I am 65 - is that too old for an arm lift?

Dear 1317,

Age, in itself, isn't the primary determining factor when considering suitability for an arm lift or any other surgical procedure. It's more about the overall health and vitality of the patient. I've performed arm lift surgeries and reductions on patients who are in their 80s, and they have emerged from the procedure both happy and healthy. They have been extremely satisfied with their results. So, at 65, you're certainly not too old to consider an arm lift if you're in good health.

Regarding the specific arm lift procedure where the scar is hidden underneath the arm: Yes, this technique exists. It's designed to place the incision in the natural crease of the arm, making it less visible when the arms are down by your side. However, the extent of the scar and its placement can vary based on the amount of skin to be removed and the surgical technique used. For patients desiring maximum removal of excess skin, they often opt for the arm lift that extends down the forearm. This approach allows for a more comprehensive skin removal and a tighter, more contoured result.

Recovery time can vary among individuals. Generally, patients can expect to return to light daily activities within a week, while more strenuous activities, like lifting heavy objects or intense exercise, should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks. It's essential to closely follow post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and results.

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns, desired outcomes, and to get a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, risks, and recovery timeline.

Wishing you the best as you consider this transformative journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

As long as you are in good physical and mental health, no age is too old for an arm lift. The procedure presents a great opportunity for patients to look and feel better in their own skin, and can make you feel much more comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing. As always, be sure to fully report all your medical concerns to your surgeon, so that he or she can address your cosmetic needs in the safest way possible.

Thank you for your question. With age and/or weight changes, the upper arms can hold a lot of excess fatty tissue and develop skin laxity. An arm lift procedure helps to contour the upper arms by reducing excess skin and fat. The incisions can be hidden in the armpit for those with a moderate degree of laxity or along the vertical length of the upper and inner arm for those with more skin excess. As long as you are healthy, your age at 65 should not prevent your having a very satisfying experience. The results are extremely satisfying. I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options in more detail.

The surgery for removal of excess and tissue of the arm is
called a brachioplasty (or arm lift).It
is very effective at improving the contour of the arm from the elbow to the
axilla, but the tradeoff is that you do get a scar.The length of the scar and the position of
the scar varies depending on how much tissue there is and where it is.To have the scar you describe up under the
arm, you have to have only a small amount of excess tissue located just at the
upper inner part of the arm, if it is more involved or the excess extends down
toward the elbow, then there needs to be a horizontal scar extending down on to
the arm in order to adequately address the problem.These scars do fade over time, but they are
noticeable if the arms are lifted out away from the body. As for
your age, that should not be a reason to hold back.As long as your health is good enough to
tolerate a 2 hour anesthetic, then you should be a candidate! Even though you
are 65, you have a lot of years left in you, and I’m sure your arms would
continue to bother you (and possibly even get worse over time due to
gravity).It would be a lot easier now
to get this done and enjoy the results, than to wait… continue to suffer with…
and then maybe not be a candidate for the surgery in a few years if you have
health issues arise.My advice is to
find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and be evaluated for your
brachioplasty!

Overall health, not age, is more of a determining factor for brachioplasty
candidacy. There is no age restriction as long as you are physiologically fit
for surgery.