Can You Combine an Arm and Thigh Lift Together?

   To some extent, this will depend upon individual needs and goals.  If the arm lift and thigh lift are both extended, I would not do both at the same time.  I perform these procedures frequently and quickly, but an extended arm lift will take 2.5 hours and the extended thigh lift will take 3 hrs minimum.   In addition, taking care of yourself can be an issue afterwards.  Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of body contouring porcedures each year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question regarding whether an arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift (thighplasty) can be safely combined in a single surgery.

First, congratulations on your incredible 100-pound weight loss and the body contouring progress you've already made. It’s very common for post-bariatric patients like yourself to want to limit the total number of surgeries, especially when recovery time, cost, and life obligations come into play.

While it is possible to combine a thigh lift and arm lift, most experienced plastic surgeons—myself included—typically do not recommend combining these two particular procedures because of the unique recovery challenges. After an arm lift, you rely heavily on your legs for mobility. After a thigh lift, you need to use your upper body to stabilize, lift, and support yourself when getting out of bed or going to the bathroom. If both arms and legs are healing at the same time, it becomes extremely difficult to move safely and independently, and there is a higher risk of complications such as wound dehiscence (incisions reopening), seroma, or delayed healing.

That said, these procedures can be performed together under the right circumstances—particularly if you are in excellent health, have a strong support system, and understand the physical limitations you’ll face during the first 10–14 days of recovery. If you go this route, I strongly recommend arranging for 24/7 help from a caregiver for at least the first 10 days post-op.

If your main goal is to stay within three surgeries, I suggest discussing a staged approach with your plastic surgeon. Some patients undergo a modified version of either procedure or divide the work into upper and lower halves of the body for a more tolerable recovery. Every body is different, and it’s essential to customize the plan based on your anatomy, healing capacity, and lifestyle.

Good luck with the next step of your transformation. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding combining a thigh lift and an arm lift after major weight loss. If you have more questions about reconstructive plastic surgery after bariatric surgery, please consult an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in post-weight loss body contouring. Make sure they’ve performed at least 100 of each of these procedures, review their before-and-after photos, and check reviews on RealSelf or similar platforms.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, 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 Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

It's not unusual for patients who undergo massive weight loss following gastric bypass to develop excess redundant thigh and arm tissue. When this situation arises, a variety of treatment options are available.When the upper arm is involved, patients usually benefit from a brachioplasty which is occasionally extended onto the lateral chest. When patients have significant amounts of excess medial thigh skin, a medial thigh lift is indicated. This procedure removes excess skin in both the transverse and vertical dimensions. Both procedures are associated with excellent clinical results and high levels of patient satisfaction.In some cases, it may be appropriate to address the arms and medial thighs simultaneously. This results in improved synergy, less expense and only one recovery.When these procedures are performed together, safety has to be the first priority. For this reason, we believe it's important to minimize the length of these operative procedures. An experienced surgeon, first assistant and surgical team that focus on efficiency can minimize the length of the procedures and reduce the potential for complications.When these resources aren't available, it's appropriate to stage these procedures. Combination surgery isn't for everyone. Patients may have co-existing health problems which prevent this approach. If you're considering combination massive weight loss surgery, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that safely treats your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals.