s individual medical evaluation.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, reshapes the underside of the upper arm between the underarm region and the elbow.
The procedure can reduce excess sagging skin, reshape the supporting tissues of the upper arm and, when appropriate, address localized fat deposits.
The amount of tissue that needs to be removed determines the type and length of incision required.
Who May Be Suitable for Arm Lift Surgery?
Arm lift surgery may be considered for selected adults who:
- Have significant upper-arm skin laxity
- Have a relatively stable weight
- Are in good general health
- Do not have uncontrolled medical conditions that significantly impair healing
- Do not smoke or can follow their surgeon’s smoking-cessation requirements
- Have realistic expectations about scars and results
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons identifies significant upper-arm skin laxity, relatively stable weight, good general health, non-smoking status and realistic expectations among common candidate considerations.
A photograph can help with an initial discussion, but the extent of skin excess, tissue quality, fat distribution and medical risk should be assessed individually.
Mini vs. Standard vs. Extended Arm Lift
The type of brachioplasty required depends mainly on where excess skin is located and how extensive it is.
Mini Arm Lift
A mini arm lift uses a more limited incision, often concentrated around the underarm region.
It may be considered in selected patients whose excess skin is mainly located near the axilla and does not extend significantly toward the elbow.
A shorter incision does not automatically mean that a mini arm lift is the best option. Using too limited an incision when more extensive skin removal is required can compromise the intended contour improvement.
Standard Brachioplasty
A standard arm lift generally requires a longer incision extending along part or most of the upper arm.
This approach may be considered for patients with more substantial skin laxity between the underarm and elbow.
The precise position of the scar can vary according to anatomy and surgical technique.
Extended Arm Lift
An extended arm lift may be considered when excess tissue continues beyond the upper arm toward the underarm or lateral chest.
This involves a longer scar and a larger treatment area.
Patients who have experienced substantial weight loss may require more extensive skin-removal procedures, but the appropriate approach should be determined through examination rather than weight-loss history alone.
Arm Lift vs. Vaser Liposuction
Arm lift surgery and Vaser Liposuction address different concerns.
Liposuction primarily removes selected fat deposits. It may be considered when the main concern is excess arm fat and the skin has enough elasticity to adapt to the new contour.
An arm lift primarily addresses significant excess or hanging skin.
ASPS similarly notes that upper-arm liposuction and brachioplasty may both improve contour but are recommended for different patient concerns, and some patients may require a combination.
Liposuction should therefore not automatically be included in every arm lift. Whether it is appropriate depends on the individual amount and distribution of fat and skin.
Arm Lift vs. J-Plasma
J-Plasma (Renuvion) and brachioplasty should not be considered interchangeable treatments.
An energy-based procedure may be discussed in selected patients with limited tissue laxity when the surgeon believes it is appropriate.
However, J-Plasma does not surgically remove significant excess skin.
Patients with substantial hanging upper-arm skin may therefore require an arm lift rather than an energy-based treatment alone.
The choice should be based on anatomy and medical assessment rather than an attempt to avoid a scar at all costs.
Arm Lift vs. Thigh Lift
An Arm Lift removes excess tissue from the upper arms, while a Thigh Lift addresses excess skin and contour concerns of the thighs.
Patients after significant weight loss may have loose skin in several areas.
This does not mean all body-lift procedures should automatically be performed during the same operation. The number and extent of procedures should be planned according to general health, operating time, recovery requirements and individual surgical risk.
Arm Lift Scars
Brachioplasty creates a permanent surgical scar.
Scar length varies according to the amount and location of excess tissue. Depending on the surgical plan, the incision may be limited to the underarm region or extend along the inner or posterior aspect of the upper arm.
It is not appropriate to guarantee that the scar will be completely hidden when the arms are resting.
ASPS illustrates several possible incision patterns, including minimal, inner-arm and posterior-arm approaches.
Scar appearance also changes during healing. Scars can initially appear red, firm or noticeable before gradually maturing.
The final appearance depends on factors including:
- Individual scar biology
- Incision location
- Skin type
- Wound healing
- Smoking
- Sun exposure
- Tension on the incision
- Postoperative care
Silicone-based scar treatment may be recommended in some patients, but postoperative scar management should follow the treating surgeon’s instructions rather than being described as mandatory for every patient.
Possible Risks and Complications
An arm lift is surgery and carries potential risks.
ASPS lists possible complications including:
- Anaesthesia-related risks
- Bleeding
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels or muscles
- Fat necrosis
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavourable scarring
- Suture-related irritation
- Need for revision surgery
Individual risk varies according to general health, smoking, body weight, previous surgery, extent of tissue removal, additional procedures and other medical factors.
These risks should be discussed with the treating surgeon before deciding to proceed.
Arm Lift Recovery
Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery and the individual patient.
During early recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the incisions. Compression garments or elastic bandages may also be used to help control swelling.
In some cases, temporary drains may be placed to remove accumulated blood or fluid.
Patients may experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness
- Tenderness
- Temporary numbness
- Restricted arm movement
- Discomfort around the incisions
Recovery instructions should be individualized according to the procedure performed and the patient’s healing.
When Can I Return to Work?
There is no single return-to-work date that applies to every arm lift patient.
Patients with desk-based occupations may be able to return sooner than people whose work involves:
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive arm movements
- Raising the arms frequently
- Manual labour
The surgeon should advise when work activities can safely resume.
When Can I Exercise After an Arm Lift?
Walking may be encouraged during early recovery according to the medical team’s instructions.
Activities that place excessive force, abrasion, swelling or movement on healing incisions should be avoided. ASPS specifically emphasizes protecting arm-lift incisions from excessive force and motion while they heal.
Heavy lifting and strenuous upper-body exercise usually require a longer restriction period.
Exercise should be resumed progressively and according to the treating surgeon’s approval.
When Can I Drive After an Arm Lift?
Driving should not be based on a fixed number of days.
Patients should generally avoid driving while taking medications that impair alertness or while pain, restricted movement or limited arm control prevents safe operation of a vehicle.
The ability to comfortably control the steering wheel and respond quickly in an emergency should be considered before driving resumes.
Patients should follow the specific recommendation of their treating team.
How Long Should I Stay in Turkey After an Arm Lift?
There is no universal rule that every international patient must stay exactly seven nights.
The appropriate travel schedule depends on:
- Extent of surgery
- Whether drains are used
- Early wound healing
- Anaesthesia
- Additional procedures
- Mobility
- Medical risk factors
- Flight duration
- Surgeon’s postoperative assessment
Return flights should ideally remain flexible until the treating team confirms that the patient’s early recovery is appropriate for travel.
Can an Arm Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Selected patients may consider brachioplasty alongside other body-contouring surgery.
For example, patients after significant weight loss may also have concerns involving the thighs or abdomen and may be considering a Thigh Lift or Tummy Tuck.
Combination surgery is not automatically better or more economical for every patient.
Combining procedures may increase:
- Operating time
- Anaesthesia exposure
- Number of surgical wounds
- Mobility restrictions
- Recovery requirements
- Overall surgical risk
The decision should therefore be based primarily on safety and individual medical assessment rather than package pricing.
What Affects Arm Lift Cost in Turkey?
The final cost may vary according to:
- Mini, standard or extended technique
- Amount of skin requiring removal
- Whether liposuction is required
- Surgeon and facility fees
- Anaesthesia requirements
- Preoperative medical testing
- Hospital stay when required
- Compression garments
- Postoperative medication
- Follow-up requirements
- Additional procedures
- Accommodation and transfers when included
One advertised price cannot accurately represent every patient’s surgical plan.
What May Be Included in an Arm Lift Treatment Package?
Depending on the individual treatment plan, a package may include some or all of the following:
- Surgeon and medical team fees
- Hospital or surgical facility fees
- Anaesthesia
- Preoperative medical tests
- Hospital stay when required
- Compression garments
- Prescribed postoperative medication
- Follow-up appointments
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Transfers between the accommodation and treatment facility
- Patient coordination services
The exact inclusions should be confirmed in writing before travelling.
Terms such as “all-inclusive” should not be assumed to mean that every possible medical, travel or postoperative expense is included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery
How much does an arm lift cost in Turkey in 2026?
Clinic Care Center’s current published estimates range from approximately $2,800–$3,500 for selected mini arm lift procedures to approximately $4,000–$5,500 for extended brachioplasty.
Standard brachioplasty is currently estimated at approximately $3,500–$4,200.
A final quotation requires individual surgical assessment.
Does an arm lift leave a scar?
Yes.
Brachioplasty removes excess skin through surgical incisions and therefore creates permanent scars.
Scar length and position vary according to the amount of tissue being removed and the surgical technique used.
Can liposuction replace an arm lift?
Not when significant excess skin is the main problem.
Vaser Liposuction may be considered when localized fat is the primary concern and skin quality is suitable.
Patients with substantial loose skin may require surgical skin removal.
Is Vaser Liposuction always included with an arm lift?
No.
Liposuction may be combined with brachioplasty in selected patients, but it should not be described as automatically required or included in every operation.
The need for liposuction should be determined according to fat distribution and the individual surgical plan.
Can J-Plasma replace an arm lift?
Not in every patient.
J-Plasma may be discussed for selected patients with limited laxity, but it does not surgically remove significant excess skin.
Patients with more substantial hanging skin may require brachioplasty.
How long does arm lift recovery take?
Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery, healing and individual medical factors.
Patients may experience swelling, bruising, discomfort and temporary movement restrictions. ASPS advises following individualized instructions regarding incision care, compression, drains, normal activity and exercise.
Are compression garments required?
Compression garments or elastic bandages may be recommended to help control swelling after arm lift surgery.
The type of garment and how long it should be worn should be determined by the treating surgeon.
Can arm lift and thigh lift surgery be performed together?
They may be combined in selected patients, particularly during body-contouring treatment after significant weight loss.
However, an Arm Lift and Thigh Lift involve separate surgical areas and may increase the complexity of recovery.
Whether combining them is appropriate should be determined individually.
Medical References
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Arm Lift
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Arm Lift Candidates
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Arm Lift Risks and Safety
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Arm Lift Recovery
Request Arm Lift Treatment Information
Contact our patient coordination team to learn more about arm lift treatment options, current estimated costs, consultation availability and the next steps.
A treatment recommendation and final quotation should follow an appropriate individual medical assessment.
Online information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
