UK Patients Welcome · Temos-Accredited Hospital
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Turkey
Say goodbye to loose, hanging skin on your upper arms — the “bat wings” no amount of exercise fixes once skin has been stretched by major weight loss or ageing. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeons at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya.
Surgery time
1–2 hours
Hospital stay
2 nights
Stay in Antalya
~5 days
Back to desk work
1–2 weeks
OVERVIEW
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, between the armpit and the elbow, and tightens the supporting tissue underneath. Once skin has been significantly stretched it cannot shrink back, which is why sagging arms after major weight loss cannot be fixed in the gym. At NewMe it takes 1 to 2 hours under general anaesthetic at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya, and most UK patients stay about 5 days.
Part of a bigger plan: liposuction is added where needed for a smooth, even arm, and an arm lift is often combined with a tummy tuck or breast lift in one post-weight-loss contouring plan.
TECHNIQUES
Which arm lift technique is right for me?
The technique is matched to how much loose skin you have and where it sits. Your surgeon chooses the shortest incision that can deliver the correction you need.
| Technique | Usually suits | Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Mini arm lift | Mild loose skin near the top of the arm | Short scar hidden in the armpit |
| Standard arm lift | Moderate to significant loose skin after weight loss | Along the inner arm, from armpit towards elbow |
| Extended arm lift | Loose skin continuing onto the side of the chest, common after massive weight loss | Inner arm scar extending along the side of the chest |
| Liposuction-assisted | Remaining fat pockets with any of the above | Small extra entry points |
The inner-arm scar faces your body rather than the world, and fades substantially over 6–12 months.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Am I a candidate for an arm lift?
An arm lift suits people with loose upper-arm skin that liposuction alone cannot fix. Suitability is confirmed after photo review and consultation.
✓ You have loose, hanging skin on your upper arms, especially after major weight loss
✓ Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months
✓ You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
✓ You are in good general health, with realistic expectations about the scar
If your arms are mostly fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone may be enough — and we will tell you honestly.
THE PROCEDURE
How does arm lift surgery work?
The operation takes 1 to 2 hours under general anaesthetic.
1
Marking
Your surgeon marks the skin to remove with your arms raised, planning the scar to sit along the inner arm.
2
Skin removal & tightening
Excess skin and fat are removed, liposuction refines any remaining fat, and the deeper tissue is tightened.
3
Closure & compression
The incision is closed in layers with fine sutures and a compression garment supports your arms while they heal.
YOUR SURGEONS
Who will perform my arm lift?
Arm lift surgery at NewMe is performed by our two board-certified plastic surgeons. Your assessment tells you which surgeon will operate and why.
Op. Dr. Houtan Zolfagharpour
Board-certified plastic surgeon and NewMe’s lead body contouring specialist. Arm lift is a core procedure in his post-weight-loss practice, often combined with tummy tuck and breast procedures.
Op. Dr. Bahadır Demirkan
Board-certified plastic surgeon, former Assistant Professor and TUS top-100 graduate — meticulous incision planning and scar care are where his academic precision pays off in arm lift surgery.
YOUR HOSPITAL
Where is my arm lift performed?
Your operation and your hospital nights take place at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya — one of NewMe’s contracted institutions, accredited by Temos for Quality in Medical Care. An anaesthetist looks after you during surgery and the hospital’s nursing team cares for you around the clock while you are an inpatient. After discharge you recover in a hotel nearby, with our coordinators checking on you until your fit-to-fly review.
RECOVERY
What is recovery like after an arm lift?
Week 1
Compression garment worn continuously, arms raised on pillows when resting and lifting kept to a minimum. Walking from day one and a fit-to-fly review around day 5.
Week 2–6
Desk work typically from week 1–2. Avoid heavy lifting and repetitive arm strain; compression continues as your surgeon advises.
Month 2–3
Full activity, including strength training, returns with your surgeon’s clearance.
Month 6–12
Swelling has gone and the inner-arm scar fades towards a fine line.
SAFETY
What are the risks of an arm lift?
An arm lift is a well-established operation, but like any surgery it carries risks. Your surgeon goes through them with you before you book, and we recommend reading the NHS guide to cosmetic surgery as well.
Common and expected
Swelling, bruising, tightness and a visible scar along the inner arm that fades over 6–12 months.
Less common
Slow wound healing, thick or widened scars, a fluid collection, infection, and slight unevenness between the arms.
Rare but serious
Injury to the small skin nerves causing lasting numbness of the inner arm, blood clots, and reactions to the anaesthetic.
How we reduce your risk: waiting until your weight is stable; a full health check before surgery; stopping smoking at least 4 weeks before and after; careful layered closure and scar care; and a fit-to-fly review before you travel home.
RESULTS & TRANSPARENT PRICING
See real results — and exact prices
Real patient results, per-surgeon prices and patient videos for arm lift surgery are published on one dedicated page — so you can compare, plan and budget with nothing hidden.
FOR UK PATIENTS
Planning an arm lift in Turkey from the UK
NHS and arm lifts
NHS funding for an arm lift after weight loss is very limited and decided case by case, so most UK patients have the operation privately.
Direct flights, about 4 hours
Antalya has direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports. UK passport holders can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days.
What your package covers
The operation, your hospital nights, VIP transfers between airport, hospital and hotel, your compression garment and follow-up. Your recovery hotel and flights are booked separately.
Aftercare back home
You fly home with an English-language surgical report for your GP, and send photo check-ins over WhatsApp long after you return.
New to surgery abroad? Our step-by-step guide for UK patients walks you through the whole journey, and the NHS advice on cosmetic surgery abroad is worth reading before you decide — we are happy to answer every question on that checklist.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be visible?
The incision runs along the inner arm, facing your body, so it is hard to see from the front or back with your arms at your sides. Scars fade substantially over 6–12 months; for mild laxity, a mini lift hides the scar in the armpit.
Can’t I fix sagging arms with exercise?
Exercise builds the muscle underneath, but once skin has been significantly stretched it cannot shrink back. If your issue is mostly fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone may be enough.
Are the results permanent?
The removed skin is gone for good. With a stable weight, results last long-term; big weight changes are the main thing that can stretch the skin again.
Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?
Yes — an arm lift combines naturally with a tummy tuck or breast surgery in a post-weight-loss plan. Your surgeon confirms what is safe to combine in your case.
How long do I wear the compression garment?
Usually for around 4–6 weeks. Your surgeon tells you the exact duration for your case.
When can I lift things and train again?
Light daily activities within days and desk work from week 1–2. Avoid heavy lifting for about 4–6 weeks, then return to full training from around month 2–3 with your surgeon’s clearance.
How long do I need to stay in Antalya?
Around 5 days: two nights in hospital, then a short hotel stay until your fit-to-fly review.
How long after weight loss surgery can I have an arm lift?
Surgeons usually wait until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months, which for most bariatric patients means 12–18 months after their operation.
Which hospital is the surgery performed in?
At Anatolia Hospital in Antalya, one of NewMe’s contracted institutions, accredited by Temos for Quality in Medical Care.
Is the hotel included?
No. Your package covers the operation, your hospital nights, VIP transfers, your compression garment and follow-up. Hotel nights are booked separately, and we can arrange a hotel close to the hospital for you.
Ready for arms that match your transformation?
Send your photos for a free assessment — an honest answer on lift versus liposuction, and a written quote.
