Can I Have a LBL and Arm Lift Done at the Same Time?

Hello, and thank you for your question about whether you can have a lower body lift (LBL) and a brachioplasty (arm lift) done at the same time.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to combine a 360-degree circumferential lower body lift (also known as a belt lipectomy) with a brachioplasty in a single surgery. In fact, many patients who have undergone massive weight loss choose to combine these procedures to address multiple areas of loose skin in one stage — especially when they’re in good health and motivated for a single recovery period.

Typically, during this combined operation, the buttocks and lateral thighs are lifted first with the patient in the prone (face-down) position. Then the patient is turned over and the abdominal portion of the lower body lift (tummy tuck with muscle repair) is completed. After the lower body lift is done, the arm lift is performed to remove excess skin and fat along the upper arms.

The total surgery time can range anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, depending on your anatomy, your surgeon’s technique, and how much tissue needs to be removed. The lower body lift portion alone generally takes 4 to 6 hours, while the brachioplasty may take an additional 2 to 4 hours.

It’s important to know that combining surgeries does increase the intensity of the recovery, especially because both the upper and lower body are healing at the same time. You’ll need help getting in and out of bed, using the restroom, and preparing meals for at least the first 10–14 days, as your upper body strength will be limited from the arm lift, and your core will be recovering from the body lift.

If you decide to proceed, be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs a high volume of post-weight loss body contouring procedures and is comfortable performing long, combination surgeries. Experience truly matters when it comes to safety, efficiency, and long-term outcomes.

Good luck! I hope I’ve answered your question about combining a lower body lift with a brachioplasty.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Be sure to carefully review your surgeon’s before-and-after photos, check their reviews on RealSelf, and confirm that they’ve performed at least 100 body lifts and brachioplasties. This combination is complex, and you want someone who specializes in it.

Thank you for your question.

The answer really will depend on the patient and his/her medical history.  If you are a healthy patient with no medical issues, most likely the procedures can be performed at the same time.

Do your research, choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (not cosmetic surgery) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  From here, you know you are selecting from qualified surgeons.  You need to meet with the surgeon, see many examples of their work and talk to patients about their experience with the surgeon and the staff.  If there is a way to speak to and meet patients who have undergone a similar procedure, that is usually very useful.

Best wishes.

A lower body lift or circumferential body lift can correct the sagging abdomen, outer thighs and buttocks. It is commonly applied to a patient who has lost weight or part of a mommy make-over. The incision does go all the way around the waistline, but does address multiple areas. A lower body lift can take about 4 hours and I usually keep my patients over night. A lower body lift can be combined with an arm lift or brachioplasty. This will add approximately 2 hours, but in the right patient and it sounds like you are ideal, this should can be combined. I do not like to do legs and arms at the same time because it immobilizes you too much, but the arm lift and body lift are very realistic combination procedures. I hope this helps. Dr. Trussler