I am 67 years old, weigh 150 and am 5”2” tall. Too heavy for arm lift surgery?

Question

I am 67 years old, weigh 150 and am 5”2” tall. I am healthy except I take medicine for mild high blood pressure. The plastic surgeon I contacted said I’m too heavy for an arm lift. My weight has been stable for 1 year. Is the surgeon correct?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Arm lift surgery is primarily focused on removing excess skin.   Most surgeons use BMI which takes into account your height AND weight as a number.  The complication rates are lower for those whose BMI is less than 30.  However, I don't think you are too heavy for an arm lift.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking whether you are too heavy at 150 pounds to have an arm lift. You are not too heavy to have an arm lift or brachioplasty if you weigh 150 pounds and 5 foot two. I am uncertain why your plastic surgeon said you could not have an arm lift. If you are medically healthy and your weight stable, you would be a good candidate for an arm lift. In my opinion, I would seek a second opinion. I hope you were able to help. I hope you were able to undergo an arm lift or brachioplasty. I perform an arm lift procedure which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. I performed all my arm lifts under general anesthesia. Please allow 2-3 weeks of recovery. Arm compression garments will be essential to wear for approximately six weeks. Good luck.

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 Plastic 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  There are different criteria for surgical procedures, such as BMI, amount of time under anesthesia, etc.  Consult a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I look for a BMI approximating 30 to lessen the risks of complications during and after surgery and to enhance the results of the procedures. Your BMI is below 30 so you should not be too heavy for arm lift surgery.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Liposuction is very often used to remove excess scar and improve the contouring effect of the arm lift. It is impossible to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure without an in-person examination. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Your BMI is 27.6 which I consider is acceptable for a safe Arm Lift-liposuction procedure. 
Of course the closer to BMI of 25 will be the ideal in order to be in the safer area. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Providing that you do not have any major health issue, with BMI of 27,5 you are still a solid candidate for arm lift (brachioplasty). Second and third opinion consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in this regard is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ziggy1954,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, but liposuction with minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion might be a good option for you.  For your health, it would be best if you could lose about 30 to 40 pounds.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Considering your weight alone, you are a candidate for an arm lift.  The surgeon needs to discuss your concerns, perform and exam,  as well as review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure you are considering.  I encourage you to go on a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons near you to hear a variety of opinions.

I am 67 years old, weigh 150 and am 5”2” tall. Too heavy for arm lift surgery?

Answers (10)

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