Would I be able to achieve desired results with arm liposuction and skin tightening? (photos)

Question

Is it possible to ONLY do arm lipo and skin tightening. What would be my possible success rate? I really do not want a scar and I have been told several different things from different surgeons. I am a 33 year old female, no children.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!    It is hard to determine the amount of skin laxity in the photos.  You do have options.  We would love to sit down with you and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The results from noninvasive or minimally invasive methods of skin tightening in the arms are variable, which is likely why you are getting different answers from different providers. There is a good chance that you will get an improvement with a moderately invasive procedure, but it will not be as tight as if you had a full brachioplasty. That being said, you also will not have the long scar associated with the full brachioplasty either.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

I have had over 25 years experience with liposuction, and considering your photos and your age I believe that a good 360 liposuction of your arms will tighten them. see the attached example of arm liposuction

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question regarding the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome with just arm liposuction and skin tightening. I appreciate the history and pictures you've provided. The answer partially depends on your definition of the desired outcome. Most patients aim for thin arms without irregularities or scarring.
In your case, I believe the optimal choice would be a formal arm lift (brachioplasty) or arm reduction. This procedure involves arm liposuction and the removal of excess hanging skin, ensuring thinner arms without loose skin. However, it does involve a scar.
Alternatively, you can opt for arm liposuction with skin tightening alone, but this method does not guarantee that the skin will adequately retract, and it is scar-free. If you are willing to accept the potential risk of loose hanging skin, then you might consider proceeding with liposuction. But, if you prefer to avoid that risk, I would recommend a formal arm lift, which most plastic surgeons agree provides the best results.
If you decide to undergo liposuction, the consensus among plastic surgeons is that the VASER is the best machine for skin tightening. Arm liposuction is typically done under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 3 hours.
I hope this answers your question regarding whether arm liposuction and skin tightening alone will help you achieve your desired outcome. Good luck with your decision.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, no, you have a lot of excess skin on your arm, in addition to a lot of fat, with the devices that exist to make the skin tighter, you cannot achieve an adequate result, I would recommend liposuction of the entire arm, and arm lift .

Murat Diyarbakirlioglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

You have extra excess skin in the arms actually, so arm liposuction + J-plasma can be done however, the result gained by this procedure may provide 50% from what can be gained by arm lifting.

The ideal procedure in your case is arm lifting, but since you are not considering the scar, liposuction + j-plasma would be the second recommendation.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

I have done quite a few arm liposuction cases as well as brachioplasties. Liposuction will deflate the skin by the very nature of the procedure. The skin will contract to some extent but looseness and/or wrinkles are common once the skin has started to show some sagging (like in your photos.) Renuvion is a good treatment and can help reduce the amount of looseness that would otherwise be created in the skin but it does not eliminate it. The question then becomes what do you consider a success? If you're counting on no loose skin or skin that is tighter than it is now, then no it wouldn't be what you wanted. On the other hand if you are looking for a smaller more sculpted arm and would trade this for some looseness or wrinkles (mostly in the area that has already started to sag) then yes this might get what you're looking for. I think the short answer to your question is, expect some deflation effect in the form of loose skin that may have some wrinkles in your upper, inner arm.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

All the devices available for 'skin tightening' cannot tighten skin enough to avoid a skin excision surgery, if that's what's necessary. Be sure to consult with surgeon's capable and experienced in skin removing surgery; they're the only ones who can give an unbiased opinion. Just based on photos, it appears your skin is already loose; any liposuction will make that issue worse and likely require skin removing surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear melbananaaz,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you might have some loose skin after liposuction. However, it can be improved with skin tightening methods. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction is very effective for decreasing the volume of fat in the arms. After that, you will wear a compressive garment to help recoil the skin. However, it is very possible that your skin will hang. Skin tightening techniques have not been that successful. The other alternative is to do the arm liposuction and then wait 3-6 months and have a transverse axillary brachioplasty. This does not leave the long scar down the arms.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Would I be able to achieve desired results with arm liposuction and skin tightening? (photos)

Answers (15)

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