55, 5'3, mostly 150lbs, arm lift vs. arm liposuction? (Photos)

Hello Marukobe, thank you for your question regarding whether you would be better with an arm lift versus arm liposuction. Thank you for your history and your pictures. Based on your history of dieting, age over 50, and presence of arm stretch marks, I highly suggest you undergo an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. Anything short of the brachioplasty will leave you with loose, hanging arm skin. Conversely, you can try arm liposuction if you do not mind loose hanging arm skin. However, I think you will be disappointed with arm liposuction alone. Therefore, I suggest the arm lift or brachioplasty. Under general anesthesia, the arm lift or brachioplasty takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. During a brachioplasty, arm liposuction is performed from the elbow to the armpit. During the same arm lift surgery, an upper arm incision would be made from the armpit to the elbow. The arm incision is placed between the biceps and triceps to allow for maximum scar concealment. After an arm reduction, please allow yourself a week of recovery. Arm lifts do not require drains. Return to work is approximately 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the activity required at your workplace. Therefore, my vote is 100% for an arm lift or brachioplasty. Liposuction will leave you with loose hanging arm skin. I hope I have answered your question regarding whether you should under an arm lift or liposuction. Good luck.

Hello marukobe. In my experience, the amount of excess skin you have is more than enough that could potentially retract enough for a good result after surgery. If you only want to do liposuction or skin tightening procedures (Body Tite, Morpheus8, VASER, Renuvion), the resulting retraction will not be enough, and there will still be saggy skin left in place. I'd recommend an extended arm lift to give you the best possible results.
Have a great day!

I would expect that liposuction alone will create significant loose skin and wrinkles that you wouldn't love. I've performed a lot of arm liposuction and brachioplasties and the condition of the skin largely depends on how much volume will be removed and the condition of the skin/age of the patient.

An exam is needed to know for sure but it appears you would have some improvement with liposuction and could add J Plasma to aid in skin tightening. However the risk of lax skin remaining is there. You may be a better candidate for a brachioplasty depending on your goals.

If you undergo liposuction alone, it is most likely that you will have excess hanging skin. You can certainly try liposuction first and wear a compressive garment for several months to help the skin recoil. In the meantime, you can start wearing a compressive garment to help your skin tone.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.