I have an arm band on one arm and approx 4 inch by 4 inch tattoo on bicep of other arm. I want them gone. I need an arm lift after major weight loss of over 100 lbs following gastric bypass. I have consulted for Picosure but was advised my results would not be optimal. Can I have the arm lift done in reverse to cut away the 4x4 tattoo? I realize the arm lift scar would be seen but I'm fine with that. On the arm band, obviously most will be cut by arm lift itself but could the rest be removed?
Answer: Arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm tattoo, arm lift scar Congratulations on having lost over hundred pounds. Thank you for your question regarding removal of an arm tattoo during a brachioplasty. Unfortunately, I do NOT recommend removal of this band-like arm tattoo. Removing your band-like biceps tattoo with direct excision can significantly compromise the blood supply to the forearm and hand. In addition, if an incision is made completely around the circumference of the arm, it will severely impact and alter the lymphatic drainage of the arm. The lymphatic drainage channels drain fluid in your hand and forearm. This means if the tattoo is cut out in a band like fashion, this will lead to chronic lifelong hand and forearm swelling. DO NOT DO IT!Therefore, instead, I would suggest a formal arm lift or brachioplasty. This incision would extend from the armpit to the axilla. This would remove a significant portion of the inner arm tattoo. For the removal of the rest of the arm tattoo, I would suggest laser tattoo removal. There are some exceptionally good lasers that are fine-tuned to tattoo removal.I hope this answers your question regarding surgical excision of your biceps tattoo. If you have any other questions regarding arm lift or brachioplasty, please not hesitate to contact my office.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm tattoo, arm lift scar Congratulations on having lost over hundred pounds. Thank you for your question regarding removal of an arm tattoo during a brachioplasty. Unfortunately, I do NOT recommend removal of this band-like arm tattoo. Removing your band-like biceps tattoo with direct excision can significantly compromise the blood supply to the forearm and hand. In addition, if an incision is made completely around the circumference of the arm, it will severely impact and alter the lymphatic drainage of the arm. The lymphatic drainage channels drain fluid in your hand and forearm. This means if the tattoo is cut out in a band like fashion, this will lead to chronic lifelong hand and forearm swelling. DO NOT DO IT!Therefore, instead, I would suggest a formal arm lift or brachioplasty. This incision would extend from the armpit to the axilla. This would remove a significant portion of the inner arm tattoo. For the removal of the rest of the arm tattoo, I would suggest laser tattoo removal. There are some exceptionally good lasers that are fine-tuned to tattoo removal.I hope this answers your question regarding surgical excision of your biceps tattoo. If you have any other questions regarding arm lift or brachioplasty, please not hesitate to contact my office.
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CONTACT NOW November 24, 2015
Answer: Arm tattoo excision during arm lift or brachioplasty? It is very likely that your tattoo may be removed during your surgery. It can not be confirmed however, until you have a consultation with your surgeon. Please engage a board certified surgeon and be very specific on your expected outcome so you and your doctor are clear on the final expectations for the tattoo removal.
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CONTACT NOW November 24, 2015
Answer: Arm tattoo excision during arm lift or brachioplasty? It is very likely that your tattoo may be removed during your surgery. It can not be confirmed however, until you have a consultation with your surgeon. Please engage a board certified surgeon and be very specific on your expected outcome so you and your doctor are clear on the final expectations for the tattoo removal.
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September 28, 2015
Answer: Arm tattoo excision during arm lift or brachioplasty? Without you posting any photos would be a pure guess response! I think the exchange of a tattoo scar to a very noticed anterior scar in reverse brachioplasty is NOT worth the risk. Besides the increase complications of doing anterior excisions... I would pass...
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CONTACT NOW September 28, 2015
Answer: Arm tattoo excision during arm lift or brachioplasty? Without you posting any photos would be a pure guess response! I think the exchange of a tattoo scar to a very noticed anterior scar in reverse brachioplasty is NOT worth the risk. Besides the increase complications of doing anterior excisions... I would pass...
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October 5, 2015
Answer: Tattoo removal during an armlet procedure If a person has a tattoo which is within the area of armskin that is going to be removed then, certainly, the tattoo will have to be removed or substantially altered by the armlet. I've seen patients who have had the whole range of tattoos. and I've had to work with what the patients wants (to keep or to excise).I'm not quite sure what is meant by a "reverse" armlift." I suppose you mean that instead of removing the loose skin leaving a scar on the inside of the arm (the usual way) you wonder whether that incision/scar could be placed on the outside of the arm. I would hate to make an armlift scar on the outside of one's arm. You say it wouldn't bother you in exchange of an arm with a tattoo and loose skin but once you see it you just might change your mind having such an obvious scar. Additionally, instead of making an incision along the inner arm where the skin is very loose and thin, if the incision is made on the outside it would be less possible to get as tight a result as you would want in the long term.
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October 5, 2015
Answer: Tattoo removal during an armlet procedure If a person has a tattoo which is within the area of armskin that is going to be removed then, certainly, the tattoo will have to be removed or substantially altered by the armlet. I've seen patients who have had the whole range of tattoos. and I've had to work with what the patients wants (to keep or to excise).I'm not quite sure what is meant by a "reverse" armlift." I suppose you mean that instead of removing the loose skin leaving a scar on the inside of the arm (the usual way) you wonder whether that incision/scar could be placed on the outside of the arm. I would hate to make an armlift scar on the outside of one's arm. You say it wouldn't bother you in exchange of an arm with a tattoo and loose skin but once you see it you just might change your mind having such an obvious scar. Additionally, instead of making an incision along the inner arm where the skin is very loose and thin, if the incision is made on the outside it would be less possible to get as tight a result as you would want in the long term.
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October 1, 2015
Answer: Tattoo removal with brachioplasty You asked an interesting question. If the tattoos bother you, then certainly they can be removed, at the expense of visible scars, and the time to do it is when you have some excess skin to use. See an experienced plastic surgeon and see if they can formulate a surgical plan that can achieve both goals. Ask them where the scars will be and whether or not the surgery can be performed in one step. Most experience plastic surgeons would find this to be an interesting challenge.
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October 1, 2015
Answer: Tattoo removal with brachioplasty You asked an interesting question. If the tattoos bother you, then certainly they can be removed, at the expense of visible scars, and the time to do it is when you have some excess skin to use. See an experienced plastic surgeon and see if they can formulate a surgical plan that can achieve both goals. Ask them where the scars will be and whether or not the surgery can be performed in one step. Most experience plastic surgeons would find this to be an interesting challenge.
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