Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Turkey
Remove excess upper arm skin for a firmer, more toned appearance, from £3,935.
Excess skin on the upper arms, sometimes called "bingo wings" or "bat wings", is one of the most common body concerns following weight loss or ageing. It is an area that is particularly resistant to exercise, because no amount of tricep work can tighten loose, hanging skin.
An upper arm lift (brachioplasty) removes the excess skin and fat from the underside of your upper arms, creating a firmer, more toned contour. For many patients, this means being able to wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops with confidence for the first time in years.
Your all-inclusive package from £2,540 covers the procedure at a government-licensed hospital, 2 nights in hospital, 5 nights in a 5-star hotel, VIP airport transfers, a personal translator, and 12 months of aftercare. In the UK, brachioplasty typically costs £5,000-£8,000.
What Is Upper Arm Lift?
An upper arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. An incision is made along the inner arm, typically from the armpit to the elbow. Through this incision, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and reshaped.
The result is arms that are firmer, smoother, and more proportionate. The incision scar runs along the inner arm where it is less visible, though it is a longer scar than many cosmetic procedures, something your surgeon will discuss with you honestly during your consultation.
For patients with a smaller amount of excess skin concentrated near the armpit, a mini arm lift (with a shorter scar) may be an option. For larger amounts of excess skin after significant weight loss, a full brachioplasty gives the best result.
An arm lift is commonly performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a staged body contouring plan after major weight loss.
Am I Suitable?
You may be a good candidate for an upper arm lift if you:
- Have significant excess, hanging skin on your upper arms
- Have tried exercise and it has not improved the loose skin
- Have achieved a stable weight (weight loss should be complete)
- Are in good general health and do not smoke
- Accept that the procedure will leave a scar along the inner arm (hidden when arms are at your sides)
Brachioplasty is particularly popular among patients who have lost significant weight through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes and are now addressing the remaining excess skin.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before your trip: Video consultation to assess the extent of your arm skin excess and discuss scar placement.
Day 1, Arrival: VIP airport transfer to your 5-star hotel.
Day 2, Procedure day: Markings while standing with arms extended. The procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia (bilateral, both arms).
Days 3-4, Hospital stay: Recovery with compression sleeves fitted over both arms. Drains may be placed.
Days 5-7, Hotel recovery: Daily patient coordinator visits. Arms elevated when resting. Compression sleeves worn continuously. Gentle walking.
Day 8, Departure: Final check-up and VIP airport transfer.
Months 1-12: Regular aftercare check-ins.
Recovery & Aftercare
Week 1: Moderate swelling and discomfort in both arms. Prescribed pain medication. Compression sleeves worn 24/7. Keep arms elevated when resting. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a cup of tea.
Weeks 2-3: Swelling reduces. Light activities with your hands and arms possible (typing, eating). Avoid raising arms above your head.
Weeks 3-4: Most patients return to desk work. Swelling continues to decrease. Arms feel lighter and more mobile.
Weeks 4-6: Compression sleeves can be phased out. Light exercise resumes. Scars are pink and visible but already flattening.
Months 3-12: Scars mature from red/pink to lighter tones. Final arm contour is established. Most patients say the improvement in how their clothes fit is dramatic.
Risks & Considerations
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring (the scar is longer than most cosmetic procedures), asymmetry, numbness along the inner arm, wound healing issues, and seroma.
The most significant trade-off with brachioplasty is the scar, which runs along the inner arm. While it fades significantly over 12-18 months and is hidden when your arms are at your sides, it is visible when your arms are raised. Most patients consider this a very acceptable trade-off for the removal of excess skin.
All procedures are performed in government-licensed, JCI-accredited hospitals with 12 months of aftercare.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
Real reviews from real patients. Their words, not ours.
"Professional, caring, and thorough from start to finish. The hospital was excellent, the staff were lovely, and everything was explained clearly. I would definitely recommend."
"The whole journey exceeded my expectations. I was well informed before travelling, well cared for during my stay, and well supported after returning home. A fraction of UK cost."
"My experience was first class. From initial enquiry to 12 months of aftercare, every detail was handled with professionalism and genuine care. Outstanding facilities."
Frequently Asked Questions
The scar runs along the inner upper arm from the armpit toward the elbow. It is positioned to be hidden when your arms are at your sides or in front of you. It is visible when your arms are raised. The scar starts red and raised but fades significantly over 12-18 months. Most patients feel the scar is far preferable to the excess skin.
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin. If your main issue is excess skin (rather than fat), liposuction alone will not give a good result, the skin may actually look more loose. A mini arm lift with liposuction may be suitable for mild cases.
Yes. Both arms are treated in the same session as standard. This means one anaesthetic and one recovery period. You will need assistance with daily tasks for the first week, as both arms will have limited mobility.
Light walking can start immediately. Upper arm exercises (pushing, pulling, lifting) should wait until 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Full gym activity, including weight training, can resume from 6-8 weeks with your surgeon's approval.
Yes. Arm lifts are commonly combined with thigh lifts, tummy tucks, or breast procedures as part of a staged body contouring plan. Discuss your full goals with your patient coordinator to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
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