Should I get arm lipo + mini arm lift or arm lipo + BodyTite? (Photo)

Question

My desire is getting rid of batwings/arms that look harmonious with the rest of my body. Im generally thin: 34 y.o. female, 5'11" 135 lbs. (BMI ≈ 19). I don't expect model arms (my broad shoulders won't allow it + I dislike skeletal look) but I expect smooth contours + not being left with loose skin due to lipo disproportionate to skin tightening/removal. If I can get away with lipo+bodytite, great, but I'm okay to do lipo+mini arm lift if bodytite result wd be suboptimal Thanks. See pics.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question about the best approach for addressing excess skin and fat in the arms. Based on your description, it seems that you are considering arm liposuction and a mini arm lift or arm liposuction combined with body-tite technology.
Given the situation you've described, where there is excess skin and fat in the arms, the most effective procedure would likely be a longitudinal brachioplasty or a full arm reduction. This procedure involves removing both the excess fat and skin from the arms, typically extending from the armpit to the elbow. This approach is comprehensive and addresses both skin laxity and fat reduction, leading to more definitive and satisfying results.
While arm liposuction can effectively reduce fat, it may not sufficiently address the issue of loose skin, especially in cases where skin elasticity is compromised. Technologies like VASER, J-Plasma, BodyTite, or Renuvion, which are often touted for their skin-tightening benefits, might not provide the necessary skin retraction in all cases. Consequently, solely relying on these methods might leave you with loose skin post-procedure.
A longitudinal brachioplasty, in contrast, combines liposuction (to remove fat) with the surgical removal of excess skin. This not only reduces the fat but also tightens the skin, resulting in a more toned and contoured appearance of the arms.
It's important to have a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best course of action. They can provide a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals and ensures the best possible outcome.
I hope this information helps you in making an informed decision about your arm rejuvenation procedure. Good luck on your journey to achieving your desired results.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; There is a fat accumulation and extreme laxity in your arm. Patients like you also; mini stretching procedure does not bring a great effect. Because, mini lifts, tighten the skin laxity in the proximal part of the arm well. However, in you, considering skin laxity; goes back to something. A vertical scar will remain; arm lift surgery can be performed in this way. Even though, this type of operation, tightens your arm visually; but the scar may bother you. Nevertheless, first of all, without a trace; if you aim for slimming down and tightening your arm; I have two suggestions. The initial one, is the application of Vaserlipo and Renuvion J Plasma. The second one, is the Bodytite implementation. These technologies, heat your subcutaneous tissues; it provides for collagen stimulation and in this way, it is aimed to tighten our arm skin. Currently, among device applications; these are two methods; which can create the most skin tightening as a whole.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

We do the arm tuck with the incisions hidden in the armpits so nobody sees them.  Also we do lipo, bodytite and morpheus at the same time for best results and it is all done under local with a little iv sedation for complete comfort.  Cost is roughly $12,000 on special and soooooo worth it.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At the time of a brachioplasty (arm lift, liposuction is performed to dissect the tissue and can remove the fat. You may benefit from a long incision because the hanging skin goes all the way to the elbow. Body tite will be insufficient to correct this.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Mohammed Asif, MD · Answer

Hello. Considering that you are young and mild skin laxity of the arms, you should be able to achieve your desired results with liposuction and body tite combo. You have to wear compression garments for 1-2 months postop but you will enjoy the results after:)

Pierre Lapaine, MD · Answer

Hi,
This is a great question, and we get this all the time. You are young with good skin, so if the lipo is not overly aggressive, you should have a good chance of getting decent contraction with an energy device such as Bodytite or Renuvion. Mini-arm lifts can be helpful in selected cases, but only for patients that have skin excess just past the axilla (armpit). You have mild extra skin that extends to the elbow. Therefore if you wanted the thinnest, tightest arm possible, a full arm lift/brachioplasty (with the scar on the inside of the arm but going from armpit to elbow) would get you there. I think it's reasonable to go the liposuction route if you're not ready for that scar, but honestly mini-arm lifts rarely provide any benefit long term so I would save yourself that scar and do the lipo + RF alone

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The correct procedure will depend on your skin elasticity as well as your goals.  Liposuction and BodyTite can remove excess fat and allow some tightening of the skin.  An arm lift would require an incision that would likely extend from the underarm to near the elbow in order to create natural contours but would more predictably address skin laxity.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an in person consultation.  I've included a video on BodyTite that I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest doing the liposuction with the Body Tite and avoid the long scar with the arm tuck.  You should do well with that combination.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Well done Liposuction can remove the subcutaneous fat in your arm, but this procedure would not address skin laxity.
Bodytite despite hype and claims will not add any skin tightening on top of what Liposuction itself will contribute.
The only effective way to treat skin laxity is direct skin surgical excision. A mini arm lift will give you a mini result.
You have skin laxity that is most likely not very visible with your arm in a down position. That skin laxity with your arm in an out position does however, go almost out to your elbow.
Finding a plastic surgeon who can deliver consistent quality, circumferential arm, liposuction results is going to be more difficult than most people realize.
The number of plastic surgeons who’ve mastered this procedure is pretty small.
This means the chance of having a quality outcome without any contour irregularities is not all that great, unless patients are highly selective when it comes to properly vetting providers.
To find the right provider, I suggest patient’s schedule multiple in person, consultations with plastic surgeons, who seem to have a proven track record with Liposuction in your community.
During each consultation ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection up before, and after pictures of previous patients, who had similar body characteristics to your own.
An experience provider should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients for commonly performed procedures like Liposuction.
My preference is to assess and judge results with arms and a down position.
I typically assess skin laxity with arms in an opposition like you’ve posted in your pictures.
It’s very important to differentiate between subcutaneous fat and skin laxity.
The two tissues are inherently different and are treated by completely different Procedures.
There is no option that is effective for skin tightening with the exception of direct skin, excision, which will leave visible scars. 
I see nothing wrong with having liposuction which will reduce your arm size and living with the skin laxity, which is inherently difficult to treat without leaving visible scars that tend to be unacceptable to most patients.
Recognize that Liposuction is a permanent and irreversible procedure that can’t potentially leave people disfigured.
Being board-certified in plastic surgery with years of experience in an overall good reputation, does not mean somebody has mastered Liposuction, is good at Liposuction or likes doing the procedure.
Unfortunately, there are major discrepancies in regards to skill when it comes to Liposuction, including those with proper certification and years of experience.
Mastering Liposuction is in fact, far more difficult than most people realize.
I think your current surgical strategy may leave you disappointed especially if you anticipate that it will address skin laxity adequately.
In the end, there are two variables that determine most cosmetic surgical outcomes.
The first is patient candidacy, and the second is the skill of the provider.
There isn’t much patients can do regarding their own candidacy. What patients do have control over is provider selection.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the right provider.
 Sometimes it’s simply a matter of luck.
The more consultations you scheduled the more likely are to find the better provider.
The biggest mistake patients make is scheduling only one consultation and then scheduling surgery.
This pretty much eliminates the ability to choose the better provider.
 Be extremely careful when considering permanent irreversible procedures that can leave people disfigured.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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