What is an upper arm lift? (Brachioplasty) 

As a person ages, they can experience weight changes which can be due to genetics or lifestyle. During these changes, the skin on the upper arm can lose its elasticity and become flabby. Removal of this excess skin combined with liposuction to remove excess fat will leave you with a shapelier, firmer and more aesthetic appearance. 

Who is a suitable candidate for arm lift surgery?

Those people, who have loose, flabby skin and fat on arms (that often gives the upper arms the name ‘bingo wings’ and ‘bat wings’) are suitable for this operation. Although exercise will help increase appearance to a certain extent, in some cases surgery is the only alternative. Liposuction is an alternative but this only reduces the overall volume of fat. It does not remove excess skin. For this reason, a combination of both usually gives the best results. 

In many cases, an arm lift is performed as part of a body contouring programme and can be combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift and/or breast surgery, to create an overall improved appearance. 

How long does arm surgery last? 

Whilst results are permanent, the upper arms will start to sag again with ageing and will also increase if weight is lost and gained post surgery. No surgeon can guarantee that these natural processes will not happen. It is up to the patient to alter their own lifestyle to give the best chance of the results being longer lasting.

How is the arm lift procedure performed? 

The surgical approach depends on the droopiness of skin. However, in a standard case, incisions are made on the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit (axilla). A short scar version of the lift can be performed, with the scar being placed in the armpit however this approach mainly tightens the loose skin without much skin being removed, and for this reason it is only for those with a limited amount of slackness and with good skin tone. 

Duration of operation 1-1,5 hrs (general anesthesia / sedation) 

Hospital stay: 1 night 

What should I expect after surgery? 

Some surgeons prefer to wrap the arms or use a compression garment and the arms should be elevated for a few days. It is important to protect and support the incision areas to ensure proper healing. Discomfort and soreness will be experienced during the first days after surgery, but this is temporary and will pass during the coming weeks. 

How long will it be before I can get back to my normal life? 

Recovery should never be rushed and will usually take up to a month. A 5 to 10 night stay is recommended in Turkey following the procedure. Most people can return to work within 2 weeks of their surgery ensuring their job does not involve physical activity that focuses on use of the arms. 

Can arm lift surgery be performed without scar? 

Upper arm reduction involves the removal of skin and necessitates the creation of a scar that starts near the elbow and runs to the armpit. Most scars are conspicuous initially, and take up to 12 months to develop completely. The scar may be placed on the inner arm so that it is not visible when the patient’s arm is by their side, or alternatively it can be placed more towards the back of the arm so that it is not visible from the front, especially when the patient is observed from the front whilst moving their arms. Placement of the scar can be discussed with your surgeon, who will help you to decide the best option for your needs.