Arm Lift and Thigh Lift, should you do them together or separately?

Question

I am just starting to do research on a arm lift & thigh lift after losing 30kg which I have kept off for 10 years now. I am 53yrs old, 5ft 4 and weigh 60kg. For the best recovery is it better to have these procedures done separately so the body isn't trying to repair too much in one go? Or is it safer to have them done together so you are not going under anaesthetic twice and can anyone recommend a good plastic surgeon in Melbourne, Australia who specialises in this type of surgery? Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Ab62, Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift and thigh lift, and should you do them together or separately?  Thank you for your history.  Congratulations on your weight loss of 30 kgs.  You pose a great question about whether to combine or separate the arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift/reduction (thighplasty).  Most experienced plastic surgeons would specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss and would not recommend combining brachioplasty and thighplasty.  Technically, the arm lift and the thigh lift can be performed together.  However, the reason the arm lift and the thigh lift should not be combined is the recovery period.  Imagine your recovery getting out of bed to go to the bathroom after a combined arm lift and thigh lift.  You will need your arms to pull yourself out of bed; then you will need your thighs to walk to the bathroom; then you will need your arms to pull the garment down to go to the bathroom; then you will need your thighs to squat on the towel. Once you have gone to the bathroom, then you will need your arms to wipe yourself clean; then, you will need your thighs to stand up and your arms to pull your garment back on; then you will need you thighs to walk back to bed and your arms to get situated.  in summary tis is a major ordeal, especially if you have to go to the bathroom several times a day. In addition, all this activity will place significant strain on the incision line and increase your chances of swelling and wound breakdown.  Also, if you combine the arm lift and the thigh lift, there is a significant amount of incision line that needs to heal.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons would stage the arm lift after the thigh lift. Most plastic surgeons would suggest you undergo the thigh lift first so that you can use your un-operated arms to pull the thigh garment on and off.  About 2 months after you have healed from the thigh lift, consider undergoing an armlift.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction and the thigh reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, thigh lift, thigh reduction, thighplasty, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  To get an accurate assessment of what exactly you need, schedule a free virtual consultation.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.  Since the arm lift and the thigh lift are challenging surgeries, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift and thigh lift procedures.  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, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS ( 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.)

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I have found that in many of my patients, a short scar vertical thigh left is a very powerful operation if most of the correction needs to be done on the upper thigh. I would not hesitate to do this with a brachioplasty. Otherwise, I think a full thigh lift should usually be done alone.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

It is possible to perform arm lift surgery at the same time as thigh lift surgery.  In order however to have a safe and good outcome it is necessary to not only select the appropriate patient but also to select the appropriate surgeon.  When any type of leg surgery is performed it is often necessary to use more arm strength and movement in order to change position and stand up from a sitting position.  When excess strain is placed on either operative site the potential for complications increases.  For that reason is very important not only do properly select the appropriate patient but also to provide them with detailed and extensive postoperative instructions to help ensure a successful recovery.  It is also very important to make sure that the surgical team performing these procedures are experienced in performing multiple procedures at the same time thus limiting the time on the operating table and potential blood loss.

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD · Answer

I routinely perform arm and thigh lifts, in approximately 3 - 4 hours.  Your surgeon needs to be experienced and efficient to reduce blood loss and the risk of infection.

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS · Answer

In my practice, I would not do an arm lift and thigh lift together because it would be a longer operation with higher risk.  Also, you would probably not want all 4 extremities out of commission after surgery.  Be sure to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your successful weight loss. You will find that you will receive different opinions as to the best way to proceed. In my practice, I would not do these two procedures together. These thigh lifting operation is a relatively high risk/high complication procedure; I think you will be best off having full use of your arms during the recovery process of the thigh lifting procedure.Generally speaking, It is best to evaluate each patient's suitability for combination surgery on an individualized basis. During this consultation process, after a complete history and physical, the SAFETY of combining these surgical procedures becomes of paramount importance. Plastic surgeon, anesthesia provider, duration of surgery, surgery facility all important considerations.

Your best bet: choose your plastic surgeon very carefully; everything else including good judgment/advice/planning, anesthesia provider, safe surgery facility, and ultimately better outcomes will follow. Best wishes.

Your best bet: choose your plastic surgeon very carefully; everything else including good judgment/advice/planning,  anesthesia provider, safe surgery facility,  and ultimately better outcomes will follow.  Best wishes.

Arm Lift and Thigh Lift, should you do them together or separately?

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