Procedure to slim down arms? (photo)

Thank you for your question regarding arm contouring procedures. Based on the photo you’ve provided, it’s difficult to determine whether your arm shape is due to excess fat, skin, or muscle alone. For a more accurate evaluation, I recommend uploading additional photos with your arms raised and positioned to your sides, both from the front and back. Alternatively, an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon would provide the most definitive answer.

If your concern is primarily related to excess fat without significant skin laxity, a procedure like VASER Hi-Def Liposuction could be an excellent option. This advanced technique not only removes fat but also allows for precise contouring, which can help define and "chisel" the arm muscles, giving a more toned appearance.

However, if you also have excess skin in addition to fat, a brachioplasty (arm lift) may be the better solution. This procedure removes both the excess fat and skin, achieving a smoother and slimmer arm contour. Keep in mind that a brachioplasty will leave a scar, typically along the inner arm, but most patients find the trade-off worth it for the improved arm shape.

Once more photos or an in-person consultation are provided, it will be easier to determine the most suitable approach for your specific goals.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in arm lifting to determine what is best for you and your goals.
I treat problems of the upper arm in different ways depending on the nature of the problem. For those with firm, healthy, elastic upper arm skin, I use liposuction cosmetic surgery to sculpt and reduce the size of the upper arms to match the lower arm. Once the excess fat is removed, the skin shrinks to the fit the slimmer arm underneath. Liposuction of other body areas can be performed at the same time, as needed.
For patients with loose, sagging skin under their arms (or "bat wings") due to aging, gravity, or significant weight loss, liposuction will actually worsen the appearance of the arms. To properly reshape the arms, I tailor the skin to fit the underlying arm by surgically removing excess skin and fat. This procedure is called a brachioplasty (arm lift). A "mini brachioplasty" does not offer as much improvement as a full arm lift but is an option for patients with loose skin near the armpit or arm fold, leaving only a small scar in the arm crease.
Whether I perform liposuction, a full brachioplasty, or a mini arm lift, my goal is to give patients slimmer, more attractive upper arms. I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in arm lifting. - Dr. Cohen

You should see a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options are available to you. You may be a candidate for liposuction or non-invasive CoolSculpting to trim down your arms. Good luck.

There are a few options to reduce the amount of fat in the arms such as liposuction or SculpSure and which procedure is best for someone is going to be determined by the amount of fat they want to remove and how quickly they want to see the results. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can remove larger areas of fat, immediately, producing the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time.  For someone who wants immediate results and/or has a larger area of fat, liposuction is a great option. SculpSure is a non-invasive procedure that takes only 25 minutes to complete with results that begin to show immediately and continue to get better for months after the procedure has been completed. SculpSure may require multiple treatments to achieve the best outcome and works best on someone with smaller areas or pockets of fat.  Both procedures permanently eliminate fat from the arms to achieve a much slimmer, more defined upper arm and a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help guide you in the right direction. Best of luck! 

It is difficult to tell from the picture that you provided but it appears that you may have just a little excess fat and skin on your upper arm that is giving you this appearance. There are a number of procedure options for you. Coolsculp or liposuction can remove any excess fat. If you are worried that the fat removal will leave you with some excess skin then the " bodytite" procedure may be ideal for you. This procedure removes excess fat and tightens skin without the need for long incisions. I recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see what the best option is for you.  

I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon who can determine if BodyTite would provide the results you are seeking.   With its ability to safely and precisely heat the soft tissue that is being contoured, BodyTite™ is gentle, safe, and effective and could provide superior skin tightening effects with no down time.

Your arm appears to have a nice contour - I do not see excess fat, it is normal for some bulging when pressing arm towards body.If on exam, you have some fat along bottom/triceps area, this responds well to Vaser ultrasound liposuction.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. 

Great question! It appears based on your picture that you may be a candidate for Coolsculpting or liposuction of your arms. It depends on how much excess skin you have, which can be determined by holding your arms up horizontal and looking for skin and fat descending. I am guessing by your description of having muscular arms that you will not have much descent of skin, and you will likely be a great candidate for the procedures mentioned without excision of skin or brachioplasty. Best of Luck!

An exam is needed to know for sure but you may be a candidate for liposuction to improve your contour concerns on your arms. Because the area is relatively small you may be able to have it performed under local anesthesia. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Based on your photos, liposuction may be a good option for you to improve the shape, contour, and overall appearance of your arms. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.