Arm Lift treatment in Switzerland

Arm Lift

Flavio Sonanini
Reviewed by Flavio Sonanini, Medical Travel Expert|Updated: January 2026

Arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin and fat from the upper arms, creating smoother, more toned arm contours—commonly sought after significant weight loss or due to aging.

What is Arm Lift?

Arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin and fat from the upper arms, creating smoother, more toned arm contours—commonly sought after significant weight loss or due to aging.

What to Know Before You Go

💡 Pro Tip: Arm lift is often combined with other body contouring procedures like tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast lift for comprehensive post-weight-loss transformation. Ask about package pricing for multiple procedures.

⚠️ Insider Note: Be realistic about scarring. The scar runs along the inner arm from armpit toward elbow and, while it fades significantly over 12-18 months, it is permanent. Most patients find the trade-off worthwhile for contoured arms they can show off in sleeveless tops.

Cost of Arm Lift in Turkey

Procedure
Turkey
UK
USA
Savings
Standard brachioplasty
€2,500-€4,000
£5,500-€7,500
$6,000-€9,000
60-65%
With liposuction
€3,500-€5,500
£7,000-€9,500
$8,000-€12,000
60-65%
Extended/combined
€5,000-€8,000
£9,000-€14,000
$12,000-€18,000
60-65%

Savings: Turkey offers 60-65% savings on arm lift surgery compared to UK/USA prices.

What's Included

Arm lift packages in Turkey typically cover:

Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees
Hospital/clinic stay (1-2 nights)
Compression garments
Post-operative medications
Follow-up consultations
Airport transfers and hotel (some packages)

Benefits

Removes excess sagging skin (bat wings)
Creates toned, contoured arms
Permanent results with stable weight
Can combine with liposuction for optimal results
Improves clothing fit
Boosts confidence in sleeveless clothing
60-70% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered for comfort.

Step 2 – Incision: Made along the inner arm, from armpit toward elbow (length depends on skin excess).

Step 3 – Tissue Removal: Excess skin and fat removed, underlying supportive tissue reshaped and tightened.

Step 4 – Closure: Incisions closed in layers with dissolvable sutures. Drains may be placed for 3-7 days.

Procedure time: 2-3 hours for both arms.

Recovery & Downtime

Day 1-3: Drains in place, compression garments worn, arms elevated
Week 1: Drains removed, moderate swelling and bruising
Week 2: Return to light desk work, limited arm movement
Week 4-6: Resume normal activities, swelling decreasing
Month 3-6: Scars fading, final contoured results visible

Potential Side Effects

Swelling and bruising weeks 1-3 (occurs in 90-100% of patients—normal)
Moderate discomfort week 1 (occurs in 80-90% of patients)
Temporary numbness near incision (occurs in 40-60% of patients, resolves)
Visible scarring (occurs in 100%—expected, fades significantly over time)
Rare: Seroma/fluid collection (occurs in 5-10% of patients)

Is Arm Lift Right for You?

Ideal candidates:

Significant upper arm skin laxity (bat wings)
At or near stable target weight
Non-smoker or willing to quit
Realistic expectations about scarring
Good general health

Not suitable for:

Still actively losing weight (wait until stable)
Unrealistic scar expectations
Active smokers (increased healing risks)
Certain medical conditions affecting healing
Those unwilling to limit arm activity during recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have visible scars?

Yes, scars run along the inner arm from armpit toward elbow. They fade significantly over 12-18 months but are permanent. The inner arm placement makes them less visible in most positions.

How long do arm lift results last?

Results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. Natural aging will continue, but you won't return to your pre-surgery appearance.

When can I return to work?

Most patients return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks. Physical jobs or those requiring arm lifting may require 4-6 weeks off for safe healing.

Can arm lift be combined with liposuction?

Yes, liposuction is often performed simultaneously for optimal contouring when excess fat is present along with loose skin. This provides better arm definition.

Is arm lift painful?

Moderate discomfort is expected for the first week, typically rated 4-5/10. Pain is well-controlled with prescribed medication and improves daily.

What causes sagging arms?

Significant weight loss is the most common cause. Aging and genetics also contribute to upper arm skin laxity (commonly called bat wings).

Will I lose arm strength?

No, muscle function is not affected by arm lift surgery. You may feel temporary weakness due to tissue swelling, but strength returns within weeks.

Why is arm lift cheaper in Turkey?

Lower operating costs and competitive medical tourism pricing—not lower quality. Turkish plastic surgeons use the same techniques and are often internationally trained and board-certified.

Is This Right For You?

"Patients with significant upper arm skin laxity from weight loss or aging. Best results when at or near target weight with realistic scar expectations."

Benefits

Removes excess sagging skin

Creates toned arm contours

Permanent results with stable weight

Can combine with liposuction

Improves clothing fit

Boosts confidence

60-70% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Process

Procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered.

Step 2 – Incision: Made along inner arm from armpit toward elbow.

Step 3 – Tissue Removal: Excess skin and fat removed, underlying tissue reshaped.

Step 4 – Closure: Sutures placed in layers, drains may be inserted.

Recovery & Downtime

Day 1-3: Drains, compression garments. Week 1: Drains removed, moderate swelling. Week 2: Light work, limited arm movement. Week 4-6: Normal activities. Month 3-6: Scars fading, final results.

Potential Side Effects

  • Swelling and bruising weeks 1-3 (occurs in 90-100% of patients)
  • Moderate discomfort week 1 (occurs in 80-90% of patients)
  • Temporary numbness near incision (occurs in 40-60% of patients)
  • Visible scarring (occurs in 100%—expected, fades over time)
  • Rare: Seroma/fluid collection (occurs in 5-10% of patients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Clinics for Arm Lift

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