Skin laxity and lumpiness - Am I a candidate for a MINI arm lift? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I have skin laxity and lumpiness in the upper half of my arms due to a poor outcome with Renuvion 18 months ago. Before this my skin was creepy but not like it is now. I am a 57 y.o. non-smoking slim female whose weight has been consistent since the birth of my kids. Post- Renuvion I spent a further $8k on lasers at the recommendation of the surgeon to improve the skin texture but this had little effect. The appearance of my arms really bothers me so I’d like to have surgery to correct but am not up for the scar to the elbow that comes with a full brachioplasty. I have heard mixed things about the mini arm lift where the incision is contained in the armpit, which makes sense; when I raise my arms, the arm and armpit skin is taught so if remove skin then movement would be constricted and/or there would be tension on the scar which would cause it to widen. The excess skin I need removed is really around the circumference of my arms. So, is there such a thing a short scar brachioplasty where the incision only runs 3 or 4 inches down the arm? Or a short incision such as this with a second round of Renuvion? If there is such a procedure, how are the results? I recognize and accept that a shorter incision will result in a more modest result, but I would want some improvement. Any advice you can provide is really appreciated. I am happy to travel to the right surgeon. Thank you!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for the question, If you really want to improve your results more than a mini Arm lift i suggest you a Arm lift with minimal scar, with this technique you can really get rid of the excess of skin and assure a long lasting results.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that arm lift, brachoplasty,  is a procedure of choice in your case. How extensive your scar will be can be determined only on the basis of in person evaluation. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The traditional arm lift is combined with liposuction and extends the length of the arm from the axilla down to the elbow. In your case, most of your excess skin seems to be higher up and you don't seem to have much fat near the elbow. You may benefit from a transverse incision, which is done at the axilla or you can have a small extension, perhaps 1/4th the way down your arm. Using a short extension can results in a dog ear, which may be unsightly but can improve your appearance if you don't want the full incision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Joseph Parks, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for people to experience suboptimal results with less invasive procedures. Scarring from brachioplasty is significant and visible, but that is really the most definitive approach to achieve skin tightening and improve the overall contour of your arms. Less invasive approaches such as an armpit based brachioplasty may result and improvement and acceptable outcomes in certain instances, however the patient must be fully advised on the limitations of these approaches and the potential desire for something more invasive in the future. As it is often the case in plastic surgery, you must balance what you have now versus the presence of a scar. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for individualized surgical planning.

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo.
Based on your image, there appears to be significant skin laxity extending along the upper arm rather than being limited to the armpit area. In this situation, a mini arm lift would likely not provide sufficient correction. A short-scar brachioplasty may offer some improvement, but a more extended arm lift would give a more meaningful and smoother result.
A consultation would allow for precise planning while balancing scar length and outcome.
I hope this helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

After reading your text and seeing photos best option is full brachioplasty. But I might consider “midi” brachioplasty - axillary incision with short down arm extension scar and second round of J-Plasma or Endo Laser. Fee from $8,000-$16,000. Best yo virtual consult with

Skin laxity and lumpiness - Am I a candidate for a MINI arm lift? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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