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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.