Mini arm lift; what type of results can one expect? (Photo)

Mini arm lift is a good procedure, but only for a very small percentage of patients.  If the loose skin is limited to the upper arm near the armpit you may be a great candidate.  The advantage over a standard brachioplasty is a smaller scar, however there is limited tightening. 

Hi Rosebud753,Thank you for your question and pictures regarding an arm lift. It is important to carefully research your proposed arm lift procedure before actually undergoing an arm lift or arm reduction.Basically, there are six types of arm lifts: arm liposuction, crescent arm lift, modified T incision, extended inner arm lift, full arm lift (brachioplasty), and an extended arm lift which includes the forearm.If you have minimal excess arm skin, excellent arm skintone, and a mild amount of upper arm fat, arm liposuction may be the answer.  An added benefit of this procedure is that the muscles of the upper arm (biceps triceps and deltoids) can be sculpted.  The result is a more feminine, thinner, and more muscular arm.  If you have a mild amount of upper arm skinand fat, a crescent arm lift may be the answer.If you have slightly more upper arm skin and fat a modified T arm lift incision may be the answer. The resulting scar is a scar in the armpit with a slight extension down the inner arm. The scar looks like a sideways letter "T".  If you have a moderate amount of upper arm skin and fat, an extended inner arm lift maybe a good idea.Traditionally however most patients have excess skin and fat from the armpit to the elbow. These patients require an incision from the armpit to the elbow. From your pictures, it appears that you would benefit most from this type of surgery.  Your arm incision would extend from the armpit to the elbow. I do not think you would be happy with a mini arm lift.  For patients with excess skin and fat on the forearms, these patients may require an incision from the wrist to the elbow to the armpit.Good luck! If you have any questions regarding arm lift surgery, arms reduction surgery, or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

To see what type of Arm Lift may best suit your arms, stand in front of the mirror and see what kind of pinching and pulling smooths the excess skin.IF you can get total smoothing by pinching the inner armpit just next to the arm - that is a Mini Brachioplasty with a vertical scar limited to the armpit.IF you require pinching along the length of the arm. then you may benefit from a regular Brachioplasty.Remember, scars are permanent and arm lift scar are both visible and noticeable for a long while as they become paler. You therefore need to hate the loose skin more than have the scars.Good LuckPeter Aldea, MD