Arms look the same after arm lift. What can I do about this? (Photo)

Question

I had an arm lift in September of 2022. When I went for my follow up I expressed my concern that my arms were still large. I was told that swelling can take up to 6mo to go away and we would look at it then. At my 6mo visit I was offered mesotherapy at no cost as long as I had not gained weight which I had not. It didn’t help. At my one year I was basically told to work out and that these are my results. I’m heartbroken.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

If your original procedure didn't involve liposuction of your arm, that could be done to reduce the over all volume. It can have a pretty significant effect if your arms carry fat. The down side of this is that if a significant amount of fat is removed it can loosen the skin and the brachioplasty may need to be redone at the same time to address the new looseness in the skin. 
Below is an example of a patient with a similar situation where she had performed a brachioplasty in the past but still wanted overall smaller arms as well. I find that liposuction and a brachioplasty seems to achieve this nicely.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I’m sorry to hear your experience with brachioplasty… you would definitely need a revision in order to achieve a better outcome.

If you remain dissatisfied after discussing your concerns with your initial surgeon, it might be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They can provide an independent evaluation of your situation and offer alternative treatment options or recommendations.

Best of luck !

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

it is certainly always difficult to make conclusions without a physical exam, but sometimes the skin stretches quite a bit and some of the improvement is lost. In many cases, liposuction can be used to remove some of the weight, especially of the lower part of the arm, and allow for a tighter closure and improve contour.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, not all plastic surgeons have adequate knowledge of techniques to do arm lifting, and or they can remove very little skin, your scar is in front not on the side of the arm, I think it was necessary to do liposuction and remove more skin, you should consider going to another surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

There is some difference between the before and after. The tuck addresses the issue of loose skin and some limited fat. It will not remove fat all around the arm since this is not safe to do with a tuck and does not touch muscle or bone. You might go back to your surgeon and see if liposuction is an option to remove any excess fat.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Your arm lift procedure does look a little better near your at the upper part, but certainly not adequate. I have no idea what kind of arm lift was done to you, but my approach would be to perform a liposuction with Renuvion. The Renuvion may need to be circumferential. It is an internal radio-frequency probe that heats to 85 C. degrees, shrinking skin. 
The liposuction, of course, removes excess fat, and and the Renuvion tightens the remaining skin. 
This should work for you. If you still want more tightening after 6-9 months, a brachioplasty may be needed. The latter will disrupt your tattoo and leave a scar in the inner part of your arm. There should be no suture marks if done properly, just a straight line from the elbow to the armpit, and it will get the most tightening of any procedure. Most people want to avoid the scar, however. The lipo/Renuvion option should work.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears your results from your arm lift can be improved.  An exam is needed to give the best recommendation, but you may be a candidate for liposuction, skin excision, or both.  I encourage you to visit with another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion.

Arms look the same after arm lift. What can I do about this? (Photo)

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