How can forearm sagging to the wrist be removed during a brachioplasty? (photos)

Question

I have lost over 288 pounds. As you can see my excess skin goes to my wrist. Insurance will pay for a brachioplasty. Can the Dr. pull that forearm skin up to the elbow incision? If not, approximately how much additional cost would a forearm excess skin removal surgery be? I would be very unhappy and upset if the DR did my upper arms and left that excess skin on the forearm area.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions regarding a forearm reduction being performed at the same time as a brachioplasty or arm lift. Congratulations on your massive weight loss. I have performed many upper arm and forearm reductions. A upper arm and forearm reduction surgery is a two part procedure performed during the same surgical setting. First, liposuction of the upper arm and forearm is performed. This is done to debulk the fat in the upper arm and the forearm. Second, an incision is made from the armpit to the elbow and then to the wrist. Excess skin and fat from the upper arm and the forearm is then removed and lifted. The results are dramatic. On my website, I have multiple pictures of forearm reductions performed at the same time as the arm lift reduction. In addition, I also have a YouTube video showing the forearm reduction. The cost of the arm lift and forearm lift will vary on your surgeon's experience and geographic location. Since this is a rather complex surgery, I would suggest you seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who is performed many forearm reductions. Travel out-of-state if you must. I would not suggest you become someone's guinea pig. I hope this answers your questions regarding the forearm reduction after massive weight loss. I agree with you that the forearms really need to be done at the same time as the arm lift. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question, you seem to be a good candidate for an arm lift, an in person consultation would be best for a detailed exam and evaluation, always see a board certified PS.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Excellent question. Congratulations on your weight loss!
I agree with you that there is a lot of excess skin on your forearm as well as your upper arm, but the best way to assess your needs and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Some of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures I perform in my practice are lifting procedures to address loose draping skin after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply from aging. A brachioplasty, sometimes referred to as an arm reduction, arm reshaping, or an arm lift is a skin tightening/skin removal procedure where I treat the underside of the upper arms by trimming loose skin, removing excess fat, and tightening the underlying tissues, resulting in a tighter, more toned arm appearance. The goal of this procedure is to restore a more natural look to the arms. My signature arm lift has been designed to tighten the arms while leaving the most amount of lymphatic, nerve, and blood vessels behind. This allows patients to heal quicker with minimal trauma to the area. My best advice is to see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery procedures, who will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. 
best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear
 An arm lift is a surgical procedure that:
Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downwardTightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper armReduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm regionFluctuations
 in weight, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to 
have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be 
corrected through exercise.
Arm lift surgery may be right for you 
if the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full
 due to excess skin and fat.
In general, arm lift candidates include:
Adults with significant upper arm skin laxityAdults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweightHealthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgeryNon-smokersIndividuals
 with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.... I recommend to 
make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a person 
evaluation and to talk about your goals. Good luck :)

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. You will need to see a surgeon experienced in performing extended arm lifts. The only way to do it is by advancing the incision down to the wrist. I happen to be one of only a few in the country who do this. If you already have a surgeon check to see if they perform these. Peter Fisher M.D

How can forearm sagging to the wrist be removed during a brachioplasty? (photos)

Answers (5)

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