Am I a candidate for a mini arm lift? (photos)

Question

I was wondering if I would be a candidate for a mini arm lift or crescent arm lift? As u can see in the pics my skin only hangs in a small area of my upper arm but doesn’t extended all the way down. I’m concerned about my range of motion. I would like to still be able to lift my arms all the way up lol

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you would benefit from an arm lift with liposuction.  A full incision down the length of the upper arm does not appear necessary.  You should still be able to lift your arms fully once you are healed.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question if you are a candidate for a mini arm lift. Yes, I believe you are a good candidate for a mini arm lift. In your case, I would suggest an incision that goes from the armpit partially down the inner arm. The length of your scar would be to where the excess skin and fat goes back in and meets the arm. Your arm reduction/lift does not need to go halfway down your arm and certainly not to your elbow. I think this arm lift/reduction incision pattern will give you much better results than a crescent arm lift. There is also a hybrid of the crescent arm lift and the procedure I just mentioned. This is called a “modified T arm reduction.” During a modified T arm reduction, a crescent area of arm skin is removed in a horizontal fashion.  Then, a piece of upper arm skin and fat is removed in a longitudinal fashion.  The resulting scar is in the shape of the letter T. However, I think the incision from your armpit partially down your inner arm will give you the best results. The modified T will give you modest results and the crescent arm lift would lead to the least optimal results. Any of these procedures should take approximately 2 hours under general anesthesia. I use a board-certified anesthesiologist and I do not use drains. Thank you for your question regarding whether you're a candidate for a mini arm lift.  I hope this information helps you.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether you're a candidate for a mini arm lift.  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 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.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Option 1: An axillary (or armpit) incision can be used to remove a small ellipse of tissue. This arm lift is best utilized for patients who have loose skin confined to the arm pit area or uppermost aspect of the arm. The procedure can be combined with upper arm liposuction in the right patient to produce a dramatic improvement in upper arm contour. The scar remains hidden within the armpit.
Options 2: You might be a good candidate for BodyTite with liposuction of the arms. BodyTite does not remove any fat, but it is capable of producing a 45% contraction in tissues.
Consult with a board certified PS via email or Skype to discuss which option would be best for you.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

A mini or short arm lift should give nice results. You should not need a full length brachiaplasty.

​An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  Although rarely used as much as a full arm lift, I do think that you would do well with either a crescent scar arm lift or a short scar arm lift.  I would recommend that you seek a consultation from a Board Certified PS in order to be fully evaluated and get the best procedure for you.

Am I a candidate for a mini arm lift? (photos)

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Am I a candidate for a mini arm lift? (photos)

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