How can I eliminate excess skin in my arms?

I had lipo Sept. 09, and this was performed to remove slight wings under my arms. I am 5'6" and weigh 118 lb., but the result was less than desirable. I now have very loose and wrinkled skin that is very embarrassing, and cannot wear anything that reveals my arms. I can pull the skin up on my arm toward my armpit and gather about two or three inches, and my arm is literally thinner at the upper portion than at the lower portion. Is there any procedure that can fix this? Please help!

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Shari D. in Dayton, OH

Doctor Answers (9)
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Arm liposuction is not good in my opinion

Any kind of liposuction (laser, Smart or traditional) requires good surgical technique and good skin elasticity for a great result. The upper arm has the thinnest skin on your body other than the inner thighs. These two areas are best avoided for liposuction in most cases in my opinion because of the potential for the result you have. The fact that your upper arm is thinner than the area farther down speaks to not the greatest technique and unfortunately now your only... more

Eliminating Excess Skin

Excess skin in the arms is a common result for patients that have the liposuction procedure on their arms. Liposuction solely will remove the fat in the area, but it just depends on your skin quality and the way that it retracts. Some patient’s skin does not shrink back into place and this causes them to be unhappy with their results. You should consult a board certified plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for a limited brachioplasty or a full brachioplasty. Limited... more

Skin Laxity after Arm Liposuction

It is hard to determine the specific surgical procedure that would be best for you without an exam, but it sounds like you are a candidate for brachioplasty (arm lifting) surgery to address the loose skin in your upper arms. Liposuction removes the excess fat, but does not address skin laxity and can make the skin appear looser if there is not enough skin elasticity to retract around the treated areas. Incision length and pattern vary based on the amount and location of excess skin... more

Arm skin laxity after lipo

Hello, Lipousuction is designed to remove fat and does not result in skin or soft-tissue tightening. If you have excess laxity following liposuction that laxity will need to be corrected by a tightening or lift procedure. There are a number of different arm lift procedures. Discuss your options with your plastic surgeon. Ask lots of questions and make sure to look at the before and after photos of previous arm lift procedures the plastic surgeon has performed... more

Loose skin after liposuction of the arms...

Some patients after having Liposuction, in any area, may experience sagging due to poor skin elasticity. Skin on the upper arms is thin, so it is possible to see it post operatively after liposuction because it doesn't contract as well. If there is enough skin to be removed, then a Brachioplasty may be needed. A Brachioplasty is when an incision is made from the under arm area down to the elbow and the excess skin is removed. After healing you are left with a... more

Arm Lipo vs. Arm Lift

If you can gather that much skin, my guess is that you were probably a better candidate for brachioplasty (arm lift) than you were for arm liposculpting. Arm liposculpting can be a good choice for those with: --Elastic skin tone and not a lot of excess skin --Good muscle tone -- Fat in their arms that is not excessive, and is localized in a one or more specific areas If you don't have good skin elasticity and muscle tone, or you have a lot of excess skin, as you... more

Excess arm skin

Without an examination it's difficult to discuss in detail but from what you are describing it sounds like some sort of armlifting surgery is what you may need to remove the excess skin. The incision can be hidden and will fade with time. Make sure you see your surgeon's work with before and after photos to make sure you are comfortable having the procedure performed.

Excess skin after arm liposuction

Normally, in someone as thin as you, the skin can be excised from the armpit so the resulting scar is nicely hidden. That may not work for you since you said that tightening the skin in the armpit leaves you with loose skin further away. The only solution may be to excise skin all of the way from the armpit to the elbow or possibly a little bit less. That will leave you with a long scar which will fade over time. Even with the scar, it usually looks better than... more

Kenneth L. Stein, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Brachioplasty For Excess Arm Skin

A brachioplasty or an arm lift is the procedure performed for excess skin on the arms. It is most commonly performed after massive weight loss, but it may be appropriate for your situation. There is a chance in your case that the scar can be hidden in the axilla. Obtain a consultation with a BC plastic surgeon with whom you can discuss the benefits/risks of this procedure.