Full Brachioplasty or could I possibly get good results with short scar arm lift? (Photos)

Question

I have NEVER left my house in short sleeves and tired of it. I would really like to have an arm lift. I’m 41 years old and have NEVER been overweight. I know it’s hard to tell by looking at pictures but would there be a possibility I could do a short scar arm lift ? Pictures of both arms are attached. My left arm is a little worse than right. Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your pictures and limited history and without a thorough physical examination, I believe you would be a good candidate for the mini arm lift or short scar arm lift. You have a mild amount of fat in the upper arm and a mild to moderate amount of the arm skin elasticity. During the short scar arm lift or mini arm lift, an incision is made in the armpit. Crescent area of arm skin and fat is removed close to the armpit. The incision is localized in the armpit. If you need slightly more arm skin removed an extension is made from the armpit downward several inches. This results in a t-shaped scar. Either way, I think you can avoid the long arm lift scar. When seeking an arm lift procedure, please be sure your selected surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To find an arm lift expert, you may need to travel out of state. None the less, you should choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts. Please examine their before and after galleries closely. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the mini or short scar on the list. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, please contact my office. 
  
Sincerely, 
  
Dr. Katzen

Meegan Gruber, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi Newbie,
Please do research on ultra-complete high-definition arm lipo! You do not appear to need skin removal which would leave a long scar. 
Arm lipo is an art that very few surgeons make the effort to perfect. It takes patience and a lot of skill. I would recommend that you do your research by looking at before and after photos of patients with arms like yours. Find a surgeon with a gallery full of excellent arm lipo results and you will have more assurance that yours will be excellent as well. Good luck on your journey!

All the best,
Dr. Meegan Gruber

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question.
CAST Liposuction combined with mini-brachioplasty produces excellent upper arm contour. Liposuction of upper arm contouring can produce excellent results in individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. Additional skin tightening can be achieved with J-Plasma Cool Helium Plasma.  I recommend the Circumferential para-Axillary Superficial Tumescent (CAST) technique for upper arm contouring. The use of tumescent anesthesia, micro cannula, and meticulous post operative care maximizes skin retraction and can give excellent improvement. If there is skin laxity, a brachioplasty may be required to tighten the skin. The minibrachioplasty is ideal for correcting the loose skin in the upper third of the inner arm. An ellipse of skin is removed from the axilla (arm pit) and the thin skin of the upper inner arm is advanced and tightened. The scar generally heals well and is well hidden, allowing you to wear short sleeves and sleeveless blouses. For certain patients, dermal tightening with J-plasma can allow you to avoid scar as it produces excellent skin tightening.
 I generally try to avoid performing a full Brachioplasty unless the skin is extremely loose. In such cases the resulting improvement in the contour of the arm can be dramatic, but the scars are difficult to hide.
Please consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Best regards,
Andrew Lyos, M.D., FACS

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. While a photo is no substitute for an in person consultation, it appears you may not need a lift at all. Circumferential arm liposuction decreases the size of the arm and leads to tightening of the skin envelope. I recommend you consult with a plastic surgeon for a more specific exam and discussion of your surgical options. Best of luck. Clayton Crantford, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures it looks like you are a good candidate for a short scar arm lift, an in person consultation would be best for a detailed exam and evaluation. Always see a board certified PS.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It does appear you have some laxity to the skin, but it is hard to determine how long the scar would have to be without seeing you in person.  If you do not have a lot of laxity you may be able to get away with a short scar. I would recommend an in person evaluation to know for sure what your best option is.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, Vaser ultrasound liposuction will tighten your arm skin and contour stubborn fat without brachioplasty scars. The procedure and recovery are much easier also.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.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, you may benefit from liposuction and a short scar technique.  You do not have enough skin laxity to warrant a full brachioplasty.   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.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos I think you would benefit from liposuction of your arms and a modified incision in the armpit. You don’t appear to have enough skin to justify the full brachioplasty incision

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for the question and provided information as wellBased on your photos i think you are a good candidate for a short scar arm lift an would get good results. I recommend to 
make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a person 
evaluation and to talk about your goals and what would be best for you.Good luck :)

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