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Arm Lift

Do your upper arms have a drooping or sagging appearance? Do you think that you have excessive skin and fat pockets in your upper arm region? Major reasons of these common problems include aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations. The solution is Arm Lift!

What Is Arm Lift?

An arm lift (also called brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed on upper arm region. This surgery removes excess skin that is sagging, tightens and reshapes the tissues, and removes excess fat deposits. Through arm lift, you can get rid of problems which cannot be solved by diet and exercise and have a youthful and more energetic look.

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Problems & Solutions

There are variations of arm lift surgery for different needs. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

I have no sagging skin but have fat pocket in my upper arms.

If your skin elasticity is good, your tissues are tight, and you have a small amount of excess fat in your arms...

There is a very little sagging on my arm near the armpit.

Mini Arm Lift (or Limited Arm Lift) is a variation of arm lift surgery. This method is suitable for patients like...

I have lost too much weight, my arms have severe laxity.

After massive weight loss, this is a common problem. In such cases, standard arm lift approach may not...

I have mild tissue laxity and I don’t want to have a long scar.

Then you are lucky. Short Scar Arm Lift is a variation of arm lift surgery. If your tissue laxity is mild, you may be...

My armpit and upper chest are sagging.

In that case, a much more extensive approach may be required. There is a new arm lift technique called...

I have excess skin drooping like “bat wings” from my arms.

In that case, you probably need a Standard Arm Lift procedure. This is the most performeds...

Testimonials

Experience speaks for itself! Let's listen to our patients...

With increasing age, my upper arms lost their form. I guess a life full of weight changes didn’t help, either. I always loved my body. But I admit the upper portion of my arms have increasingly troubled me. I never considered plastic surgery before but I realized, an arm lift could make my life better. Now, I’m so glad I’ve made that decision. I don’t have to think about how I can cover my sagging arms anymore.
Rebecca Yazbeck Arm Lift
Whenever I think about my arm lift experience, one word appears in my mind: Quality. I won’t even talk about the surgery itself, which was flawless. My whole experience was out of this world. Hotel and guided city tours made me feel like it was a vacation. The quality of service provided by the hospital was way beyond my expectations. They really know how to make you feel special.
Candace Hunt Arm Lift

Why Clineca?

At Clineca, we take everything seriously. We understand how important the results are for you. We care about your health and comfort as much as you do. From beginning to end, we inform you, guide you, serve you, and help you.

Fully Set Hospitals


Surgeries are performed in prestigious fully equipped hospitals in which doctors from all specialties are present.

Free Consultation


You will have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. After an online examination, and will help you to choose what's the best.

Superior Quality


We cooperate with the surgeons who perform a limited number of surgeries each week to ensure the best results.

24/7 Assistance


You can contact our agents 7 days and 24 hours for your questions and concerns, or only support. We'll be fully available for your service.

5-Star Hotels


We provide you with special discounts in luxurious hotels in the vicinity of the hospital. Your comfort is very important to us.

VIP Transportation


We provide airport transfer and transportation between your hotel and the hospital before/after the surgery via VIP vehicles.

Wellbeing Support


As Clineca, we provide you with patient accompaniment, who will visit you every day in your hotel room during the resting period.

No Hidden Costs


The price includes fees of the surgeon, operating room, hospitalization, tests, medications and medical visits by a nurse.

All-Inclusive


The price includes hotel layover (including breakfast), and transportation between the airport, the hotel and the hospital.

Services & Products


Interpreter service, BBL pillow, neck pillow (rhinoplasty), eye mask, voltage converter and many others that will enhance your satisfaction.

Why Turkey?


Turkey is a leading player in medical tourism, and Istanbul, which is an extremely beautiful touristic city, is the plastic surgery capital of Turkey.

Step by Step Experience for International Patients

Clineca has a holistic approach. We believe that everything should be right for a satisfactory cosmetic surgery experience, including your days in Istanbul. We plan every detail of your journey.

1
Knowing Each Other

After you fill the form, one of our agents will contact you. They will inform you about the whole experience, in detail. If requested, they will arrange an online consultation for you.

2
Online Consultation

You'll have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. They will perform an online examination and help you to choose what the best approach to your case is.

3
Planning

We'll plan your whole journey including your surgery date and accommodation. We'll inform you about every need; from preparing your suitcase to advice before the procedure.

4
Landing

Our VIP transportation vehicle will be ready at the airport for you. We’ll drive you to the hospital and they'll get a blood and the C19 test. Then, we'll take you to your hotel.

5
Examination & Surgery

We’ll take you from your hotel to the hospital. After your examination, the same day you’ll have the surgery. You will stay at the hospital 1-2 day(s), depending on the procedure.

6
Resting & Recovering

After your stay at the hospital, we'll drive you to your hotel. A wellbeing assistant will visit you every day to inform you, to examine, and to provide medical care during the week.

7
Entertainment

We'll gladly and proudly show you around our beautiful city. We’ll be very happy to provide you with professional guidance in historical sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.

8
Follow-Up & Leaving

We’ll take you to 1-week follow-up. After your examination and removal of bandages if required, we’ll inform you about the recovery period. Then, we'll drive you to the airport.

9
Recovery Period

During your recovery, we'll inform you, check on you, and answer your questions 24 hours and 7 days. We'll expect you to send photos periodically to follow your recovery period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Arm Lift?

If you are healthy, have problems that can be solved by an arm lift surgery, and have realistic expectations then you are a candidate!

Like for all cosmetic surgeries, the first requirement to be eligible for an arm lift surgery is being healthy. If you are healthy, you don’t have any condition that may impair healing after the surgery, you’re not significantly overweight and your weight is relatively stable, there is no obstacle for your surgery. The second requirement is that you have realistic expectations. You should understand the procedure and its expected results.

If your upper arms have a sagging or drooping appearance because of excess skin that is sagging, and excess fat deposits, an arm lift surgery may be the ideal treatment for you. These problems can arise because of aging, weight fluctuations, or simply genetics. Regardless of the reason, these problems can be effectively solved by an arm lift surgery.

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What are the Expected Outcomes of Arm Lift?

The outcomes of Arm Lift can be analyzed in two main categories: aesthetical, health-related, and psychological.

Aesthetical Outcomes

Arm lift is a comprehensive approach. During the surgery, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat, reshape the underlying tissues, and place the remaining skin back over the reshaped tissues. Your upper arms will look smoother, tighter, and more youthful. You will be able to wear sleeveless or short sleeved t-shirts, comfortably. You will look amazing in your social media posts! Moreover, the results of arm lift surgery are long-lasting, especially if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Psychological Outcomes

The psychological outcomes of the procedure are as important as the physical ones. A sagging or drooping appearance of the upper arms can be psychologically distressing. You can feel like you are older than you actually are. You may find it hard to decide what you will wear. You may not like the way you look in the mirror. Therefore, after procedure, strong psychological benefits are expected. You will start to love your body more. Your self-confidence will be boosted.

How Is An Arm Lift Done?

Arm lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to change the appearance of the upper arm area. It is a complex surgery customized according to needs and wishes of the patient.*1

Anesthesia

Like all kinds of surgery, arm lift surgery requires anesthesia. Your surgeon will decide whether general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is more suitable for your case.

Surgery

The essence of the arm lift surgery is removing excess fat and skin and reshaping the underlying tissues at the upper arm region. Your surgeon will make incisions inside of your arms or on the back of your arms. They will remove excess skin causing the sagging appearance. Your surgeon will remove excess fat either by directly excising it or through liposuction. They will tighten and reshape the underlying tissues to sculpt your upper arms from the inside. Then, he will place the remaining skin back on the reshaped underlying tissues. He will finally close the incisions with stitches.

Incisions

There are different incision patterns for different needs. Your surgeon will help you decide the best approach for your specific case.

  • If you have only a minimal excess tissue, and you have adequate skin elasticity, then a small incision placed within the armpit is all your surgeon needs to achieve amazing results.
  • If you have mild upper arm laxity, your surgeon will need to make another small incision running down on your upper arm (In that case another incision made on the lower arms may be necessary to make your lower arms more proportional with your upper arms).
  • If your skin laxity is more serious and you have a significant amount of excess tissue, you will need a standard arm lift procedure in which an incision made on your upper arm, extending from your armpit to your elbow.
  • If your skin and tissue laxity is moderate to severe, you may need the extended arm lift approach in which an ellipse of excess tissue and skin is removed, with the incision extending from your armpit to your elbow.
  • For severe cases, L-arm lift procedure may be more effective. In this procedure, the standard from-armpit-to-elbow incision is extended through the armpit and vertically down on the chest.

Risks and Complications*2*3

Arm lift is a safe procedure, with all techniques providing positive outcomes and patient satisfaction. However, as with any other surgery, there is a risk of complications.

  • Hypertrophic scarring: thick, raised scar skin on the wound. Wound dehiscence: wound opening
  • Lymphocele/Lymphedema: Collection of lymphatic fluid (lymphocele), and the localized swelling due to a compromised lymphatic system (lymphedema)
  • Sensory loss
  • Neuroma: benign growth of nerve tissue; nerve tumor.
  • Hematoma
  • Seroma: A pocket of clear fluid, not dangerous, but can be painful and uncomfortable.
  • Nerve damage

What To Expect During A Arm Lift Recovery?

The First Week

After the surgery, there will be stitches on your incisions. There may be bandages on your incisions and you may need to wear compression garment for a while. Right after the surgery, it is normal to experience some pain and discomfort. You may also experience some bruising and swelling. These will improve after a few days. Until then, pain can be successfully controlled by pain medication. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid and blood. Your stitches will be removed after 1 week.

Later

You will be ready to return to work, school, or some other activities after 2 weeks. By then, most of the swelling and bruising will be gone and you will feel well. However, recovery period continues. You should wait before resuming strenuous exercise. Within 6-8 weeks, you will be able to resume all your normal activities.

Guidance & Support

A wellbeing assistant will visit you in your hotel room every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave Istanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.

Quote from the Doctor

“Arm lift surgery has many variations each of which are tailored according to different needs. And each variation should also be customized according to the specific needs and wishes of each patient.”

What to Do Before the Arm Lift

During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions.

Most important instructions include,

  • Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure.
  • Avoid herbal remedies and supplements
  • Take only the medications approved by your surgeon.

What to Do After the Arm Lift?

What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include:

  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them.
  • Care for the surgical sites and drains.
  • Take or apply the medications prescribed for you.
  • Do not lift your arms above your shoulder level for 3-4 weeks.
  • Avoid activities with your arms that may stretch the incisions and strenuous exercises for 6-8 weeks.
  • Love yourself and show the world how beautiful you are!

Quote from the Doctor

"You don’t have to have a serious sagging problem to be a candidate. Many people live with mild sagging close to their armpits thinking surgery would be an extreme choice. But the extensiveness of the arm lift depends on the case. We have a procedure called “mini arm lift” for mild cases like that. Mini arm lift is less invasive than other types of arm lifts and the only scars it leaves are concealed in the armpits."

FAQ

We know you have many questions. Having realistic expectations and deciding to have a cosmetic surgery requires information. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about Arm Lift.

Arm lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure to get rid of the sagging or drooping appearance and to obtain smoother, tighter, and more youthful upper arms.
There are different methods employed for different needs. Therefore, the duration of the surgery depends on the case. However, it takes around 1-3 hours.*4
The type of anesthesia used depends on the specific case of the patient. Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is used.
We will expect you to visit our clinic 1 week after your surgery. During your visit, you will be examined, and your stitches will be removed.
In every surgery, some scar is left. Your surgeon will place the incisions so that they won’t be easily realized. Moreover, the scars will fade in time and become hard to recognize.
No, unfortunately not. It is possible to prevent or postpone this process though skin care and regular exercise. However, these cannot help you to get rid of the problem once it appears.
You need to rest and recover for 2 weeks before you are ready to return to work or school.
The results of arm lift surgery are long-lasting. It can even be permanent. However, you need to avoid gaining too much weight, exercise regularly, and have skin care.
If you are a healthy adult and have problems that can be solved by arm lift surgery, then you are eligible to have this procedure.
You will need to avoid activities that may stretch the incisions and strenuous exercises for 6-8 weeks. After this period, you can resume all of your regular activities.
All surgical procedures have some risks. However, if it is performed by an experienced and talented surgeon, and you follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions closely, the risk of having a serious problem is very small.
If you are healthy, not too overweight, have a relatively stable weight, have realistic expectations, and if your upper arms have sagging skin and excess fat deposits, then you are a good candidate!
After the surgery, you will experience swelling, bruising, discomfort, and some pain. You may also experience temporary changes in skin sensation.
The stitches will be removed after 1 week. 2 weeks after the surgery, you will be ready to return to work, school, and some other activities. 6-8 weeks after the surgery, you’ll be ready to resume everything.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make incisions on your arm. They will excise excess skin. They will remove excess fat through direct excising or liposuction. They will tighten and reshape the underlying tissues. Finally, they will drape the remaining skin over the reshaped tissues.
Instantly! Right after the procedure, your arms will be smoother and tighter. However, there will be some bruising and swelling. You can see the final results 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
When the skin elasticity is good, tissues are tight, and sagging is mild, liposuction may be affective. But otherwise, it is not sufficient.
It’s a type of arm lift surgery in which a small incision is made in the armpit. It is suitable for mild cases and leaves no scar on the arms.
This type of arm lift is suitable for patients with moderate to severe skin and tissue laxity. An ellipse of excess skin and tissue is removed through an incision extending from the armpit to the elbow.
You will stay at the hospital the night after the surgery. The next day you will be taken to your hotel to rest and recover.

Problems & Solutions

There are variations of arm lift surgery for different needs. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

If your skin elasticity is good, your tissues are tight, and you have a small amount of excess fat in your arms, you may not need an arm lift. Instead, your surgeon may remove the excess fat deposits through liposuction. For suitable patients, this approach produces a lifting effect. And the only scars left are the very small liposuction scars.
Mini Arm Lift (or Limited Arm Lift) is a variation of arm lift surgery. This method is suitable for patients like you. In such cases, the surgeon do not need to make long and visible incisions. A small incision made in the armpit is enough to perform this procedure. Maybe you have lost a moderate amount of weight or maybe this problem has developed just because of aging. It doesn’t matter. If you do not have too much excess fat and have a mild sagging close to your armpit, this procedure may be very effective for you. Plus, the incisions will be concealed in your armpits.
Then you are lucky. Short Scar Arm Lift is a variation of arm lift surgery. If your tissue laxity is mild, you may be suitable for this procedure. In short scar arm lift, it is not necessary to make a long incision running down from the armpit to the elbow. In this approach, in combination with the armpit incision used in Mini Arm Lift procedure, a second very short incision is made on the upper arm. Your surgeon will excise excess skin and correct underlying tissues through these 2 incisions. In some cases, also some excess tissue may be removed from the lower arm in order to achieve greater harmony with upper arms.
In that case, you probably need a Standard Arm Lift procedure. This is the most performed arm lift procedure. In this procedure, an incision extending from the armpit to the elbow is made for each arm. Then, excess skin is excised, excess fat is removed either through direct excising or liposuction, the underlying tissues are tightened and reshaped, and finally the remaining skin is draped over the reshaped tissues.
After massive weight loss, this is a common problem. In such cases, standard arm lift approach may not be sufficient. However, there is an effective variation of the procedure that is reserved for patients with moderate to severe tissue and skin laxity. This procedure is called Extended Arm Lift. In extended arm lift surgery, a wide incision running down from the armpit to the elbow is made. Then, an ellipse of excess skin and tissue is removed. The underlying tissues are tightened, and the incision is closed.
In that case, a much more extensive approach may be required. There is a new arm lift technique called L-Arm Lift. This is mostly for people who lost too much weight (with or without bariatric surgery). The procedure makes it possible to correct arms, armpits, and the chest with a single incision. The incision runs down from the armpit to the elbow just like in the extended arm lift surgery. However, the incision is also extended by adding another small incision on chest, at a right angle. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed.
References

1. Miotto, G., & Ortiz-Pomales, Y. (2018). Arm Contouring: Review and Current Concepts. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 38(8), 850–860. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx218

2. Newman, D. W. A. (2012). Vocabulary. In Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed., pp. 1266–1266). essay, Elsevier Saunders. ISBN: 978-1-4160-6257-8

3. Sisti, A., Cuomo, R., Milonia, L., Tassinari, J., Castagna, A., Brandi, C., Grimaldi, L., D'Aniello, C., & Nisi, G. (2018). Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 88(4), 393–402. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609

4. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2022). International Survey On Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2020. May 31, 2022. https://www.isaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ISAPS-Global-Survey_2020.pdf