Not sure which procedure is right for me - Arm sculpting or arm lift? (photos)

Question

I hate my arms! Not sure which procedure is right for me though. Afraid with the air sculp it will leave leftover flabby skin and I don't want to pay for 2 procedures:( Also afraid the scar from the arm lift will be horrible just so confused. I have to buy bigger shirts because my arms are bigger . Finally ready to make a change.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about what to do with your arms. Let's analyze your pictures. You have excess skin and fat from the armpit to the elbow. Therefore you have two unbalanced organ systems. If you address one, the other will not be correct. Since you have excess skin and fat and only undergo arm liposuction, you will not obtain optimal results. It would help if you decided whether you want to get rid of your excess arm skin and fat permanently or live with a partial result obtained with arm liposuction. Almost all my patients opt for an arm lift reduction or brachioplasty. This is what I would suggest for you. My concern is that if you just have arm liposuction, whether that's air sculpting, smart lipo, laser lipo, or even VASER liposuction at the end of the procedure, you WILL have hanging arm skin I think you will be even more upset with the appearance of your arms if you just undergo liposuction. Therefore I would highly suggest a formal brachioplasty. During brachioplasty, liposuction is performed, and an incision is made from the armpit to the elbow.
A large elliptical fat area is removed from the arm to the elbow. Sometimes the incision is extended in the armpit and down the side of the chest to remove excess skin and fat that hangs over the bra line. The brachioplasty takes about 3-4 hours to complete based on the complexity of your arm. I do not use drains. Usually, you can return to work 1-2 weeks after the procedure, depending on your healing and type of work. I hope this helps answer your question on what to do with your arms. In conclusion, I highly suggest you undergo a formal brachioplasty which combines arm liposuction and an incision from the armpit to the elbow. 
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! You are a great candidate for a Brachioplasty procedure as that will remove excess skin to your arms. Liposuction to both arms can also be done in the same procedure. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to create a surgical plan targeted towards your specific goals.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your arms exhibit a combination of adiposity and skin laxity that cannot be treated by fat reduction techniques alone. Additional skin tightening procedures will not be sufficient either, and skin removal will be required to give proper contours of your arms. As an aside, the AirSculpt site video is a promotional piece that is filled with lies (no scalpels, needles, no pain or downtime, etc.), and clearly shows the inventor (who is not a board certified surgeon of any kind) holding a liposuction canula sucking fat. Please, go to a reputable board certified plastic surgeon in your area: Indianapolis, Louisville, or Cincinnati.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, you seem to be a candidate for arm lift. Liposuction and excision of redundant skin is the only way to correct current sagging. In person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in body contouring surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear littleft23,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would be a good candidate for arm lift. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

For best results, for an improved contour and removal of the excess arm skin, I would recommend arm liposuction combined with an arm skin excision (brachioplasty) at the same time. If you did just liposuction, as you said, you would likely end up needing a second procedure to remove the excess arm skin. Ultimately, the decision is up to you whether its worth trading the excess skin for a scar. Good luck!

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Your arms are not only thick but also very saggy. Because of safety, Your BMI must be below 30 and that will reduce automatically your arm fat but arms will become saggier. 
So after the weight loss you will be a great candidate for 360 Liposuction to arms and arm lift, using the horizon incision and avoid the bicipital groove incision which is very obvious for yourself. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You might do very well with liposuction to remove the excess fat and minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment like Renuvion to help tighten your skin.

John A. Kotis, DO, FACS, FACOS · Answer

Hi littleft23
I appreciate your question. I pracitice in Chicago, Illinois and brachioplasty or arm lift is one of my main procedures. I agree any liposuction or air sculpt will produce more loose and saggy skin. I would recommend a brachioplasty procedure along with liposuction done at the same time for the most optimal results. The scars are hidden posteriorly. In the twenty five years I have been purposing the procedure I havn't had anyone not be ok with the placement of the scar. Please review my gallery. I wish you the best of luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos it appears you would benefit from an arm lift with liposuction.  You run a risk with liposuction alone of having loose, hanging skin.  You may be a candidate for liposuction with J Plasma but an examination and discussion of your goals is needed to know for sure.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

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