Would I need arm lipo or an arm lift? (Photo)

Question

Im not sure if I have lipedema of my upper arms, but ive always stored fat in upper arms, even when skinner. This is the heaviest ive ever been, so wondering if this looks like weight loss would help or am i a candidate for surgery? If so, what kind of surgery? I hate how big upper arms appear and hide them all the time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Jennnm in Clovis, CA, Thank you for your question regarding whether you would need arm lipo or an arm lift. Thank you for your history and picture. Patients with lipedema describe arm pain and tenderness to touch with exacerbated sensitivity. Arm lipedema patients also describe arm heaviness, aching, and easy bruisabliity.  Also, the fat in the arms is usually resistant to diet and exercise in patients with arm lipedema. If you have these symptoms, you may have lipedema. In your case, most plastic surgeons would suggest weight loss first. Diet, exercise, low carbs, minimal sugar, no alcohol, and intermittent fasting work very well. If you cannot lose weight with traditional methods, consider GLP-1s. Most plastic surgeons would doubt you would ever need surgery. If you were to have arm surgery, you may want to consider VASER PAH liposuction with radiofrequency (RF). This surgery takes about 2 hours, no drains, compression garments for 6 weeks, return to desk work in 1-2 weeks, and return to the gym at 3-4 weeks. I hope that I answered your question regarding whether you would need arm lipo or an arm lift. Good luck. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS, FASBPS (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.)

Salvador Medina, MD · Answer

Hello Jennnm.
To determine what is the best procedure for contouring your arms, it is important to know  if you have lost weight, your age and other details about your habits. This information, and seeing and feeling the quality of your skin, we can determine the best procedure. 
In general, in young patients that have not lost a los of weight, liposuction of the arms if enough for a good contour.
Let me know if you would like more information.

Thanks
Dr. Salvador Medina

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

In general, liposuction works best when the main issue is localized fat and the skin has good elasticity; an arm lift (brachioplasty) is more appropriate when there is significant excess or hanging skin.

If the sagging shown is mild, a possible approach to discuss with a qualified surgeon could be arm liposuction with an adjunctive skin-tightening treatment. If there is more substantial skin excess, liposuction alone may actually leave the laxity more noticeable, and brachioplasty may provide the more predictable contour

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Based on this single view photo it is difficult to make a diagnosis. With good skin elasticity, one can achieve a very nice sculpted result with VASER Hi Def Lipo technique. If skin looseness is present, Renuvion skin tightening can be done. The surgery leaves inconspicuous scars (1cm in the armpit front and back and the back of the elbow). See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. I do not believe that you need an arm lift, that is determined during an examination. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

This diagnosis for arms is dubious, and the criteria for the lipedema diagnosis in general is questionable. That fact and the fact that lipedema and normal excess fat have the same treatment protocol make your question moot. The real issue is skin elasticity in your arms and whether liposuction alone will give you a result that will make you happy. Photos alone can't answer that question, but undergoing liposuction without skin resection (the arm lift part) is a perfectly reasonable option for you; it is possible you would not any further treatment.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have hanging skin so you need an arm lift. At the time of an arm lift, liposuction is usually done. This allows easier dissection and separates the skin from the underlying tissue, which makes the procedure less bloody.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is impossible to give you good advice based on this single photo, unfortunately. In person evaluation is needed to see whether liposuction alone or combined with skin excision would be appropriate option. Weight loss as well. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Your skin does not appear to be very lax, in my experience, Vaser ultrasound liposuction of the arms will remove stubborn areas and tighten skin without an arm lift.

This is a much easier surgery and recovery, also avoids the long scars.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi. Looking at your photos, I can see both localized fullness and some skin laxity, especially along the back of the upper arm. Because of that, you may actually be a candidate for an arm lift, particularly if that loose skin remains even after weight loss.
Liposuction could reduce the excess fat, but if the skin does not have enough elasticity, liposuction alone could leave the area looking looser. In that situation, an arm lift would give a more complete correction by removing the excess skin from the posterior arm.
I would still want better photos from the front and back before deciding, but based on this image, I would definitely evaluate you for a possible arm lift rather than assuming liposuction alone will be enough.

M. Ryan Khosravi, MD, FACS · Answer

The choice between arm liposuction and an arm lift depends largely on your skin quality and your goals. Arm liposuction is typically best for people with good skin elasticity who have excess fat but minimal loose skin. It can help create a slimmer, more contoured appearance with smaller incisions and generally less downtime. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, may be more appropriate when significant loose or sagging skin is present, particularly after substantial weight loss. In some cases, both procedures can be combined to address excess fat and skin. A consultation with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine which approach best suits your anatomy and desired outcome.

Would I need arm lipo or an arm lift? (Photo)

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