Arm lift (brachioplasty) in Istanbul — key facts

  • Surgeon: Dr. Mehmet Sürmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS — double board certified (Turkish Board 2016, European Board 2017) · licensed as a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Türkiye and the UAE (Dubai DHA, Abu Dhabi DOH) · member of ASPS, ISAPS and the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society · verified credentials
  • Experience: more than 800 body contouring procedures — brachioplasty frequently part of post-weight-loss body restoration, staged safely
  • Honest scar counselling: a thin scar traded for shape and freedom — explained fully before surgery, never discovered after
  • Safety & satisfaction: patient safety comes before every aesthetic goal — reflected in a 4.9/5 rating across 160+ patient reviews on RealSelf and 5.0/5 on Google
  • Aftercare: long-term follow-up is a signature of the practice — many patients remain in follow-up 5+ years; much of the practice is built on returning patients and their referred family and friends
  • International patients: 6–7 day Istanbul stay, structured remote follow-up

Arm-lift (Brachioplasty)

For the young patients with a good skin quality liposuction is usually enough to achieve a tight and thinner arm. But for those who have a moderate to severe amount of skin laxity with low skin quality, liposuction might not be enough to solve the problem. Therefore “arm-lift (brachioplasty)” operations may be needed to be performed for such cases. Arm laxity can be seen as a structural variation which become more pronounced with weight gain, or may be evident after moderate to massive weight loss. The surgical incisions are almost always hidden inside the arm and the excess skin is removed.

Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery?

You might be a good candidate for arm lift;

  • If you have significant upper arm skin excess and laxity
  • If you’re nonsmoker
  • If you’re a healthy individual without medical conditions
  • If you have realistic expectations about the operation

ARM LIFT FAQ’s

How long does the procedure take? 

The procedure takes around 2-3 hours.

How long should I stay at the hospital after arm lift?

After the operation our patients spend one night at the hospital. One day after the operation we discharge our patients
after we check and inform them about their operation, after care and usage instructions of medicines.

How long should I wear compression garments after arm lift?

We recommend our patients to wear compressive garments for 6 weeks. The compression provided by the garments during the initial healing process
helps ensure that incisions heal correctly and the skin attaches properly. It also helps to reduce the swelling. 

When could I be able to return to my normal life?

Generally patients can resume their social life after 7-10 days. They must avoid lifting heavy things for at least 6 weeks.
They must avoid exercises and stretching exercises for at least 8 weeks. 

What type of anesthesia is used for arm lift surgery?

Arm lift is performed under general anesthesia. 

Where will be the incision?

In traditional arm lift (brachioplasty), generally the incision is located from the armpit to the elbow (a straight line). If the patient is suitable for arm lift with liposuction, then there will only be a 0.5 cm hole in each arm near the elbow. 

How long does the scar healing take?

Initial scar healing generally takes 2 weeks. And it heals completely between 6 months – 1 year. But the scar does not completely fade away. To decrease that appearance we give you some advices and products to use for all patients. It’s very important to know that scar healing varies from patient to patient, depending on numerous variables. One of the most important things that negatively effect scar healing is smoking. It also increases the risk of wound opening, and other major complications. 

General FAQ’S

Once you have sent an enquiry to us, you will be contacted by one of our representatives. Your representative will provide information about the procedure that you are interested in and answer any questions you may have. Your representative will also arrange an online consultation for you with Dr. Surmeli and he/she will show your photos/videos and medical history. After Doctor’s online evaluation, he will give his advises and make an initial operation plan if the patient is suitable both physically and psychologically. And the representative will inform you about the plan, details of the operation, healing, etc. You will also be provided with details on the available dates, required accommodation duration, packages & costs, and possible extras. Once you set a date with your representative we book your appointment after you send the flight details and passport information.

For our international patients we are offering packages including hotel and transfers between airport-hotel-clinic. We accommodate our patients near hotels to our hospital to reach them easily and to avoid spending time in traffic. We currently have a 4-star and a 5-star hotel options. As we have agency collaborations with the hotels, we usually provide better quotes for our patients than the hotel does. You can get detailed information from your representatives about hotels and prices.

The patients who will arrange their own accommodation and transportation, should inform their representatives about their accommodate addresses before they arrive Istanbul. We strongly recommend those patients to arrange close accommodates to our hospital. Please note, Istanbul is bigger than you see on the map. So, please consult to your representative before arrange/book your accommodation.

We strongly recommend bringing a companion, and even make it obligatory for some operations. If you cannot bring a companion, a private-duty nurse can assist you with basic needs during the daytime of your hospital stay — please tell your patient representative in advance so it can be arranged. Please contact your representative for details and prices.

Our price includes;

  • Pre and Post operative medical examinations, blood tests.
  • Hospital accommodation (Private room, amenities listed below) 
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for the patient and for one companion
    • A private-duty nurse during the daytime
    • All needed post operative treatments and medications
    • Free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, Private Bathroom, Security Box, Fridge, Kettle, Free Water, Tea and Coffee
  • All needed medicines
  • 1 pair compressive garments (If a liposuction, tummy tuck or other body surgeries are performed)
  • 1 pcs medical sports bra (If a breast surgery is performed)
  • BBL pillow (If BBL or gluteal implant is performed)
  • Check ups

If you pick our package, our package also includes;

  • Hotel accommodation (Breakfast Included)
  • Transfers between hospital-hotel-airport with our private vehicle

PS: Please consult your representatives for possible extras

For patients with significant skin laxity, almost universally yes — but only when the trade is explained honestly in advance. Where laxity is mild, liposuction alone or a short-scar technique may be enough; that assessment happens at consultation.