My arms have fat and sagging skin. Opinion on: JPLASTY, Mini-brachioplasty, or High Def lipo? (photos)

Question

My arms have fat and sagging skin. Given what you can see in these pictures, what is your opinion as to how I could correct these arms? I’m looking to significantly slim the arms and tighten the skin. I do know I need to lose 25 pounds first before I do any procedure. I am open to surgery but I do not want to go under general anesthesia.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.
CAST Liposuction combined with mini-brachioplasty produces excellent upper arm contour. Liposuction of upper arm can produce excellent results in individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. Additional skin tightening can be achieved with J-Plasma powered by Renuvion (Cool Helium Plasma).  I recommend the Circumferential para-Axillary Superficial Tumescent (CAST) technique for upper arm contouring. The use of tumescent anesthesia, micro cannula, and meticulous post operative care maximizes skin retraction and can give excellent improvement. If there is skin laxity, a brachioplasty may be required to tighten the skin. The minibrachioplasty is ideal for correcting the loose skin in the upper third of the inner arm. An ellipse of skin is removed from the axilla (arm pit) and the thin skin of the upper inner arm is advanced and tightened. The scar generally heals well and is well hidden, allowing you to wear short sleeves and sleeveless blouses. For certain patients, dermal tightening with J-plasma can allow you to avoid scar as it produces excellent skin tightening.
 I generally try to avoid performing a full Brachioplasty unless the skin is extremely loose. In such cases the resulting improvement in the contour of the arm can be dramatic, but the scars are difficult to hide.
Please consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Best regards,
Andrew Lyos, M.D., FACS

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your arms. Thank you for your history and your pictures. In examining your pictures, you have excess skin and fat. The fat can be removed with Liposuction or direct excision. The skin can only be removed with surgical excision. J Plasma will not help at all. Neither will Hi-Def Liposuction. You will need a brachioplasty or arm reduction since you have excess skin and fat on the elbow. It would be best to have an incision from the elbow to the armpit. A mini brachioplasty will not get the results you want. Do the correct surgery from the on-set to avoid disappointment and a need for revisional surgeries. You can have the brachioplasty performed under twilight anesthesia if need be. General anesthesia is much better and maybe even safer. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope I helped to answer your question. Good Luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on you pictures you seem to be a good candidate for an arm lift an in-person consultation is always best for a detailed exam and evaluation.Always see a board certified PS.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

It appears that there is excess skin from the arm pit to the elbow. This was best be treated with a full brachioplasty. Liposuction will not tighten the skin and a mini-brachioplasty will only leave you with a webbed armpit scar in this case. A brachioplasty can be done with IV sedation in combination with liposuction and the reasult will be very noticeable.

Guncel Ozturk, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Thank you for your question...You are a good  candidate for liposuction and arm lift under general anesthesia.

My arms have fat and sagging skin. Opinion on: JPLASTY, Mini-brachioplasty, or High Def lipo? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Options for Removal of Excess Arm Skin

Answer: Options for Removal of Excess Arm Skin

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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My arms have fat and sagging skin. Opinion on: JPLASTY, Mini-brachioplasty, or High Def lipo? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Options for Removal of Excess Arm Skin

Answer: Options for Removal of Excess Arm Skin

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.