Can loose skin and wrinkkles by my armpit be removed through an arm lift? (photos)

Question

Hi there, I recently posted some questions regarding armlift and wrinkled armpit etc. I thank you very much for the kind answers, but apparently, I wasn't quite clear enough in my formulation. So forgive me trying again: I have found out now, that the loose skin/fat over the breast is extra work by an armlift, as it is only included in an "Extended armlift" But, regarding removal of armpit wrinkles, if they exist, I beleave is standard by every armlift? Or isn't it? I was told at my consultation, that my armpit wrinkles couldn't be removed, because they disapear, when I lift my arm upwards.I was told, that if my armpit wrinkles was removed, then I couldn't lift my arms anymore? But I see many have them taken away?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The armpit wrinkles could be improved by excising some of the skin in that area.  Care does need to be taken as your surgeon pointed out, to not remove too much as it could impede your ability to extend your arm freely.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question about addressing excess skin and wrinkles in the armpit region. You're correct that these issues can be effectively treated with surgery. The procedure you're referring to is technically known as an armpit or axillary reduction. This involves making an incision in the armpit to remove the excess skin, thereby tightening the surrounding area. It's distinct from an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty, and it's also not a torsoplasty.
During the axillary reduction, after removing the excess skin, the neighboring skin is tightened. It's a common misconception that tightening the armpit skin will permanently restrict your ability to lift or abduct your arms. In reality, after a recovery period, you will regain the ability to lift your arms normally.
The recovery period typically spans 3 to 4 weeks. Initially, you will be advised not to raise your arms, but over the following weeks, you'll be able to gradually increase arm movement. The surgery can be performed under local, IV, or general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. Typically, drains are not required for this procedure.
I hope this response clarifies your query about treating excess skin in the armpit area and what the procedure entails. Wishing you good luck and a smooth recovery.
Sincerely,

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ani6767,
in case of arm lift, the surgeon will remove excess skin from the arms but not the armpits as you need some extra skin for the elevation of arm. However, sometimes it is possible to improve that area. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Some of your skin wrinkles extend onto your chest wall beyond the armpit.  Armpit excision will remove some of the wrinkles but you may also need a breast lift to take care of the other wrinkles.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without in-person consultation it would be very difficult to give you full assurance but it is my impression that conservative skin excision using “Z” plasty would improve your current condition. You have to find a plastic surgeon with experience in this type of procedure. Good luck.

Can loose skin and wrinkkles by my armpit be removed through an arm lift? (photos)

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Can loose skin and wrinkkles by my armpit be removed through an arm lift? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Minimal arm lift

Answer: Minimal arm lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.