Can I have arm lipo & VSG done at the same time?

Question

Hello, I have decided on having VSG in the near future but my arms are significantly larger than other parts of my body. I am almost certain I will have loose skin there and would hate it. Is it smart to do arm lipo and VSG at the same time to void loose skin in the future for the area?

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

The gastric sleeve and another procedure cannot be performed, the surgical time would be prolonged, and it may become complicated.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It's great that you're planning ahead for your body contouring needs. While arm liposuction (lipo) and VSG can technically be done together, it's not always the best approach. There are several reasons:
- Lipo doesn’t tighten skin – Since liposuction removes fat but not excess skin, it may worsen loose skin in areas prone to sagging, especially after significant weight loss.- Post-VSG changes – Your body will continue reshaping for 12–18 months post-surgery. It's usually best to let your skin adapt before deciding on additional procedures.- Best timing for arm contouring – I recommend waiting until you’re close to your goal weight, at which point arm lift (brachioplasty) might be a better option if loose skin becomes an issue.

Walfre Edwin Guerrero Burgueno, MD · Answer

It is recommended to have plastic and/or reconstructive surgery at least one year after your bariatric surgery, since if you do it before, you will probably continue to lose more weight, with the risk of having excess skin again.
Regarding your arms, it’s common for people to have concerns about loose skin after significant weight loss, especially in areas like the arms. However, doing arm liposuction at the same time as VSG may not necessarily prevent loose skin. Liposuction removes fat but doesn’t tighten the skin, and in some cases, it can actually make loose skin more noticeable.
If loose skin is a concern, many patients choose to address it later with procedures like brachioplasty (arm lift) after they’ve reached their target weight. This way, you can have a better idea of how your skin responds to the weight loss and make a more informed decision.

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

In the realm of post-bariatric surgery, the question of skin concerns is an important one. We understand that your journey towards health and well-being is multifaceted, and we are committed to providing comprehensive guidance.
After undergoing the gastric sleeve procedure, many patients experience a significant improvement in skin elasticity thanks to the gradual, sustainable weight loss it facilitates. This often alleviates concerns related to excess skin. However, recognizing that individual experiences may vary, we want to ensure that you are fully informed and empowered to make the choices that align with your goals.
Should you have an interest in addressing excess skin concerns following your weight loss journey, we recommend the following course of action. After completing a full year post-surgery, if you find it necessary or beneficial, we encourage you to explore consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons. These specialists possess the expertise to assess your unique situation comprehensively.
By seeking multiple consultations, you can gain a well-rounded perspective and gather personalized recommendations from these experienced professionals. They will guide you in making informed decisions about any potential surgical interventions that may align with your goals and preferences.
At our weight loss bariatric surgery clinic, our primary focus is on providing exceptional weight loss programs and comprehensive support for your overall health and wellness journey. While we do not offer plastic surgery services within our practice, we are fully committed to assisting you in achieving your weight loss goals and ensuring you have the information you need to make informed choices beyond our specialty.
Your well-being is our utmost priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way in your pursuit of a healthier and happier life.
Warm regards,Miami VIP Surgery

Islam Abdelkhalek, MD · Answer

As the gastric sleeve will reduce your weight to the ideal, it's better to wait till reaching ideal body weight to make lipo at your optimum weight and you don't need to it again.

Felipe Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is not recommended to perform liposuction at the same time as vsg. The patient will lose fat during the first year in an accelerated way and will notice changes every month. It is recommended to have an esthetics surgery one year after the VSG in order to remove any extra skin and have better esthetics results. Brachyoplatic will be the best option for you to remove the extra skin .

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, Thanks for your question! When we decide to do the sleeve gastrectomy you have to know that you will loose weight from all over our body and we don’t decide wich part specifically. for your case, I would like to recommend getting the VGS done first.  As it can up your chances of getting to your ideal weight, futhermore, the weight loss can be an advantage for the plastic surgeon, as it also improve your health status in general making the anesthetic time and recovery better for you.

Can I have arm lipo & VSG done at the same time?

Answers (7)

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