Am I a candidate for a crescent incision arm lift? (Photo)

Question

I have had two kids and drastically changed weight way too quickly. Plus, large arms run in my family! If this is possible, what is the average cost in my area? I am 5’9” and 170lbs.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions regarding a crescent arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. Based on your history of weight loss and genetic history of large arms, I would not suggest a crescent arm lift. I would STRONGLY suggest arm liposuction to be combined with a full brachioplasty. In your case, I would suggest an incision from the armpit to the elbow for full elimination of excess arm skin and fat. I believe if you just do arm liposuction with your weight loss history, genetic history, and current weight, that you would be left with excess, hanging arm skin. Therefore, your arm skin and fat needs to be removed. The crescent arm lift in your situation would not be enough. You need arm skin and fat removed from the armpit to the elbow. The cost depends on your geographic area. The best place to find the cost for a procedure in your area would be to use this website, RealSelf. Enter the location and procedure of your choice and local prices will appear. When seeking arm surgery please seek an arm lift specialist. Thank you for your questions regarding the crescent arm lift or arm reduction. I hope that I have answered your question regarding a crescent arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. I specialize in arm lifts. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office. Since your arm lift case is special and requires a revision, which is more difficult than an initial arm lift, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon , Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A crescent arm lift versus a short incision arm lift versus a full arm lift are all surgical options that may be considered. In general, the shorter the incision the less will be the improvement. Please find an experienced Board certified plastic surgeon who can discuss all the options and help you with all your concerns.. All the best!

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.My recommendation would be for an in person consultation. Based on photos alone it is hard to determine if you have laxity, laxity and fullness, or just fullness. An in person consultation would give you the opportunity to be evaluated and discuss all your options.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It depends on whether a visible scar or a less impressive result is better for you. The crescent arm lift removes less skin and results are less impressive but it avoids a permanent, visible scar. Your best step is to consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to be examined and discuss the pros/cons of each. Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may want to consider BodyTite.  This minimally invasive procedure removes fat and tightens skin.  It is performed comfortably with no general anesthesia.  The scarring is minimal.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful explaining the procedure.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. Typically, a classic arm lift will give the most impressive results. Although a crescent lift is hidden in the armpit, it can leave loose tissue behind. One option that you may be a candidate for is Liposuction with Body Tite. The liposuction will reduce and sculpt your arms. The Body Tite is a technology that uses radiofrequency to shrinkwrap the tissues. In general, the system will improve tightening about 40%. It will not give you the same result as a surgical lift but may be enough tightening without scars. In our office we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!