Loose skin on the upper arms after weight loss or with age does not tighten with exercise. An arm lift removes it and gives the arm a firmer outline, in exchange for a scar. In this guide New City Clinic explains who benefits and what to expect.
Who is an arm lift for?
The operation suits people with hanging skin between the armpit and the elbow whose weight has been stable for at least six months. It is common after major weight loss. If the arm is mainly full of fat and the skin is firm, liposuction alone may be enough; where skin is loose, removing fat alone would make it look looser. Your surgeon assesses this by pinching the tissue during the examination.
Where is the scar?
In a standard arm lift the scar runs along the inner side of the upper arm from the armpit towards the elbow, placed so that it is hidden when the arms hang down. With limited laxity near the armpit, a shorter scar within the armpit may be possible. Scars on the arm can stay red and slightly raised for some months before fading; this trade-off should be clear before you decide.
Risks and combining procedures
Wound healing problems, fluid collections, temporary swelling of the hand and forearm and altered sensation along the scar are the main risks. Smoking raises them considerably. An arm lift is often combined with liposuction of the arm, a back lift or breast surgery, within the operating time your surgeon considers safe.
An arm lift: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
An arm lift with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about an arm lift, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First day
Day case or one night in hospital; arms slightly raised on pillows.
Week 1
Compression sleeves are worn; most patients fly home on day 5–7.
Weeks 2–6
Desk work from about week 2; no lifting above shoulder height or heavy loads.
Months 6–12
Scars soften and fade; the final contour is established.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scar very visible?
It runs along the inner arm and is hidden with the arms down, but it is permanent. It fades over a year or more.
Can liposuction replace an arm lift?
Only when the skin is firm. Where there is hanging skin, it has to be removed for the arm to look tighter.
When can I lift my arms normally?
Everyday movements are fine straight away; reaching overhead and lifting weights wait about four to six weeks.
Deciding on an arm lift is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
