Arm lift, tummy tuck. What should I do first? Help (photo)

Thank you for your question and pictures, I do these 2 procedures at the same time in my practice and have excellent results, always see a board certified PS.

Every doctor is different and plans his or her surgeries differently.  However, it is common to combine both an arm lift and tummy tuck together.  As a patient, it is in your best interest because it is less expensive and allows you to recover once rather than twice.  There may be reasons why this two step approach is being recommended.  Talk to your board certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any procedure. If you had to do one before the other, I would do the tummy tuck first because it has a longer recovery and has more health benefits.  

Hi Jessica, Thank you for your question regarding whether you should have an arm lift or a tummy tuck done first. Every plastic surgeon is different and every plastic surgeon does things a little bit differently.  In my Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice, I have been combining arm lifts and tummy tucks in the same procedure for the past 20 years.  I see no reason to stage your arm lift and your tummy tuck.  Your recovery should be fine.  If your arm lift and your tummy tuck cannot be performed together for some reason, then you have to ask yourself which area bothers you the most.  I would perform surgery on the area that bothers you the most.  One month later, I would perform your second surgery.  In regards to your arm stretch marks, there is no liposuction machine, whether it is the VASER, SmartLipo, etc. that will remove your arm stretch marks.  The only way to remove arm stretch marks is with an arm lift.  Based on the arm pictures you provided, many of your arm stretch marks would be removed with an arm lift.  Good luck!  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding an arm lift and tummy tuck. If you have any more questions rearing the arm lift, arm reduction, arm liposuction, or a tummy tuck, please call my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  

Personally, many of my patients avoid arm lift scars with Vaser ultrasound liposuction and/or Smart Lipo laser which tightens the skin. Stretch marks may improve but are not removed.You can do this with tummy tuck, but I do not like to add fat transfer as recovery is more difficult.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, it is difficult to determine if you would benefit from an arm lift or liposuction alone of your arms.  A tummy tuck and BBL can be performed together if you are in good health.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a
low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat
abdomen.  A BBL can be performed at the same time for improved
buttock and waist contour.     Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon