Should I get an arm lift, thigh lift, or both? (Photo)

Question

i am debating if I want to get an arm lift or a thigh lift, or possibly combine the two. I worked with a great surgeon last month for a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I am very happy with my results thus far. I have lost over 100 pounds, hence the procedures. Just wondering if I would see good/ matching results? Or if I need them.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Naubell, thank you for your question and photos. Congratulations on
your massive weight loss and also having a successful abdominoplasty and breast
augmentation after the weight loss. Based on your history that you provided, I
suggest that you undergo staged procedures. For your legs, I would suggest a
medial thigh lift. The incision will extend from the thigh to the knee. The
procedure would include leg liposuction and the resection of skin and fat,
which would take approximately 3-4 hours under general anesthesia. I would
allow yourself  3-4 weeks to heal for
this procedure. After you are fully healed from this procedure, then I would suggest
getting the arm lift. The arm lift would entail arm liposuction and skin and
fat resection of the arm. This procedure will take 3-4 hours under general
anesthesia. I would take 2-3 weeks before returning to work.

I would not combine the arm lift and medial thigh lift surgery. I have
performed these procedures together in the past, and do not advise them. The
issue is in the post-operative healing. It makes it hard to walk to the
bathroom and use the bathroom, and it is extremely difficult to take care of
the thigh wounds properly when your arms are still healing. I would suggest
staging the procedures at least 4-6 weeks apart.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is quite common for patients to address multiple areas on the body in a single sitting, opting in for an arm lift, thigh lift, or any other such lift simultaneously. Judging by the pictures you have provided, it seems as though you may indeed benefit from both an arm lift and thigh lift to tighten your skin that has loosened as a result of your dramatic weight loss and to give your body added contour. Having both lifts done in a single procedure will also mean that you will only have to go through one surgery and recovery period, and may thus be a more appealing option. This is provided that you are healthy and can tolerated this length of surgery.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  With age and/or weight changes, the upper arms can hold a lot of excess fatty tissue and develop skin laxity.  An arm lift procedure helps to contour the upper arms by reducing excess skin and fat.  The incisions can be hidden in the armpit for those with a moderate degree of laxity or along the vertical length of the upper and inner arm for those with more skin excess.  The same holds true for a thigh lift.  You would be a great candidate for both.  For the thighs, you should be able to achieve great results with a transverse incision hidden in the groin/buttock creases without a vertical incision down to the knees.The results are extremely satisfying.  I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options in more detail.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Because
significant weight loss can affect many different areas of the body by leaving
excess skin behind, it’s very common to perform a number of different body
contouring procedures after losing weight, including both an arm lift and thigh
lift. Judging from your photos, I think you could be a good candidate for both
procedures. These are most often scheduled separately so you aren’t limited in
the use of arms and legs during the same time period, but you should work out a
more specific treatment plan with a plastic surgeon who specializes in post
weight loss body contouring.

Kevin G. Rose, MD · Answer

You look like a great candidate for both surgeries.  I recommend to my patients doing a combination procedure like this to stay overnight at the surgical center.  I think you would see very good results.  Congrats on the weight loss and good luck with any future surgery you decide on.  I would recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an in person consultation.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You look like a great candidate for both, I would be hesitant to do both at the same time as all of your extremities would be sore and it would be hard for you to eat and bathe yourself. I would try to seperate surgery with a 3 month interval

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Arm lift or Brachioplasty removes excess skin from the upper arm with the incision pattern predicated on the amount and location of the excess skin. Inner thigh lift or thighplasty removes excess skin from the inner thigh with the incision pattern predicated on the amount and location of excess skin. Incision patterns include a horizontal incision in the groin for only upper skin excess, short scar thighplasty for upper third to two thirds skin excess, and then a full vertical thighplasty with the incision spanning the groin to the knee.These surgeries are typically out patient procedure with limited recovery time, though when combined the patient could be "the turtle on its back" with discomfort and limited mobility of the arms and the legs. Separating these procedures may improve the recovery experience especially if there is limited help at home, though combination procedures can be more convenient and cost-effective.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss; you should be very proud of this accomplishment! Whether or not to proceed with arm lifting and/or thigh lifting is a very personal decision;  one that only you can make after careful consideration of the pros/cons/risks/complications of each procedure. Based on your photographs, you are a good candidate for these procedures, from the anatomic standpoint. In my practice, based on the recovery issues mainly, I would suggest that you stage the procedures. Best wishes.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss and surgery.  From what I can see from your photos, you would benefit from both procedures.  It is safe to combine the two procedures, but depending on the length of surgery, may require an overnight admission.  If you were to separate the procedures, it's possible that you could be discharged home that same day depending on your surgeon's preferences.  Good luck.

Jennifer Capla, MD · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your incredible weight loss! Many patients who have achieved such weight loss are left with varying amounts of excess skin. Usually the time you need to have a procedure to remove the excess skin is if it is interfering with daily life activities or causing infections. Otherwise the question becomes whether the trade off for scar is worth the benefit of the improved contour. You should see your plastic surgeon and discuss the options for skin removal and the benefits of each. Congrats again and keep up the good work!

Should I get an arm lift, thigh lift, or both? (Photo)

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