Are there alternatives to correcting saggy arms without getting an arm lift? (Photo)

Question

I've lost 113lbs so far and I have lots of work to be done to my body that I didn't want to also include my arms. I exercise all the time especially weight train. My arms have gotten smaller and I have muscle under the skin but I don't have fat, just skin on my arms. If there's no alternatives, how is the pain while healing compared to other surgeries? Also how long is recovery time and how long does it take the scar to diminish?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Congratulations on losing 113 pounds! You're amazing. With that much weight loss, I suspect there are few options to arm lift that can tighten the arms to the same level. I use a posterior approach to the arm lift which has a lower pain level and a speedier recovery, in my opinion, than the frontal approach.  The posterior arm lift technique also places the incision in the back of the arm, and not in the front. This makes the incision more acceptable. You can see the results of the arm technique I use in the photo link below. It is very difficult to see the incision from the front. I always prescribed a few days of narcotic medications and find that patients can be off pain pills after that point.  I also use a long-acting anesthetic called Exparel and stopped using pain pumps years ago because Exparel seems more effective and requires no tubes for it to work. It is simply injected into the area. I hope this helps! Best, Dr. Aldo

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and question. Looks like you will need an arm lift to remove the excess skin,recovery period would about two weeks,please consult with a board certified PS,good luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your questions regarding an arm lift.  Thanks for your history and pictures. From you history and pictures, you have excess arm skin.  The only way to remove excess arm skin is with an arm lift.  The medical term is called a brachioplasty.  Under general anesthesia, an arm lift takes about three hours to perform.  The recovery period is about two weeks.  Typically, after an arm lift,   the arm pain is minimal.  Most patients take pain medication for five to seven days.  All scars take about two years to mature fully.  To minimize arm lift scars, I would suggest compression garments for six weeks.  I would also recommend silicone cream and silicone strips to be used on the arm scar for at least six months.

Thank you for your questions about an arm lift or brachioplasty.  I hope I have answered all your questions regarding your arm lift.  If you have any other questions about an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty, please contact my office.

Sincerely,Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Congratulations on your weight loss.   Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from liposuction or a short incision arm lift.  The best way to decide which procedure to do is with an in-person consultation.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The
most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

We use Vaser ultrasound liposuction and/or smart lipo laser for extra skin tightening of the arms. This usually avoids skin excision scars in the majority of patients. Additional skin tightening such as Thermi Tight RF can be added later if needed. In a small percentage, a small skin excision  may be needed in the future, but usually less than a large Brachioplasty right away.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Are there alternatives to correcting saggy arms without getting an arm lift? (Photo)

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Are there alternatives to correcting saggy arms without getting an arm lift? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Arm lift

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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