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How to Correct Poor Mini Arm Lift Results?

asked 2 years ago by cndgirly in canada
Latest answer by Thomas Fiala, MD
Question viewed 793 times
Tags: results

I had a mini arm lift and now have a web between the chest and upper arm! Not only was the procedure ineffective, the skin pulls between the side of the chest wall and arm to create a web when the arm is raised. It is also uncomfortable as it pulls. Can this be corrected with a full brachioplasty? If not, what can be done to correct this?

12 answers to How to Correct Poor Mini Arm Lift Results?

Mini Arm Lift V.S. Full Arm lift (brachioplasty)

Hi, Based on your description, this will require a combination of procedures, Full arm lift or Brachioplasty, Reconstruction of the axilla (armpit by rearranging tissues such as Z plasty) Bringing tissues form the arm to correct the webbing and tissue pulling Hope this was helpful. Dr. Sajjadian

Ali Sajjadian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.DrSajjadian.com

Revision of an arm lift surgery

Really, I would need to see you or your photos to tell you exactly what's happened, and how to fix it. You may need a scar revision with a Z-plasty, or you might need a full brachioplasty. Overall, I'm not a fan of the short-scar brachioplasty operation - it's rare to see a good result with it, as it only treats the upper third of the arm. All the best,

Thomas Fiala, MD
Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon

Mini-brachioplasty

I am not a big fan of a mini-brachioplasty. Most patietns are better off with a full brachioplasty except that they do not want the long incision. Without an exam I do not know what to suggest to you.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Mini-brachioplasty like most "mini" operations are usually disappointing.

It sounds like a mini-brachioplasty was not the right choice of procedure for your problem (I am presuming much here). Like most "mini" operations, only the occasional patient is a good candidate. Revisit your surgeon and discuss a solution.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Mini-Brachioplasty: Not the Magic Bullet

Based upon your description of the outcome of your surgery, a Full Brachioplasty, rather than a Mini Brachioplasty was the procedure of choice for you. A Mini-Brachioplasty is best used when the upper 1/3 of the upper arm has skin laxity limited to the long axis (shoulder to elbow distance) of the arm. It is a procedure that reduces excess skin in only one dimension, even when combined with liposuction. Only a Full Brachioplasty combined with... more

Christopher D. Prevel, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Mini Brachioplasty

Liposuction of the arms may be combined with a mini brachioplasty (mini arm lift). The purpose of the mini arm lift is to tighten the skin of the inner one third of the arm. A relatively small group of patients are candidates for this procedure. The formation of bands in the armpit and upper lateral chest is relatively frequent in the early post-operative period, as is a limited range of motion. I generally recommend starting range of motion exercises and message about 3 weeks... more

Andrew Lyos, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Mini-procedures often mean mini-results

It sounds like you would benefit from a full brachioplasty. Many women don't want the long scar associated with this surgery, though, so the surgeon compromises and does a "mini" version of the brachioplasty. Most women are NOT great candidates for a mini-brachioplasty, though, just has most women aren't great candidates for mini-tummy tuck, etc. Have the procedure that will give you the results you want--don't compromise.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Mini Brachioplasty vs Full Brachioplasty

Different options are available for you. Either a scar contracture release can be performed like a z plasty or the surgery can be converted to a full brachioplasty which will improve the results of the skin tightening in the arm even more. Hope that helps. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Mini arm lift revisions are problems

The mini arm lift is a good procedure for a small subset of woman with arm laxity limited to the upper 1/3 of the upper arm. It tough to make recommendations based on your description alone- but if you feel that the 'band' limits your arm mobility, then a local tissue rearrangement flap like a Z-plasty might be able to lengthen the scar across the armpit area.

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Arm lift

You have multiple options, This ranges fro a simple scar revision and a Z-Plasty to correct the contracture, to a formal Brachioplast a d a form of Z_Plasty at the axilla. Consult a Board Certified Plsatic Surgeon who can help you achieve your goals. Meanwhile continue excercises to the arm and the range of motion to the shoulder so that the scar contracture does not affect the shoulder range of motion.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Converting mini arm lift to full brachioplasty

This typically requires conversion of the mini arm lift to a full brachioplasty procedure with a z-plasty along the posterior axillary fold to minimize wound tension and "bow-stringing".

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini arm lift

There are two different issues going on. Scar contracture under the arm that is painful. Should be able to be corrected with z-plasty and steroid injections. After this is corrected a longer brachioplasty incision should help with the remaining extra tissue.