Arm lift in Turkey

• Removes skin, not just fat

  The defining feature. Liposuction alone takes fat out but leaves the skin envelope, which then hangs more loosely than before if the skin has lost its elasticity.

• Tightens the remaining envelope

  The arm is reshaped from armpit toward elbow, and the deeper tissue is often supported so the result does not rely on the skin closure alone.

• Can be combined with liposuction

  Common where there is both fat and loose skin. It adds theatre time and should be agreed rather than discovered on the invoice.

• Leaves a long, visible scar

  It runs along the inner arm and it is permanent. This is the honest trade, and it is the reason some people decide against the operation once they understand it.

• Firm skin, extra fat. Liposuction alone may be enough and leaves no long scar. This is the better outcome when the skin can still retract.
• Loose skin, little fat. Skin excision is the only thing that will change it, and that means the scar.
• Both. Combined liposuction and skin excision, which is the commonest post-weight-loss picture.
• Loose skin around the whole trunk as well. An upper body lift may be the better operation, with the arm addressed as part of it.

If the loose skin continues past the arms, read the body lift in Turkey page, and the general arm lift page for the procedure outside a Turkey context.

1. 1

   The first week

   Swelling, tightness and bruising. Arms are kept elevated and heavy lifting is out. Drains, if used, come out in this window.
2. 2

   Weeks two to four

   Most people are back to desk work. The sleeve stays on, and the arms feel tight when you reach overhead.
3. 3

   Weeks six to twelve

   Return to the gym is staged, with pushing and pulling movements last. Numbness along the inner arm is common and usually improves.
4. 4

   Months three to eighteen

   The scar goes through a red, raised phase before it flattens and fades. This is the slowest-maturing scar in body contouring, and it is judged at the end of that period.

• Full, mini or extended. Three different operations with three different theatre times.
• Whether liposuction is included. Frequently combined, and a common separate line item.
• One night or day case. A short-scar procedure may be a day case; a full brachioplasty after major weight loss usually is not.
• Compression garments. Worn for weeks, often more than one needed, and not always in the quoted price.
• Scar revision policy. Ask in writing whether a later revision is included and who pays for travel.

The clinic list on this page shows the current price for each hospital with a label saying what it covers. On staged payment, see payment plans.

• Send photographs with arms raised and lowered. Both positions, taken from front and back, because they show different things.
• Buy or arrange the compression sleeves in advance. You will need them from day one and usually more than one set.
• Plan not to lift anything for weeks. Including luggage. Arrange help for the journey home.
• Stop smoking well before. Weeks, not days.
• Book a changeable return. Flying is usually fine once the wound is checked, but swelling or a seroma can delay it.

• British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, body contouring after weight loss.
• NHS, cosmetic surgery and what to consider before going abroad.
• General Medical Council, checking a doctor's registration.
• Turkish Ministry of Health, health tourism authorisation for hospitals.