I had brachioplasty 8 months ago and I was still 20lbs from my goal weight at the time of surgery (I lost 105lbs). (Photo)

Question

Well, I still want to lose that 20, so I joined the gym on Sunday and plan to lift weights and do cardio. I'm 28, 5'1, and 160lbs. I plan to get to 140 and stay there. Anyway, here are two pics of my arms. I am still not happy with them after surgery and I was wondering if I lost 20 lbs and lifted weights as I lost, if I could tone these arms or if I'm going to need surgery again? It was a rough surgery and I really don't want to have to go through it again.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your history and concerns post-brachioplasty while still aiming to lose 20 pounds. Ideally, patients should be near their goal weight or have a stable weight for at least three months before any plastic surgery to minimize the need for revisions.
Given your significant weight loss history and your ongoing weight loss goals, it's possible that your arm skin, which has already been stretched, might not contract back fully even after losing more weight. Age is on your side, which can assist in skin elasticity, but the exact outcome can be uncertain.
My recommendation is to stay on your fitness and diet journey until you reach or stabilize at your desired weight. After that, reassess your arms. If a revision is necessary due to continued skin laxity, the procedure should be less extensive than the original brachioplasty, leading to a potentially easier recovery.
In conclusion, continue your weight loss journey and then evaluate the need for any revisions.
Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I would suggest losing the weight and then reevaluating. If you still aren't happy, depending on how much excess skin is left, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure such as BodyTite which will remove any excess fat that remains as well as tighten the skin. Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and pictures. I think that your plan to achieve a long-term stable weight is an excellent one, from the health and well-being stand point. Exactly what your arms will look like once you are  at your goal weight cannot be predicted accurately. Based on your photographs, in my opinion, there is room for improvement in the contour of your arms. Best to seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with, once you have achieved your long-term stable weight. You may find the attached link, dedicated to arm lifting surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes as you work towards your goals.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Hi Tessa - Congratulations for the weight loss and your commitment to further improvement!  It's hard to say what the effect of anticipated exercise and weight loss will be.  You may gain some further laxity or the arm may just "shrink" proportionately with the weight los and exercise.  I think that your best course is to go for the weight loss and see what will happen to your arms.  In general, I wouldn't consider revision for brachioplasty for at least a year after the operation.  Best wishes!

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

It would be my recommendation to continue to loose the weight and see how things look. I suspect you will be fine. The most that could be needed would possibly be a small bit of liposuction. I usually encourage all of my patients who have some sort of body contouring procedure to try to drop their weight some after the surgery. This typically exentuates the result and just makes things even better. Good luck.

I had brachioplasty 8 months ago and I was still 20lbs from my goal weight at the time of surgery (I lost 105lbs). (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Weight loss after arm lift

Answer: Weight loss after arm lift

Answer: Brachioplasty

Answer: Brachioplasty

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I had brachioplasty 8 months ago and I was still 20lbs from my goal weight at the time of surgery (I lost 105lbs). (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Weight loss after arm lift

Answer: Weight loss after arm lift

Answer: Brachioplasty

Answer: Brachioplasty

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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.