Would an extended arm lift take care of side bra fat? (Photos)

Question

The part i'm holding in the picture is a pocket of fat that droops on the side of my bra. Will i need a 2nd procedure for that or will the arm lift take care of it?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question regarding whether an extended arm lift would take care of side bra fat. What you are grabbing is not the arm, it is the torso. In fact, it is part of the lateral breast. Therefore, what I suggest you have in addition to your extended arm lift or more accurately an arm reduction, is a vertical torsoplasty. During the arm reduction or brachioplasty procedure, I perform arm liposuction and then make an incision from your elbow to your armpit. If I am to perform a vertical torsoplasty, in the armpit, I make a 90 degree turn or create a z-plasty. Then, the incision is extended from the armpit down the side of your chest. This is called a vertical torsoplasty because the incision is vertical and perpendicular to the floor when you are standing. The horizontal torsoplasty goes around your back and is parallel with the floor when standing. The vertical torsoplasty would eliminate the excess skin and fat that you are grabbing in the second picture. A drain on each side will need to stay in place for approximately 3-5 days. The vertical torsoplasty scar will be very well hidden when your arms are by your side. Often, I combine the arm reduction (brachioplasty) and vertical torsoplasty at the same time. Please seek a qualified plastic surgeon. I specialize in arm lifts. 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 contact my office. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, 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. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  An extended brachioplasty would extend down the side of the chest and lateral chest and the axilla area would be sculpted during that same procedure. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In your case, a combination of liposuction, arm lift (brachioplasty) with excision of lateral chest/breast fold should be considered. Only on the basis of in person consultation, a board certified plastic surgeon could decide how extensive skin excisions on chest/breast and back need to be. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear omnaya,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would be a good candidate for arm lift. However, it would not treat your side bra. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

I like to address some of the axilla (side area of bra) by extending the arm incision around the arm pit and side of breast when doing an extended arm lift.

Vaser ultrasound liposuction can also address back and side bra area without cutting out skin.

This will take out most of that skin, however, you may require a formal back lift afterwards.

Unfortunately, body contouring, especially after large weight loss, commonly requires multiple stages to best treat areas.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.