Elbow lift? Young adult would appreciate feedback on my elbows (Photos)

Question

There was no “elbow lift” option so this is listed under arm lift (of which I have already asked about my parachute arms). Anyways, I am trying to figure out what to do about these elbows. I am a young adult who already does not show my arms in public (see my parachute arms/arm lift question) but I am determined to try my best to firm my upper arms by excercising. However, what about these elbows? Any advice would be appreciated thank you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Watermoon86, 
Thank you for your question regarding what to do about your elbows and specifically, is there a procedure called an elbow lift. The short answer is “yes, there is an elbow lift.”  To perform an elbow lift, an incision is made above the elbow in a crescent fashion. That means a crescent area of skin and fat is removed from just above the elbow. The piece of skin and fat that is removed resembles a crescent moon or piece of cantaloupe. Usually, I combine this elbow lift with an arm lift, arm reduction or brachioplasty. The elbow lift is performed to eliminate the dog ear associated with the brachioplasty. However, the elbow lift can be done independently if you want to work out your upper arms by exercising. The key component to the elbow lift is not to remove too much skin. If too much elbow skin is removed, you will not be able to bend your elbow. The elbow naturally has excess skin so you can bend your elbows. I predict all your elbow skin goes away when you bend your elbow to touch your shoulder. Nonetheless, if this excess elbow skin bothers you, consider an elbow lift by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear WaterMoon86,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like your elbows are normal. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You do not want surgery here for the scars would be much worse. However, you can get improvement with radiofrequency with micro-needling to help tighten that skin.

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