Arm Lift Surgery in Turkey

Arm lifts are one of the most common cosmetic operations. It is possible to do an arm lift with removing skin or through liposuction. Arm Lift Surgery

If you need information regarding  liposuction, please click this link.

Payment options

Arm lift surgery Turkey cost start from 4500 Euro. This price is valid for the year 2026. You can pay with credit and debit cards. In fact, installment options are also available (but only for Turkish cards).

The Esteport International Patient Journey

This is your step-by-step guide to the entire process, designed to eliminate uncertainty and give you a feeling of control from your first contact with us until you are fully recovered back home.

Step 1: Free Online Consultation

The journey begins with your initial contact. You will be asked to send photos of the area you wish to have treated. We will then schedule a one-on-one video consultation with a medical advisor and Dr. Mezdeği. We will clearly explain what you can expect from this process and answer all your preliminary questions.

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan and All-Inclusive Price Quote

Based on your consultation, you will receive a 100% transparent, “All-Inclusive Price Quote”—we do not use “starting from” prices. This quote details exactly what is included in your package:

  • Surgeon’s Fee
  • Anesthesia Fee
  • Hospital Stay
  • All Medications
  • Compression Garment(s)
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • All VIP Transfers (Airport-Hotel-Hospital)
  • A Dedicated Patient Assistant / Translator

This approach eliminates any anxiety about hidden costs.

Step 3: Arrival in Istanbul

When you arrive in Istanbul, your personal driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a VIP transfer service. You will be taken directly to your pre-arranged hotel to rest and settle in comfortably.

Step 4: Pre-Operative Consultation and Tests

On this day, your Patient Coordinator will accompany you to the hospital. You will have your in-person, detailed consultation with Dr. Mezdeği to finalize your surgical plan. You will also complete all necessary pre-operative medical preparations, such as your blood tests and anesthesia check-up.

Step 5: Surgery Day

Your procedure will be performed in a JCI-accredited, modern hospital that adheres to the highest international standards of safety and technology. Our team will be with you to ensure you are comfortable and to address any concerns before you go into surgery.

Step 6: Post-Operative Care in Istanbul

Following your procedure, you will stay in the hospital for observation, typically for 1-2 nights. Your team and Dr. Mezdeği will monitor your initial recovery. Before you are cleared to fly home, you will have a final check-up with Dr. Mezdeği to examine your results, change your dressings, and give you all necessary instructions for your recovery back home.

Step 7: Follow-Up and Support After Returning Home

Our care for you does not end when you leave Turkey. We promise a long-term relationship. Your Patient Coordinator will remain your point of contact, scheduling regular virtual follow-ups with Dr. Mezdeği (e.g., at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year). We will remotely monitor your healing process and be available to support you until you are fully satisfied with your final results.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Timeframe Activity Level and Restrictions Expected Physical State (Pain/Swelling) Scar Appearance and Care
First 24-48 Hours Complete rest, arms must be kept elevated above heart level. Moderate pain (controlled with medication), significant swelling and bruising. Compression garment worn continuously. Incisions are bandaged. Must not be touched.
Week 1 Very light activities (short walks). Arm movements are restricted; lifting weights is strictly forbidden. Pain decreases, but swelling continues. A feeling of tightness is normal. Bandages may be changed under doctor supervision. The incision line is red and prominent.
Weeks 2-3 Return to desk jobs may be possible. Arms should not be raised above shoulder level. Swelling and bruising decrease significantly. Itching is a sign of healing. Stitches may be removed or will dissolve. Scar care (silicone tapes/gels) can begin with doctor’s approval.
Weeks 4-6 Light exercise (brisk walking) can be started. Exercises requiring upper body and arm strength must be avoided. Most of the swelling subsides. Arms feel more normal. The scar continues to be pink/red but begins to flatten.
Months 3-6 Gradual return to all exercises and normal activities. Final results begin to become prominent. Any remaining mild swelling completely disappears. The scar color begins to lighten and soften. Protecting it from the sun is very important.
Year 1 Full recovery. Results are fully settled. The scar has matured, becoming paler and closer to the skin tone.
Years 5-10 Results are permanent as long as weight is kept stable. The natural aging process continues, but arms look much tighter than their pre-operative state. The scar becomes a thin, white line and is generally difficult to notice.
Years 20+ Results are largely maintained, but some loss of elasticity may occur due to natural aging. Arms still have a significantly better appearance than their pre-operative condition. The scar may be almost invisible.

Why do arms sag? 

The answer to why patients require arm lifts is clear: fatty arms. This includes excessive weight fluctuations, such as when a person who weighed 120 kilos drops quickly down to 80 kilos. Such an extreme weight loss will not only cause deformities in the arms, but the whole body.

That is why arm lifts are required. This procedure includes contouring the arms with liposuction first, and then removing excess skin.

What is the difference between a mini arm lift and an arm lift?

The difference between a mini arm lift and a traditional arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, lies primarily in the extent of the surgery and the size of the incision.

Traditional Arm Lift (Brachioplasty):

  • Extent of Surgery: This procedure is more extensive and is suitable for individuals with significant sagging and excess skin along the upper arm, often extending from the underarm to the elbow.
  • Incision Size: The incision for a traditional arm lift is larger, typically running from the underarm down to the elbow along the inside or back of the arm. This allows for more skin and fat to be removed.
  • Scarring: Due to the larger incision, scarring is more noticeable compared to a mini arm lift.
  • Ideal Candidates: Best suited for individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight or have significant skin laxity due to aging.

Mini Arm Lift:

  • Extent of Surgery: This is a less invasive procedure, targeted at individuals who have a moderate amount of sagging or loose skin near the underarm.
  • Incision Size: The incision is smaller and is usually limited to the underarm area, making it less noticeable.
  • Scarring: Scarring is typically minimal and hidden in the underarm area.
  • Ideal Candidates: Suitable for those with less severe sagging, usually not extending beyond the upper part of the arm.

The choice between a mini arm lift and a traditional arm lift depends on the patient’s specific needs, the amount of excess skin, and desired outcomes. A mini arm lift offers a quicker recovery and less scarring but is only effective for less extensive skin laxity. In contrast, a traditional arm lift can address more significant concerns but comes with a longer recovery period and more noticeable scarring. A consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate approach.

Arm Lift Surgery

How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

There are two possible ways to do an arm lift: liposuction and removing excess skin. It is also possible to combine these two methods. The operation includes the region between the elbow and the armpit. We correct the sags in this region.

If the sagging is not excessive, it may be possible to get the skin to stretch enough through a minor incision under the armpit. This will eliminate the possibility of a visible scar, as armpits are not all that exposed.

This operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2 hours. The patient needs to wear a postoperative compression garment for approximately 3 weeks. After this time, the bruising and edema will start to improve, and will be completely gone after 2 months.

The patient stays in the hospital overnight after the operation, and needs to come in for a few follow-up examinations. It is possible that the patient will experience some degree of pain. If you follow your doctor’s directions and orders, and regularly take the recommended medication, the recovery process will not be too uncomfortable.

Is There a Possibility of Recurrence? 

Arm lifts do not need to be repeated at certain intervals, it is a one-time procedure. However, if the patient continues their habit of continuously gaining and losing a lot of weight, this will inevitably lead the flabby arms. Unfortunately, it is not in the power of the surgeon to prevent this.

Arm Lift Surgery Prices 

It is very difficult to give a price estimate for arm lift procedures. There are multiple variables that affect the final price, including the service standards of the preferred hospital and the severity of the sagging in the arm. That is why it is necessary to examine the patient prior to determining the cost of the operation. It should be noted that preferring a liposuction procedure alone will have the lowest cost, and the costs reflect on the final price.

How to prevent flabby arms? 

Non-surgical methods, such as ointments, medications, and herbal treatment can only provide temporary or ineffective solutions. Flabby arms indicate fat accumulation which cannot be corrected through exercise and arm work-outs. The only effective and permanent solution to sagging is surgery.

Using compression garments will yield only temporary results. The only permanent solution for a patient with flabby arms is an arm lift surgery. If your arm fat makes you uncomfortable, you need to consider surgery.

Cosmetic and plastic surgeons are the experts in arm lifts, it will not be appropriate for physicians of other specialties to perform this operation. We recommend you to prefer physicians that have comprehensive experience in the field for better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our ‘All-Inclusive Arm Lift Package’ is designed for 100% transparency to eliminate any financial uncertainty. The price you are quoted is the final price and comprehensively covers:

  • Surgeon’s Fee (Dr. Ali Mezdeği)
  • Anesthesia Fee & Operating Room Costs
  • All Pre-Operative Consultations and Blood Tests
  • Hospital Stay (for the required duration)
  • All Post-Operative Medications (including prescribed painkillers and antibiotics)
  • Specialized Compression Garments (crucial for your recovery)
  • All Scheduled Follow-Up Appointments (both in-person during your stay and virtual check-ups after you return home)
  • For International Patients: This also includes all VIP airport-hotel-clinic transfers and dedicated hotel accommodation for your recovery period.

There are absolutely no hidden costs. Items like medications, garments, and follow-ups, which other clinics may charge for separately, are fully included in our package.

This is an excellent question, as the choice of technique is crucial for achieving the best possible result. The decision is made during your personal consultation with Dr. Mezdeği based on three specific criteria:

  1. Degree and Location of Skin Laxity:
    • Mini Arm Lift: This is for patients with a mild degree of sagging, where the excess skin is concentrated only in the upper third of the arm, near the armpit. The incision is small and hidden entirely within the armpit (axilla).
    • Standard Arm Lift: This is the most common procedure, designed for patients with moderate to significant sagging and excess skin that runs from the armpit down to the elbow. The incision is placed discreetly on the inner arm.
    • Extended Arm Lift: This is reserved for patients, often after massive weight loss, who have significant skin laxity that extends beyond the armpit onto the side of the chest (the lateral thoracic wall). The incision is an extension of the standard arm lift, curving down the side of the torso to address this “bat wing” continuation.
  2. Amount of Excess Skin & Fat: The volume of tissue to be removed helps determine the length of the incision required.
  3. Skin Quality: The elasticity of your remaining skin will also be assessed.

During your evaluation, Dr. Mezdeği will physically (or virtually) assess these factors to recommend the one procedure that will provide you with the smoothest, tightest, and most natural-looking contour.

We understand that traveling for surgery requires a high level of trust and support. From the moment you send your first inquiry, you will be assigned a Dedicated Patient Coordinator who speaks your language fluently.

This single person will be your personal guide and main point of contact for your entire journey:

  • Before Your Trip: They will answer all your questions, schedule your virtual consultation with Dr. Mezdeği, and help you organize your medical files, flights, and accommodation.
  • During Your Stay: Your coordinator will greet you at the airport, accompany you to all your appointments, be with you at the hospital, and be available 24/7 to assist with anything you need—from translation to personal comfort.
  • After You Return Home: Your support does not end. Your Patient Coordinator will remain your main contact, scheduling your virtual follow-up appointments with the doctor and providing ongoing support as you complete your recovery. You will never feel alone in this process.

Building trust in your surgeon is the most critical step. Dr. Ali Mezdeği is a [Board/Specialty] Certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon with extensive, specialized experience in body contouring procedures.

  • Qualifications: He is an active member of [mention key societies, e.g., the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (TSPRAS) and/or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)].
  • Specific Experience: Dr. Mezdeği has a particular focus on post-bariatric (massive weight loss) surgery, which includes some of the most complex arm lift cases. This specialization has given him profound expertise in managing high-volume skin excess and advanced sculpting techniques.
  • Concrete Data: He has successfully performed over [e.g., 400+] arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures, ranging from minimal-incision mini-lifts to complex extended arm lifts.

This high volume of experience allows him to not only remove excess skin but also to expertly contour the arm, minimize scar visibility, and deliver consistently excellent, natural-looking results. We invite you to review our extensive gallery of his before-and-after photos, which specifically showcase his work in this area.

Absolutely. We believe this is one of the most important ways for you to visualize your own potential results and build confidence.

While our public website gallery shows a wide range of outcomes, we respect our patients’ privacy. During your private, one-on-one virtual consultation, your Patient Coordinator and Dr. Mezdeği can share a curated portfolio of anonymized cases. We will specifically select patients whose pre-operative arm laxity, skin quality, and overall body structure most closely match your own, so you can have the clearest possible idea of what the surgery can achieve for you.

We understand that managing the cost of surgery is a significant part of your planning.

  • Our Policy: We require the full payment for the surgical package to be completed before the procedure. A deposit is required to secure your surgery date, with the final balance due [e.g., upon your arrival in Istanbul before your surgery / X weeks before your surgery].
  • Financing Options: While we do not offer direct in-house financing, we work with several reputable third-party medical financing companies that specialize in providing loans to international patients for medical tourism. Your Patient Coordinator can provide you with the contact information for these partners, and you can apply to them directly to see what payment plans you may be eligible for.

This is a critical question, and we believe in being completely transparent. Our primary goal is always to achieve your desired result in a single, successful operation.

Our revision policy is based on fairness and medical necessity:

  1. Medically Indicated Revision: If a revision is required due to a surgical complication or an issue directly related to the primary surgery (e.g., significant asymmetry, wound healing issues) within the first [e.g., 12 months], Dr. Mezdeği will waive his Surgeon’s Fee.
  2. What You Would Cover: In this scenario, the patient would be responsible for the hospital’s operating room fee and anesthesia fee (which we receive at a significantly reduced rate from the hospital) as well as their own travel and accommodation expenses.
  3. Excluded Cases: This policy does not apply to results affected by patient non-compliance (e.g., smoking, not wearing compression, gaining/losing significant weight post-op) or to natural changes that occur with aging.

We will provide this policy to you in writing, so you have a complete and clear understanding before making any commitment.

We strongly encourage you to bring a companion for support! It makes the entire process much more comfortable.

Our ‘All-Inclusive Package’ is designed to make this easy for you:

  • Accommodation: The package includes a [e.g., double-occupancy hotel room], so your companion can stay with you at no extra cost for the hotel.
  • Transfers: Your companion is welcome to join you for all your VIP airport-hotel-clinic transfers.
  • What’s Not Included: The package price does not cover your companion’s flights or their personal expenses (like food and tourism).

Your Patient Coordinator will ensure all arrangements are made for two people, so you can both have a smooth and stress-free experience from the moment you land.

Our care for you does not end when you get on the plane. We have a structured and comprehensive long-distance aftercare program.

  1. Your Dedicated Coordinator: Your Patient Coordinator remains your primary point of contact. They are available 24/7 via WhatsApp and email for any immediate questions or concerns you may have.
  2. Scheduled Virtual Check-ups: We will schedule mandatory virtual follow-up appointments with Dr. Mezdeği. You will send progress photos at specific milestones (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-op).
  3. Doctor-Led Monitoring: Dr. Mezdeği will personally review your photos and meet with you via video call to assess your healing, check your scar maturation, and answer any medical questions.
  4. Local Support: If you have a concern that requires in-person assessment (like a suspected infection), we can liaise with your local doctor (GP) by providing them with all your surgical notes and medical records to ensure you receive seamless care.

Our commitment to you is for the long term, ensuring you are supported until you are fully healed and satisfied with your result.

This is a crucial point, and we’re glad you asked. Yes, massive weight loss (MWL) patients have unique considerations, and our clinic is highly experienced in addressing them.

  • Regarding Skin Elasticity: After massive weight loss, the skin’s elastin and collagen fibers have often been permanently damaged. This means your skin elasticity is significantly reduced compared to a patient with age-related sagging. During surgery, this requires meticulous judgment from the surgeon to ensure exactly the right amount of skin is removed—not so much that it puts tension on the incision, but enough to get a smooth, tight contour.
  • Regarding Revisions: Because the skin quality is compromised, there is a slightly higher possibility that the skin may relax or stretch again over time, even after a perfect initial surgery. This is not a failure of the procedure but a reality of the skin’s condition. Dr. Mezdeği plans for this by using specialized suturing techniques to anchor the tissue firmly. We are transparent about this possibility and will discuss a long-term plan with you, but our primary goal, backed by extensive experience with post-bariatric patients, is to achieve a stable, lasting result the first time.

We believe a world-class arm lift is defined by its scar. While a scar is a permanent trade-off for removing excess skin, our protocol is designed to make it as discreet as possible over time.

  • Scar Maturation Timeline:
    • Year 1: This is the most active phase. The scar will initially be red, then fade to pink, and may feel slightly raised. This is normal healing.
    • Year 5: The scar will have “matured.” It should be a flat, pale white or light-pink line that is much less noticeable.
    • Year 10+: The scar will be soft, pale, and fully settled. Its final appearance depends on your genetics and, most importantly, on sun protection.
  • Our Scar Minimization Protocol:
    1. Surgical Technique (The Most Important Step): Dr. Mezdeği’s technique is paramount. He places the incision in the most hidden location (the medial sulcus of the arm). More importantly, he uses a multi-layer closure. All the tension is placed on deep, dissolving sutures, so the skin itself is closed with zero tension. A tension-free closure is the #1 secret to a fine-line scar.
    2. Post-Operative Care: We provide a comprehensive aftercare plan. This includes instructions on when to begin using silicone gels or sheets (which are clinically proven to improve scar healing) and strict protocols for sun protection. You must keep the scar completely out of the sun (or under SPF 50+) for at least 12 months to prevent it from darkening (hyperpigmentation).

This is a very common and important question. Yes, it is completely normal to experience numbness and changes in sensation (like tingling or “pins and needles”) after an arm lift.

Here is why: To remove the excess skin, the skin must be lifted from the underlying tissue. This process temporarily disrupts the tiny, superficial sensory nerves.

  • Is it permanent? For the vast majority of patients, this is temporary. Sensation almost always returns gradually as these tiny nerves heal and regenerate. This process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, or sometimes longer.
  • Transparency: It is possible (though rare) to have small, isolated patches of permanent numbness, usually located directly on the incision line itself. This does not affect muscle function or movement and is generally not bothersome, but we believe in being fully transparent about all possibilities.

Thank you for your honesty. This is our most important safety policy.

  • The Specific Risks: Nicotine (from cigarettes, vapes, patches, or gum) is a powerful vasoconstrictor, meaning it strangles your blood vessels. This starves your healing tissues of the oxygen and nutrients they desperately need. For a smoker, the risks are not minor; they are dramatic and include:
    • Wound Dehiscence (the incision falling apart)
    • Skin Necrosis (the death of skin tissue, especially around the incision)
    • Severe Infection
    • Thick, wide, and dark scars
    • Life-threatening anesthesia and lung complications.
  • Our Mandatory Policy (Non-Negotiable): For your safety, we cannot and will not operate on an active smoker.
    • You must stop all forms of nicotine (including vapes and gum) a minimum of 4 weeks before your surgery.
    • You must remain nicotine-free for a minimum of 4 weeks after your surgery.
    • We will perform a nicotine test during your pre-operative screening. If you test positive, your surgery will be cancelled. This policy is strict because your life and a successful outcome are our only priorities.

This is an excellent combination for the right patient. VASER is an advanced, ultrasound-assisted liposuction technology that allows for true body sculpting, not just fat removal.

  • Difference in the Result:
    • Standard Arm Lift: This procedure is brilliant at removing excess skin.
    • Arm Lift + VASER: This combination addresses both skin and stubborn fat. VASER uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat, allowing Dr. Mezdeği to precisely sculpt the entire upper arm, contouring the deltoid (shoulder) and addressing fat pockets near the elbow or back of the arm that a lift alone cannot fix.
    • Skin Tightening: The heat from the VASER probe also creates an additional skin-tightening effect from the inside out, enhancing the final contour. The result is not just a tighter arm, but a more athletic, toned, and defined arm.
  • Difference in Recovery:
    • Because VASER is tissue-selective (it melts fat while being gentler on blood vessels and nerves), it typically results in less bruising and swelling compared to traditional liposuction.
    • Your overall recovery timeline will still be set by the arm lift incision, as that requires the most healing time. However, the component of the recovery related to fat removal is often smoother and more comfortable with VASER.

This is truly our favorite part of the process. While the physical transformation is dramatic, the emotional and psychological feedback is even more powerful.

By far, the most common feedback we hear is about freedom of wardrobe. For the first time in years, or even decades, patients tell us they can:

  • Wear a sleeveless top, tank top, or short-sleeved t-shirt without a second thought.
  • Go to the beach or pool and wear a swimsuit without needing a cover-up or feeling self-conscious.
  • Raise their arms in a social setting (to wave, reach for something, or dance) without the old anxiety.

This isn’t just about clothing; it’s about removing a constant, daily source of insecurity. We hear “This has been life-changing” and “I wish I had done this 10 years ago” more than anything else. It allows a patient’s vibrant personality to shine through, no longer hidden by cardigans and long sleeves.

This is an excellent question, as it shows you are committed to a long-term partnership, which we love. The surgery provides a new, beautiful baseline; your lifestyle is what preserves it for decades.

There are two non-negotiable pillars for long-term success:

  1. Weight Stability (The #1 Factor): The single most important thing you can do is maintain a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations (either gain or loss) are the primary enemy of a brachioplasty, as this will stretch the skin again and can compromise the result. A balanced, sustainable, whole-food diet is your best tool for this.
  2. Strength Training: We strongly encourage a consistent exercise routine that includes resistance training for the upper body (e.g., exercises for your biceps, triceps, and shoulders). Building and maintaining lean muscle tone in the arms provides a firm, strong foundation for the skin to drape over. This enhances the sculpted, athletic contour and provides internal support for the skin.

Think of it this way: Dr. Mezdeği removes the excess; your lifestyle maintains the new, toned shape.

This is a wonderful, real-world milestone to look forward to. The answer involves two different timelines: the physical healing and the aesthetic maturation.

  • The Physical Timeline (Safe to Wear): You will be physically healed and cleared for all normal activities, including swimming and full exercise, by 6 to 8 weeks post-op. Most major swelling will be gone by this point, and you will already see a dramatic new shape.
  • The Aesthetic Timeline (Confident to Wear): “Feeling comfortable” is often tied to the scar’s appearance. For the first 3-6 months, your scar will be in its “active” healing phase and will look red or deep pink. This is normal.
    • Most patients report feeling truly confident and ready to show off their arms around the 6-month mark, as the scar begins to fade significantly. By 12 months, the scar will have matured into a much paler, less noticeable line, and your confidence will be at its peak.

We understand this anxiety completely, and it’s why our entire system is built around safety and patient support.

  1. World-Class Hospital Standards: We operate exclusively in JCI-accredited hospitals. This is the highest international gold standard for patient safety, sterilization protocols, and advanced medical technology. These are the same standards you would find in a top hospital in the US or Western Europe.
  2. You Are Never Alone: Our ‘All-Inclusive’ model is designed to eliminate this fear. From the moment you land, your Dedicated Patient Coordinator (who speaks your language fluently) is with you. They manage all your transfers and, most importantly, are with you at the hospital to act as your translator, advocate, and support system 24/7.
  3. Comprehensive Pre-Op Screening: Your safety comes first. We conduct thorough pre-operative blood tests and an in-person consultation with both Dr. Mezdeği and the anesthesiologist to ensure you are a perfect candidate for surgery.
  4. Structured Post-Op Monitoring: After you are discharged, our care continues. We provide [e.g., 24-hour post-op nursing care at your hotel / daily check-ins from our medical team] before you are cleared to fly. Dr. Mezdeği personally examines you multiple times before your departure to ensure you are healing perfectly.

Our entire process is designed to remove all stress and logistics, allowing you to feel as safe and comfortable as you would in your own home.

Last Update : 24.10.2025