How much fat is taken from your arm during an arm lift?

Question

I want to get this procedure done, however, I don't want to get it and be unsatisfied with the results. I see many photos of people who get this procedure done, but their arms still look fat after the surgery, it just looks tight after rather than tight AND smaller.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how much fat is taken from your arm during an arm lift. This all depends on the patient. Some patients have a lot of skin and not much fat. Some patients have a lot less fat and less loose skin. Patients with more fat on their arms wind up having more fat removed. No magic number of pounds can be removed from a person's arm. It is entirely patient-dependent. 1 to 1.5 liters of fat is usually removed from each arm. If your arms are more prominent, you may be able to have more fat removed. To imagine what a liter of fat would look like, please get a liter water bottle and place it near your arm. That is the amount of fat that will be removed. In almost all cases, arms are tighter and smaller after a brachioplasty. If your arms are exceedingly large, you may consider arm liposuction first. This would be done as an isolated procedure. Then at a secondary procedure, 6-10 months later, you can have the official arm reduction or brachioplasty. Usually, this is unnecessary, but on extreme arm reductions, this is mandatory. Thank you for your interesting question regarding how much fat is taken from your arm during an arm lift.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The amount taken off during surgery is dependent on the patient.  Everyone has different size arms and skin tone, which is evaluated during consult.  I would recommend having a consult with a PS and expressing in depth your concerns.  This way you can be sure you will get the result you want. Good luck.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

The amount of fat varies.  This operation is primarily done to remove excess skin. If somebody has an abundance of fat in their arm, a secondary liposuction procedure may need to be done several months after the arm lift.It's essential to see a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in the procedure.I wish you the best,Dr. Gabbay.

Michael H. Wojtanowski, MD · Answer

The  amount of change that occurs during an arm lift depends on your anatomy . Sometimes just fat is removed and sometimes fat and skin excess is removed to achieve the optimal result .Most important  is to see a Board -certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to determine what procedure(s) are best to address your concerns.

Owen Reid, MD · Answer

In a similar fashion to other body contouring procedures, an arm lift is able to tighten and reshape the upper arm primarily through the excision of excess skin. Some fat is removed with the excision, but it may not be enough to achieve a satisfactory shape and contour. In such cases of incomplete weight loss, excess fat often persists along the back of the arms. Fat in this location can be removed with liposuction at the time of an arm lift. I would suggest that you ask your plastic surgeon whether they will be using liposuction as part of your arm lift procedure and perhaps, how they will address the fatty area on the back of the arms. At the same time, I think it's important for you and your surgeon to discuss what the final shape and size will be like so that you have realistic expectations about what is possible.

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The amount of fat removed is variable from person to person and is the amount needed to achieve an improved contour.  This may involved liposuction at the time of the arm lift.  Be sure to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

How much fat is taken from your arm during an arm lift?

Answers (6)

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