Arm Lift for Sagging Skin on Forearms?

Question

Will an arm lift help the sagging skin on the forearms or is that another procedure? Also, what is the average cost in metro Phoenix?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Donabella,The arm lift or brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm.  The upper arm is described as the area from the armpit to the elbow. By definition, the arm lift or brachioplasty does not remove skin and fat from the forearm.  A forearm lift or reduction removes skin and fat from the forearms.  Typically, the incision extends from the elbow towards the wrist.  The severity of the forearms determines how long the arm and forearm incision is.  If the forearm has only a mild amount of skin and fat around the elbow, then the scar is shorter. If there is excess arm skin and fat to the wrist, the incision and resulting scar will extend to the wrist.I have performed this procedure many times.  I always combine the arm lift or brachioplasty with the forearm lift on the same day of surgery.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's unusual for patients to require surgery to address excess forearm skin. When this situation arises, a standard upper arm brachioplasty will have very little impact upon the forearm. Under these circumstances, a forearm lift is often necessary. This procedure removes excess, saggy skin through an inner forearm incision. The procedure involves trade-offs between excess saggy skin and noticeable scarring.If you're considering this type of surgery, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in the area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

A specialized arm lift may be an effective treatment for sagging skin on the forearms.  This procedure is best for patients who are likely to heal with thin scars.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Arm lift is not a procedure that removes skin or fat from the forearm. There is no such procedure described. In one or two weight loss patients, I have however removed skin from the inner forearm on special occasions. This is done as a separate procedure from the arm lift.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Extending the usual arm lifting scar distally will help treat &ldquo;sagging skin on the forearms&rdquo;.  The upside is improvement in contour,  the downside is the presence  of a scar (which may be problematic).

	I hope this helps.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	An arm lift or brachioplasty is usually designed to contour the laxity of the upper arm from the elbow to the arm pit but it can also help the forearm area.  This can be accomplished in two ways:  The first is extending the incision onto the forearm which is not as desireable.  More commonly I shoft the closure of the upper arm incision so that some of the forearm laxity is corrected with the traditional arm lift procedure.

	All the best,

	Dr Repta

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

A true arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, will only remove skin and fat from the upper arm and contour it. A forearm lift can be performed though it is far less common as the need for it is generally infrequent. This involves a scar on the inner aspect of the forearm. It can also be combined with an arm lift.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The loose skin of the forearm can be removed either with an arm lift or as a separate procedure. Usually the incision is on the inner arm so the scar is less visible.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Though not as popular as an upper arm lift, a forearm lift can be performed to tighten the skin on the lower arm.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) will correct skin sagining such as the "Bat Wing" deformity on the ARMS. It is not designed nor will it lift loose skin on the forearm.
There is NO standardized procedure to remove loose forearm skin because that skin is not widely stretched as is the arm.
You should discuss your concerns with several Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area www.Plasticsurgery.org and see what they recommend.

Arm Lift for Sagging Skin on Forearms?

Answers (11)

More Arm Lift Questions

What's the recovery like after the arm lift? What can I expect in terms of downtime and scarring?

Would surgery help with stretch marks under arms?

Is It Common to Use Local Anesthesia for Brachioplasty Revision?

General or Local Anesthesia for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

Remove Fat and Loose Skin Under Arms

Arm Lift Scar Position Favored by Most Women?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS