What are my options for removing excess fat in axillary area? (photos)

Question

I'm 5'6" 141lbs. My weight is stable and I'm moderately active. I've exercised my whole life. In the last 6 months I feel like there is just this collapse of skin in my axillary area and I don't know what to do about it. It looks AWFUL and just doesn't match with my body. I didn't think I needed an arm lift but maybe I do?? What can be done about this redundant skin and fat under my arm pits (right is worse than left!)? I've tried spot training with a trainer without improvement. Thank you!

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello. Someone like your self is a perfect surgical candidate. A Brachioplasty with Lipo Suction to your arms and underarms will be the best solution for you. I have had much success with these procedures with someone like yourself.
Best of Luck!
Dr. Julia Spears MD

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Nymommyfboys77, 
Thank you for your questions regarding what are your options for removing excess fat in the axillary region. Thank you for also including your pictures.  Just to be clear, what you have is not necessarily excess fat, but excess skin in the axillary region. As you mentioned, you have excess skin in your upper arms. Due to your age, history of extreme exercise, and inability to tone this area with a trainer,  I do not believe the skin will snap back with exercise alone. Therefore, I think surgical intervention needs to be done. Also, since you have a skin issue, the skin needs to be removed. It is not just a fat issue which can be resolved with arm liposuction. In your specific case, I would suggest an incision be made from the middle of the arm to the armpit and then, down the side of the chest to the upper bra strap line. This will take care of the excess skin in the upper half of the arm as well as the excess skin that spills over the lateral bra line. The name for this procedure is a modified longitudinal arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty combined with a partial vertical torsoplasty.  The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. Plan on a 2 to 3 week recovery. A drain will be placed on each side for approximately 5 to 7 days. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding what are your options for removing excess skin, not fat, in the axillary region.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.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” 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.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  A lateral chest skin excision would be an option for that area of the body.  We would love to meet and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Kristopher Day, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a number of different types of arm, axillary, and breast lift techniques, some of which are performed in combination with each other. It would take a full exam to say specifically which would benefit you most, but an excisional procedure of your excess skin seems to be needed. Everyone's body tends to store fat and exhibit excess tissue in various areas at different tendencies, and some of these area can be stubborn despite (or, paradoxically, sometimes because of) diet and exercise. So when those benefits have been maximized, then maybe it is time for removal of excess sagging tissue.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You have 3 problems:1).- Mild saggy arm skin (1/3 proximal) which need to be removed and tighten, 2).-saggy armpit fold which have created a descending fold which need to be lifted and 3).-saggy skin on the lateral torso which is the skin bulging out of the brassiere. So you will need a “crescent” lateral torsoplasty to remove that saggy skin. 
So you are candidate for the combination of Short Arm tightening, armpit fold lift and lateral torsoplasty. If you only get an arm lift the fold and lateral torso will remain saggy. 
I will recommend to seek for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and specialist in After weight loss surgery. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nymommyofboys77,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have loose skin which can be treated with minimally invasive radiofrequency like Renuvion, or it can be excised. Excision will give your best results, but it does leave scars. Please go visit with a plastic surgeon.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

In your photos, I can see the hanging skin of the arm and the side of the chest. There is not much fatty tissue in this general area. So, liposuction and non-surgical modalities will not work. Your best option is an arm lift combined with an axillary lift to remove the excess skin in these two areas. However, your arm lift incision does not need to be extended all the way to the elbow as far as the loose skin.

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

Brachioplasty may fit you very well. This is where the skin and fat of the upper arm is tailored and removed. Sometimes these incisions extend down onto the axillary and chest wall. This can help address the Laxity of tissue on the side of the chest as well as the axillary area. This will require a long scar from the armpit area to the elbow area. It is best that you have a conversation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you through the approach of the surgery, as well as the anticipated, healing and scarring. You appear to be an excellent candidate. We are happy to help in any way we can.

David Plank, MD · Answer

A board-certified plastic surgeon is qualified to address your issues. Board-certified plastic surgeons have spent years of training and have the top level of experience and skill. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic needs.

What are my options for removing excess fat in axillary area? (photos)

Answers (13)

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