Is Invisible Arm Lift a good procedure?

Question

I have been reading about the invisible arm lift procedure which eliminates the scar running from armpit to elbow by making a small incision below the armpit making it virtually unnoticeable. Liposuction is performed on the arm,and then the skin is tightened and suture it off underneath the armpit, eliminating the need for a huge incision. Is this a good procedure and which board certified plastic surgeons perform the invisible arm .lift in the Orlando FL area?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The term invisible arm lift appears to describe a mini arm lift procedure augmented with liposuction of the upper arm. In recent years, it's become common for practitioners to take standard procedures and repackage them for marketing purposes. They hope that by renaming these procedures, they can give the appearance that they're offering something special.Mini arm lift and liposuction are both procedures that can be utilized to manage aesthetic deformities of the upper arms. Their use is limited to patients who have relatively minor deformities. When patients have significant amounts of excess skin, procedures that utilize larger incisions are usually always indicated.If you're concerned about excess upper arm skin, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ccbrbo, thank you
for your question. This is a difficult question to answer without photos. It
sounds like the “invisible” arm lift is typically a short scar arm lift or
brachioplasty . Liposuction is usually performed in all arm lifts. The amount
of excess arm skin and fat will determine the length of the incision that you
will have. The more arm skin and fat, the longer the incision needs to be for a
successful and acceptable result. I would seek a board certified plastic surgeon
with experience in short arm lifts as well as long arm lifts. Please be sure
your board certified plastic surgeon has performed both short and long arm
lifts and is not just performing 
“invisible” arm lifts.

Sincerely,

J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure that you describe sounds like it would only work for a very select group of people with very little loose or hanging skin.  It sounds like the liposuction alone would give you a similar result.  For the vast majority of people who need an arm lift, this would not be the procedure to choose.  The traditional arm lift or, in some cases, a shorter scar version of this would give you an excellent arm contour.  This procedure sounds too good to be true.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question.If is sounds to good to be true, then it probably is. Unfortunately, minimal procedures tend to give minimal results. If there is significant excess skin on the arms, then it has to be removed for good long term results.

To be sure, see
two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and
complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe
for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

If it sounds too good to be true...well, you know the rest.   The basic principle for an arm lift is that you have to accept some degree of scar to achieve that much better form.  Please see a board certified PS to learn more about your options.

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