I have loose elbow skin. Am I a candidate for an elbow lift?

Question

Hands and elbows apparently show your true age. Mine look much older than I am (I'm 33). I know I can make my hands look better with fillers and possibly IPL laser or resurfacing. But that's not enough for the elbows. I also weight train and tricep exersizes aren't enough either. (I also drink 100 oz of water a day.) I want actual incisions and tucks. I can treat scars. Would I have to do one arm at a time? What's the recovery time? Ballpark on cost? Type of Surgeoun best for this?

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Be very careful when asking for an elbow lift.  Without photos it's difficult to determine exactly what you might need.  However, scars that cross joints can be particularly troublesome.  In fact when a brachioplasty crosses the elbow, most times I will chose to perform some kind of tissue rearrangment such as a Z plasty to ensure a scar contracture does not occur that limits motion.  Always consult a plastic surgeon for issues such as this.  Other types of doctors may over simplify this procedure and leave you with range of mobility issues in addition to bad scars.  Best wishes and good luck.

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

Yes, some say that elbows and hands may show your "true age".  An elbow lift helps remove of excess wrinkled skin above the elbow.  It is a type of arm lift.  At times it can be staged or performed at the same time.   Like brachioplasty, no arm exercises for six weeks postoperatively.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In this particular case, it's difficult to make a specific recommendation without a physical examination or pictures. With that said, the vast majority of patients who have loose elbow skin also have saggy upper arm skin. It's unusual to see isolated laxity of the elbow skin. For this reason, most patients with excess elbow skin require  a brachiooplasty which extends to the level of the elbow to correct this problem.This procedure has the potential to significantly improve the upper arm and elbow contour. It's typically performed as a bilateral procedure and associated with a 6 to 8 week of recovery.If you're considering this type of procedure, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would visit with a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options.  At age 33, you may also want consider Sculptra in the elbow region as it helps to rebuild some collagen and tone in this area.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and be evaluated.  Realize that a scar on the elbow does not heal very well.  The scars tend to go wide as the area bends so much and separates the scar.  A neurosurgeon or orthopedist may be another alternative to see. I hope this helps!

I have loose elbow skin. Am I a candidate for an elbow lift?

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Answer: Elbow lift

Answer: Elbow lift

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Answer: Elbow Lift?

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I have loose elbow skin. Am I a candidate for an elbow lift?

Answers (8)

Answer: Elbow lift

Answer: Elbow lift

Answer: Elbow Lift?

Answer: Elbow Lift?

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