I had an arm lift 1 year ago that I believe was botched terribly. Can it be fixed?

Question

So, I gained and am losing but also wondering if this is a lost cause. My upper arms are very lumpy (were before weight gain) the lipo was done too harshly in some spots and not evenly. They wouldn't cut into my forearm and now the entire arm looks misshapen. Frankly, they're disgusting. It's so depressing. I don't mind scars. I'm fine with them. I want the shape of my arm to look right more than to avoid scars. Even more I spent all my money on this and am just...devastated. Any insight would be great.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your questions regarding the fact that you had an arm lift one year ago, that you believe your arm lift was "botched terribly" and whether your arm lift scars can be fixed.
Thank you for your history. Your questions are difficult to answer without pictures or a physical examination. Therefore, before any conclusions are reached, you must consult an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in brachioplasty, arm reduction, arm lift surgery, and arm lift scar revision. In most cases, arm lifts and arm lift scars can be revised. You may get exceptional results because the arm fat has already been removed during your arm liposuction. Therefore, most of your arm lift surgery wouldn't require significant removal of excess arm skin and fat. You would also need further arm liposuction. Typically, an incision is made from the armpit to the elbow during an arm reduction surgery. Arm lifts are performed under general anesthesia and take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. Drains are typically not used. For a sedentary job, plan for a 2 to 3-week recovery; for a physically active job, plan for a 3 to 4-week recovery. Compression garments will be essential to minimize swelling, offer structural support, and minimize scarring. Compression garments must be worn for at least six to eight weeks. Regarding your forearms, your forearms may need to be reduced. Forearm reduction would entail forearm liposuction combined with an incision from the pinky side of the wrist to the inner elbow. The incision usually communicates with the upper arm lift blasting. Like the upper arms, drains are not used in the forearm reduction. If you combine the forearm lift with the upper arm lift, the surgery would take approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of your anatomy. So, if your arms bother you, please look for a second opinion. Most plastic surgeons should be able to offer a solution for your arms. Don't give up. I hope I've answered your question regarding the fact that you require arm lift surgery, but you still have weight to lose, and do you have to wait until you hit your goal weight before arm surgery. 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 get in touch with an arm lift expert. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is difficult, 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. Please carefully review their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Plastic Surgeon, 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 Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry to hear that your post-op result is not satisfying.  I would recommend that you revisit your surgeon or get a second opinion.  At a year out, the scar tissues have softened sufficiently to enable a revision procedure.  In addition, I would recommend that your weight is stable for a good six months prior to a revision procedure as this can certainly affect your results.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment after arm lifting surgery. It is difficult to give you good/precise advice based on the limited photograph; you will be best off seeking consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Often, although achieving realistic expectations is important, significant improvement can be achieved. Best wishes.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You always have options, although there may be limitations to expectations.An exam and consultation with a/your plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Carlos Recio, MD · Answer

I´m sorry to hear your post op was not what you expected. I recommend you visit your plastic surgeon again to get a secod opinion of your case, and hopefully get help. Good luck!

I had an arm lift 1 year ago that I believe was botched terribly. Can it be fixed?

Answers (7)

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm Lift Recommendation

Answer: Arm Lift Recommendation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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

I had an arm lift 1 year ago that I believe was botched terribly. Can it be fixed?

Answers (7)

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm Lift Recommendation

Answer: Arm Lift Recommendation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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