Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first? (Photos)

Question

I am planning for a breast lift and reduction, and upper arm and arm pit plastic surgery. Any preferred order, arms first and then breasts or vice versa? I have a severe pull on my right breast from my right arm and armpit. On the other hand, it feels like my right arm is stuck in between my breasts. If I lift my right arm I really pull on the left side of the right breast/in between my breasts. Which procedure has the longest downtime?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

To minimize your costs and have only one operation with one recovery I would suggest having your upper arms, armpits/lateral chest and the breast lift/reduction all done at one operation. This is easily accomplished, without drains and all of your suturing done beneath the skin with dissolving sutures so that the recovery is very user-friendly.  Speak with your Plastic surgeon about this. Best wishes.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

These two procedures are easily combined and are able to be performed at the same time. This may be beneficial in your case as the scar may be able to be placed in such a manner as to alleviate your symptoms. If you would still like to stage the procedures, there is no "preferred" procedure to perform first, you may choose either one.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are a good candidate these procedures may be able to be combined.  It appears from the photos that you may be a better candidate for a standard brachioplasty versus a minimal approach.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to discuss your surgical goals and learn what is recommended for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bullis,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting. Downtime for both is similar. Breasts usually take a little longer but sometimes the armpit takes a while due to the humidity of the area. That said, I regularly combine these two by performing an extended arm lift scar that curves down like an S. It would start at the arm, then in though the arm pit, and finally down and across to the breast fold. Lifting not only the breasts and arms but also getting rid of the braw fat fold!
So you can really do both at the same time…… not a big deal and the post op process and care is basically the same for both procedures.
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first?

Answer: Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first?

Answer: Breast lift & reduction or upper arm & armpit surgery first?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.