What's the best way to fix elbow fat/brachioplasty revision? (Photos)

Question

Hi - I had a brachioplasty 2 years ago now and I hate the way my elbows look, my scars aren't the greatest but they don't bother me like the huge elbows I now have. What is the best way to fix this area? Thanks so much!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Erica61793, Thank you for your question regarding "What's the best way to fix elbow fat/brachioplasty revision?" Thank you for your history and pictures.  In regards to how to "fix" your elbows, most plastic surgeons would suggest a arm lift/reduction or brachioplasty revision.  For your arm lift revision, a plastic surgeon would need to extend your prior arm lift incision.  You have two options: you can extend the incision to slightly below your elbow or extend the incision slightly and go 90 degree above the back of your elbow.  If you choose to extend the incision past the elbow, the arm lift scar would only extend about three or four cm past the medial epicondyle (inner elbow) and onto your proximal forearm.  If you chose to make the incision 90 degress behind your elbow, your current arm lift incision would be extended about four cm.  Then, the incision would turn 90 degree behind your elbow.  The advantage of this 90 degree turn is that the arm lift scar does not extend down the forearm, like option number one.  Also, the 90 degree turn allows for the skin and fat that hangs over the elbow to be tightened and removed.  These are some things for you to consider regarding your arm lift revision.  These revisions can be done in the office under local or under general anesthesia in the operating room.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the best way to revise or fix your elbow fat/brachioplasty.  Good luck.  Sincerely, Dr. J Timothy Katzen, MD

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I would think some liposuction in the full area will help your contour significantly. No need to take more skin though. Thank you.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   A simple revision would remove the excess skin.  This can typically be done as an in-office local procedure. We would need to see you in person to confirm.   Schedule an consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

From these photos it looks like the contour you see could be managed with a small liposuction procedure to remove some a the fat where the brachioplasty ends. This would be a relatively small procedure compared to the brachioplasty and is usually done in office with minimal downtime.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

it seemms a small revision may meet your expectations. Liposuction could change the contour nicely and if the end of the incision is irregular, this can usually be excised and closed again.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Erica61793,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, the bulging part at the distal end of your scar that is at the level of the elbow seems to be a dog's ear, which is the result of excess skin at the end of a scar, can be improved with liposuction and cutting of that skin

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Most often plastic surgeons do liposuct at the time of brachioplasty at the elbow to help prevent exactly what happened to you.  I recommend you undergo scar revision and liposuction.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Considering that your scar ends just above elbow skin and fat tissue bulk, known as a dog ear, created current deformity. Excision of the skin bellow elbow is needed in same cases to avoid this secondary deformity. However, many patients refuse to have it done until faced with this problem. Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest careful liposuction with radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion to help tighten the skin.

What's the best way to fix elbow fat/brachioplasty revision? (Photos)

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