Anything i can do for the fat rolls on my arms? (photo)

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether you can do anything for the fat rolls or tight bands on your upper arms. Thank you also for sharing your history and photos. What you’re experiencing is actually a relatively common condition referred to as “arm bands” or “arm rings.” These horizontal indentations are typically caused by dense scar tissue or fibrous bands beneath the skin that can create a tight, pinched appearance around the arm.

There are a couple of surgical approaches that can help address this issue. One of the more effective techniques is called a Z-plasty. This involves making a small, zigzag-shaped incision over the band and rearranging the tissue to release the tension and soften the indentation. Z-plasty tends to work well in cases where the arm band is very tight or deeply indented, but it does leave a small scar in the area. Another option is fat grafting combined with liposuction. In this technique, fat is removed from the areas above and below the band, and then fat is injected directly into the crease to try to soften it. While fat grafting doesn’t always yield the same level of improvement as Z-plasty, it has the advantage of creating less visible scarring. The choice between these two options depends on the severity of the band and your comfort level with potential scars.

Please be aware that not all plastic surgeons offer these procedures, as they require a nuanced understanding of scar behavior and tissue management. If you are considering treatment, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has specific experience treating arm bands or performing brachioplasty (arm lift) procedures. Always ask to see before-and-after photos and confirm that they’ve performed at least 100 arm lift or fat grafting cases. If you're unable to find a local expert, consider traveling for care to ensure the best possible results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Although it's virtually impossible to make a specific recommendation without a physical examination, your pictures suggest the presence of constricting bands of skin around your upper arms. These bands may represent a mild manifestation of a condition known as amniotic band syndrome. In severe cases, multiple z-plasties may be necessary to correct this problem and avoid functional problems.Your pictures suggest the presence of a relatively minor deformity. Under these circumstances, liposuction to debulk the bands might dramatically improve your arm contour.For these reasons, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Liposuction may be appropriate, but this is difficult to evaluate from the photos alone. Liposuction results are highly surgeon
dependent. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs
hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. Then look at the
plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a
sense of who can deliver the results.Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA