Arm and Thigh Lift

After weight loss, or with age, sagging skin on the inner arms or inner thighs may bother you. This kind of sagging does not improve with exercise or diet. Wearing short sleeves, shorts or a swimsuit becomes harder, and chafing and rashes can also occur on the thighs. In arm and thigh lift surgery, I remove the excess skin and fat to create a firmer, smoother contour.

In short: An arm lift (brachioplasty) and a thigh lift are operations that reshape the arms and thighs by removing sagging skin and fat. They are performed under general anesthesia, usually with one night in hospital. You can return to desk work in 1–2 weeks. The surgery leaves a scar; it is planned so that clothing covers it, and it fades over time.

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Who Is an Arm or Thigh Lift For?

People with sagging skin on the arms or thighs after major weight loss (through diet or weight loss surgery)
People whose skin has lost its elasticity with age
People whose weight has been stable for at least 6 months (after weight loss surgery, usually 12–18 months)
People in good general health who do not smoke or are able to stop
If there is no skin sagging and the problem is only excess fat, liposuction alone may be enough. We decide together at the consultation which option is right for you.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Arm lift

The incision runs along the inner side of the arm, from the armpit towards the elbow. When your arm is at your side, the scar is largely hidden. If the sagging is mild, a mini arm lift can be done with a shorter incision that stays only in the armpit. If needed, the arm is slimmed further with liposuction.

Thigh lift

The incision is usually made in the groin crease and stays within the underwear line. If the sagging extends along the inner thigh down to the knee, a vertical incision on the inner thigh may also be needed. It can be planned together with liposuction.

The Day of Surgery

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped hospital.
It usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the procedure.
After surgery, you wear a compression garment.
You usually stay one night in hospital.

Preparing for surgery

If you smoke, you need to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery. Smoking seriously impairs wound healing.
Blood thinners and some herbal supplements are stopped before surgery. Be sure to tell us about all the medications you take at the consultation.

Recovery

First week: Swelling, bruising and tightness are normal. After an arm lift, keeping your arms raised on a pillow helps; after a thigh lift, avoiding sitting for long periods makes you more comfortable.
Weeks 1–2: You can return to desk work. Stitches are removed on day 10–14.
Weeks 4–6: You wear the compression garment during this period. You gradually return to heavy lifting and exercise at the end of this period.
Months 3–6: The swelling goes away completely, and the final shape settles.
Months 12–18: The scar matures and fades.
Abroad note
If you are coming from abroad, plan to stay in Türkiye for about 10–14 days, until your stitches are removed and your first check-ups are complete.

Will There Be a Scar?

An arm or thigh lift leaves a scar. This is the trade-off for removing the sagging skin. I plan the incisions in places that everyday clothing and underwear will cover. The scar, which is pink and noticeable in the first months, lightens and becomes thinner over time. Silicone gel, sun protection and regular check-ups help the scar heal better.

→ Details: Scar revision (in Turkish)

Risks

Bleeding, infection and wound healing problems
Wound separation along the stitch line, especially in the groin
Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
Widening or a more noticeable scar
Temporary numbness or reduced sensation
Prolonged swelling in the arm or leg
Asymmetry
A stable weight, stopping smoking and following the aftercare recommendations significantly reduce these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the scar visible after an arm lift?

The scar stays on the inner side of the arm and is largely hidden when your arm is at your side. The scar, which is noticeable in the first months, lightens and becomes thinner over time.

Can liposuction replace an arm or thigh lift?

If the skin has good elasticity and the problem is only excess fat, liposuction may be enough. However, if the skin is sagging, liposuction can make the sagging worse; in this case, a lift is needed.

How long after weight loss can I have surgery?

Your weight needs to have been stable for at least 6 months. After weight loss surgery, the usual wait is 12–18 months.

When can I return to work?

Most people return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. For physically demanding work, you need to wait 4–6 weeks.

Can an arm lift and a thigh lift be done at the same time?

In suitable patients, an arm lift and a thigh lift can be done in the same session. However, because the surgery takes longer, planning it in two stages is safer for some patients. We make this decision together based on your general health.