What is the best way to remove extra fat and loose skin from the sides of the breasts? Can this be done during an arm lift?

Question

I am 43F, 5'3", 125 pounds. I've lost 100+ pounds and am left with extra fat and loose skin below my underarms and on the outer side of my breasts. Can an arm lift be extended all the way down to the outsides of the breasts? If not, what is the best way to remove it?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how to remove excess skin and fat from the sides of the breasts and if this can be done during an arm lift. The answer is yes; the side breast can be addressed during an arm lift and reduction. This can be done by connecting the brachioplasty (arm lift) incision to the vertical torsoplasty (addresses side boob and some back fat) incision. I use the "Z-Plasty" technique to connect the two incisions to avoid tightness in the arms during recovery. With the torsoplasty, the incision can also be taken down the side of the abdomen, ending over the hips, to give you an hourglass shape.

I've performed many of these arm lifts + torsoplasty procedures and the results are EXCELLENT. I'll attach a video below of this exact procedure, combined with a breast lift and augmentation.

I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, 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, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Yes, a Brachioplasty incision can extend all the way down and into the IMF incision of the breasts. Liposuction can also be done of the axilla/lateral chest in the same procedure. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to create a surgical plan targeted towards your specific goals.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Most arm lift procedures will need to be carried onto the lateral chest wall in order to remove the excess tissue from the proximal portion of the arm (the part closest to the body). When this is done, some of the axillary and chest wall skin is also removed. In some patients, this will entirely fix the problem on their lateral chest wall and armpit area. However, in others, this area will require a separate incision that may need to be carried onto the back during a formal back lift or bra line excision.

Salvador Medina, MD · Answer

Hello NowNaomiThe extra skin and fat on the sides of the breasts can be addressed with an extended arm lift. We extend the scar from the armpit, through the lateral part of the thorax, and down to the inframammary crease. We can also add liposuction in that area.With this procedure, we contour the whole upper segment. 
ThanksDr. Medina

Cem Berkay Sinaci, MD · Answer

Hello Naomi,The best way to get rid of unwanted/stubborn fat is by liposuction. I suggest we could do vaser-vibrasat liposuction for the sides of your breasts and also do an arm lift. It is not suggested to extend the arm lift all the way down to the sides of your breasts. Remember that each operation/ treatment plan has to be personalized for each patient. Regards

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Excision of the tissue may be recommended based on the amount of skin laxity.  Depending on the location it may be able to excised at the same time as other surgical areas.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, excess skin can be picked up by extending the arm tuck incision down on your sides. Otherwise, and extended incision can be done with the breast lift.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

The removal of extra fat and loose skin around the breasts is typically addressed through procedures like breast lift or breast reduction rather than an arm lift. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate procedure for your specific goals and anatomy. They can provide guidance based on your needs and recommend the best course of action.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

A typical arm lift spans the length of the arm. This procedure will effectively take care of the excess skin under the arms. In case there is excess skin on the side of the breast, the arm lift incision can be extended down the side of the breast to remove the loose skin in this area. As for TRUE excess skin of the elbow joint, the proper way is not to extend the arm lift incision across the elbow joint but rather end it in a T. This is an over simplification of the techniques but should give you some idea.

What is the best way to remove extra fat and loose skin from the sides of the breasts? Can this be done during an arm lift?

Answers (9)

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