So much loose skin. Can an arm lift go from the armpit to the wrist and a thigh lift go from the groin area to the ankle?

Question

I am 5’3.5” tall and 58 years old. At my highest weight I was 410. I’m now 137. I have so much loose skin everywhere. I need an arm lift, back skin removed, my breasts lifted, and a thigh lift. Can’t afford to Sonia all at one time. My atm skin is more than 2 times the size of my actual arm. I’m miserable looking like this. Can an arm lift go from the armpit to the wrist and a thigh lift go from the groin area to the ankle? I am so depressed over the way I look all over.

Salvador Medina, MD · Answer

Hello Gregarious632816
With the arm lift we adjust the skin of the arm, arm pit and the lateral part of the chest. The forearm is a difficult area to treat because there can be important complications with surgery. Also the thighs can be adjusted from the groin down to the knees.
It would be important to evaluate you and decide if there is something we could do for your forearm and lower leg. When it is only extra skin, we can do a conservative procedure on those areas.

Let me know if you would like more information.

Dr. Medina

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Gregarious632816,

First and foremost, I want to commend you on your incredible weight loss journey. Achieving such a significant transformation requires dedication, hard work, and resilience. I understand how challenging it must be to live with the aftermath of excess skin, especially after such an outstanding accomplishment.

To answer your question, yes, an arm lift can indeed extend from the armpit to the forearm, and a thigh lift can be designed to address skin laxity from the groin to the ankle. These extended procedures are not uncommon for individuals who have experienced massive weight loss, and I've performed them many times before with positive outcomes.

While the results can be transformative and can significantly improve the contour and appearance of the arms and thighs, it's essential to have realistic expectations and be informed about the scarring associated with these extended procedures. The incisions will be longer than traditional lifts, but they are usually placed in discreet locations to minimize their visibility.

I empathize with your feelings of distress, and I assure you that many patients who have undergone significant weight loss share your concerns. It's essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who has experience with post-weight loss body contouring to discuss the best treatment plan for your unique needs. They will be able to guide you through your options and prioritize procedures based on your goals and budget.

Stay strong and remember to celebrate the amazing progress you've made. Your journey is inspirational, and there are solutions to address your concerns.

Warm regards,

Dr. Katzen

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Skin laxity in your case can be addressed only with skin excision. Although it is not routinely performed, excision from wrist to armpit and/or ankle to groin, is the only way to remove redundant skin. This should be done in stages with enough time to recover between stages. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this type of surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

An arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift can indeed address excess skin along the arms and thighs, respectively. However, the extent of the procedure and the incision pattern can vary depending on the amount of loose skin and the specific areas targeted for improvement. Here's a general overview of each procedure:
1.	Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): An arm lift typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms to achieve a more toned and contoured appearance. The incision pattern for an arm lift commonly extends from the armpit to the elbow or sometimes to the upper part of the arm, depending on the patient's needs and the plastic surgeon's technique. While the incision may not extend all the way to the wrist, it can effectively address loose skin and fat along the upper arms.
2.	Thigh Lift: A thigh lift is designed to address sagging skin and tissue on the thighs, resulting in smoother and more defined contours. The incision pattern for a thigh lift can vary based on the specific areas of concern. In some cases, the incision may extend from the groin area to the inner knee or along the inner thigh. While this incision typically does not extend all the way to the ankle, it can effectively address loose skin and tissue along the thighs.
It's important to note that these procedures are highly individualized, and the extent of the surgery will depend on factors such as the patient's anatomy, the amount of excess skin, and the desired outcome. During a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, they will assess your concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Additionally, it's essential to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of these procedures, including the potential for scarring and the recovery process. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed information about what to expect before, during, and after surgery, as well as guidance on how to achieve the best possible results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The arm tuck might be able to go to the wrist or close to the wrist in certain people. However, due to circulation, the thigh tuck may or may not be able to go down to the ankle. It may have to stop mid-calf or knee for safety. An examination and Dopler arterial studies would be needed to see how far down the leg the tuck could go.  If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, and the lower leg could not be done.  Congratulations on your weight loss!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  For excessive skin laxity it is often recommended to have the procedures done in stages.  To address the forearm area and calves an examination would be needed so alternatives can be discussed.  I've included a video on plastic surgery after major weight loss that I hope you find helpful.

So much loose skin. Can an arm lift go from the armpit to the wrist and a thigh lift go from the groin area to the ankle?

Answers (6)

More Arm Lift Questions

Is it safe to have 2 cosmetic operations one day after the other?

Can circumaxillary arms lifts be done so there is not a long scar down the arms? (photo)

Do I need an arm lift? (Photo)

What are the best procedures for arm skin tightening? (Photo)

Breast augmentation, arm lift, loose skin on stomach after 100 lb weigt loss (Photo)

What is the best option for minimizing the appearance of my arm area? Unhappy with arm size (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS