I have flabby arms. If I get Liposuction, will I be left with excess skin? Is there a way to remove the skin too? (photo)

Question

I have very flabby arms. I wanted to know, if i get liposuction on them will there be excess amount of skin? is there any way of removing that skin?

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

As with liposuction of any other part of the body, the key to a nice result from liposuction of the arms is the pre-existing condition of your skin.  If you have significant loose, excess skin, as your photo shows, then you can expect that the skin will seem even looser after removing some of the fat that is filling it out.  This would leave you with floppier skin.  Liposuction alone only works well in the arms when the skin is firm enough that it can redrape smoothly over the reduced fatty layer after surgery.  Otherwise, you would need an armlift, a brachioplasty, to tailor and remove the excess skin.  This is a good operation that can trim and firm the arm, but does leave a long permanent scar down the inside or back of the arm.  Although many patients will gladly accept this scar as a worthwhile trade-off, others feel it is not worth it for them and choose to live with the loose skin.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the photograph I think that liposuction alone will leave you with a sizable amount of redundant skin. A brachioplasty or arm left can deal with both problems however it does leave a fairly lengthy scar down the inside of the arm.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

The simple answer is YES your arms will be left with excess skin. However, this excess . laxed skin can be corrected with an arm lift (brachioplasty). This procedure is not done frequently and by all surgeons, therefore I strongly urge you to look for a surgeon certified by the ABPS with years of experience i body contouring and specifically arm lifts. There are several methods of performing this surgery. It is done under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2.5 hours. I would liposuction the bulk of the fat under the area of skin to be removed and then perform the arm lift. I wish you the best on your journey.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

While laser-assisted liposuction can provide some skin tightening, I recommend a full arm lift (brachioplasty) when there is considerable skin excess. While this results in a scar along the inside of the arm, my patients find this preferable to the excess fat and skin.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

We see this type of arm usually in a massive weight loss patient. If you have lost a great deal of weight-- congratulations!This arm is a perfect candidate for medial arm brachioplasty . This will require an incision on the inside of the arm that will remove the excess skin and the fat. Any remaining fat can then be removed with liposuction to give the best sculpted arm.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. It's hard to determine if you have excess skin without an examination. Based on your picture I can guess that you will have excess skin. If you only receive liposuction as a treatment you will need an arm lift to achieve the contour you desire.Good luck. Earl Stephenson Jr, M.D., DDS, FACS

Michael B. Tantillo, MD · Answer

Liposuction removes fat cells from beneath the skin and relies on the inherent qualities of the overlying skin for tightening and ultimate contour.  If skin is inelastic before liposuction, then you will want to consider fat direct skin removal as well as fat removal.  My advice to you is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who offers both liposuction as well as arm lifts.  If you go to a doctor or a franchise that only offers liposuction you may be talked into an operation that will not meet your expectations.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You are NOT a candidate for lipo of arms, toooo much excess skin. Only a full "brachioplasty" would be correct operation for you.

Australia Fragoso-Baez, MD · Answer

Your arms have sagging skin and they look like have some fat too, so the best procedure for you it is an arm lift with liposculture. Good luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the picture, a combination of liposuction and skin excision (brachioplasty) may be a good option.

I have flabby arms. If I get Liposuction, will I be left with excess skin? Is there a way to remove the skin too? (photo)

Answers (15)

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