Arm lipo + skin tightening or arm lift - What do you think would give me the best result? (Photos)

Question

I’m 28, I want my arm smaller and thinner . Which is the best option for me? Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and sharing details about your arm contouring concerns along with the images you've provided.

Given the information and photos, an arm lift would most likely offer you the most optimal results. The arm lift procedure involves the removal of both excess skin and fat, providing a more defined and contoured appearance.

While arm liposuction combined with skin tightening could address some fat pockets and offer some degree of skin contraction, it may not adequately address significant skin laxity. Based on your pictures, your skin might not achieve the desired tightness solely through skin tightening methods.
In the arm lift procedure:
Arm liposuction is typically performed to remove fat.
An incision is made, often starting from the armpit and extending partially or fully down the inner aspect of the arm, potentially reaching the elbow.
The surgery typically takes 3-4 hours under general anesthesia and is usually an outpatient procedure.
Post-surgery, you can expect a recovery period of approximately two weeks.
I hope this guidance aids in making an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Best wishes on your journey to improved arm contouring.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leyla Arvas, MD · Answer

Hello, as far as I can see from your photos, your sagging is not much. If an arm lift is performed, a long scar will form under your arm. At the same time, since you are young, I recommend you to try non-surgical arm lift methods with liposuction. It would be more accurate to try a treatment that works with arm lip and ThermageCPT or radiofrequency energy.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Given your age and quality of your skin, arm liposuction would be a good option. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Courageous606330,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from arm lift. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

At your age with good skin, I would suggest liposuction with minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening. I think you would get good results and can avoid the long scar.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos! Although it is difficult to say without an in person examination, if you have good skin elasticity, you should be a good candidate for an arm lift and liposuction. Lifts on this famously wobbly part of the human anatomy—known familiarly as “Hi Janes” or “Bingo” arms—are particularly popular. Heavy and even moderately droopy arms can be recountoured very effectively with liposuction. Liposuction modifies volume by sucking out fat and because liposuction stimulates the skin to tighten, good elasticity provides a smooth contour after fat is removed. I use several innovative forms of liposuction, including SmartLipo, in order to contour and resculpture the area while providing the most beautiful results with minimal scarring. 
 
Thermage is a good option for tightening the skin of the arms and can be performed in addition to the procedures listed above. For the loose skin of your arms, Thermage® is a safe, non-invasive, cosmetic procedure that’s clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance. The treatment delivers natural looking results with little to no downtime —on all skin colors, on and off the face, all in a single procedure. Fast and easy, you can even come in during your lunch break and return to work after! 
 
But if a patient is left with severely hanging skin as a result of age or weight loss, a brachioplasty will be the most effective procedure—though once again, the trade-off for tightness is a big scar. Today an arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure takes a relatively quick two to three hours, typically under twilight sedation and local anesthesia. The excess fat is sucked out using liposuction, the underlying connective tissues are tightened, extra skin is removed, and the skin is sutured into place. Your mobility won’t be too restricted, and many patients find they can return to work after a week. I suggest you make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss what treatments are right for you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you would benefit from liposuction and skin removal.  This would give you the best result with maximum skin removal and more proportionate arms.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I would offer a combination of all three options, but a mini lift only. Expect fees in the $10,000 ranges. Seek in person or virtual consults.

Arm lipo + skin tightening or arm lift - What do you think would give me the best result? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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