5'6, 205lbs - am I arm lift ready? (photos)

Question

Hello Everyone! I hope you're feeling wonderful. I recently lost 117 pounds and currently weigh 205 pounds. My arms right now is my biggest insecurity. I was wondering if an arm lift is recommended for my size. I am also 5'6. I really need some help. As you can see in the picture, the shirt is a size small but it makes my arm look horrible. I also wanted to know if the scar is really bad? Any advice is appreciated! Thank you so much! Be safe!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear DiorVega,generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. 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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

First off, congratulations on your significant weight loss; losing 117 pounds is a great accomplishment! As for your question regarding readiness for an arm lift, given your current weight and height, you are ABSOLUTELY a suitable candidate for an arm lift.

In this procedure, liposuction is first performed to remove any excess fat, and then an incision is made, usually from the armpit to the elbow. An elliptical segment of skin and fat is then excised. The scar is ideally positioned along the inseam of your arm to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.

Arm lift surgery, or more accurately termed 'arm reduction,' is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Post-operatively, it's critical to wear compression garments on your arms for about 6-8 weeks or until all the swelling subsides. These garments aid in the healing process and help achieve the best aesthetic results.

Scarring is an inevitable part of this process, but the scars typically heal well and become less noticeable over time. It is a trade-off most patients are willing to make for the benefits of smaller and more toned arms. I would recommend exploring your chosen plastic surgeon's website or meeting in person to examine photographs of healed scars from arm lift surgeries they have performed.

I hope these detailed responses give you a better understanding of these procedures and assist you in making informed decisions. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance, so feel free to ask any further questions you might have. I wish you the best of luck. Congratulations again!

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for an extended Arm Lift . This will successfully remove all the excess skin that you have from your arms and most likely down the armpit area, in addition to the skin removal, a little liposuction is recommended to further loosen the skin to give you the slim arms that you are looking forward to, just make sure you have enough time to recover before scheduling surgery so you give yourself enough grace time and then go back to work. Otherwise, you seem ready to begin your journey!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!    The main question would be:  Are you at your desired weight?  Having surgery and then more weight can alter the results.  There are other options that might get the result you are looking for.  We would love to sit down with you and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

In general, your BMI is appropriate for an arm lift as it is below 35. As long as your weight has been stable for more than 6 months, you are a good candidate for an arm lift. Arm lifts fall under the umbrella of body contouring surgery, or skin removal. With these procedures, you are always trading "skin for scar." in other words, the contour will be greatly improved, but the scar can be substantial. Brachioplasty and thighplasty scars in particular tend to widen over time and have a fairly high chance of being hypertrophic or forming a keloid scar. Most patient still maintain that these procedures did benefit them as the improvement in arm contour can be significant.

Saad Alsubaie, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

I ask my patients to be at a stable weight for at least 6-12 months before any body contouring surgeries. From the photos , you might be a good candidate for brachioplasty (arm lift) depending on if the skin also extend to sides of the breast ( extended to the side breast vs traditional ). The scar is not the best but careful planning and meticulous technique can help hide and make the scar less noticeable. I have many patients in my practice who had the procedure and very happy with the contour and the transformation and more confident and they don't mind the scar.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! If you are still wanting to lose weight, do liposuction now and reduce the excess fat. Once you have reached your weight goal, then have the lift. You will have best results if liposuction is done first to remove excess fat.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Yes, from the photo it appears you are a candidate for an arm lift.  If you have completed your weight loss and you are at a stable weight you can consider surgery.  The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

I recommend liposuction of the arms to remove as much of the fatty tissue as possible and then proceed to arm lift. The combination will give you the best contour. The scars can be hidden on the inner aspect of the arm. No matter what, some scarring is expected.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

Based on your photos and your post I think you would be a great candidate for a brachioplasty and would have an awesome result. The only way to get rid of that excess upper arm skin is to excise it. In regards to the scar, its going to be long, typically from the elbow to the arm pit and sometimes to the side of the chest. It is just a line and sometimes your surgeon can help to hide it some. You need to weigh the scar vs the skin. I think in your case the scar is worth it!

5'6, 205lbs - am I arm lift ready? (photos)

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