Arm lift for overweight patients? (Photo)

Question

I had a lot of weight fluctations in the past but now my weight is stable and I don't want to lose more since I am a little afraid it will make everything worse . However, i have very saggy upper arms. There is some saginess in the belly button area and inner thighs but it is not so extreme. Is is possible to do an arm lift? I am 25 years old, bmi around 32-34.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Optimistic452175,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. 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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift for an overweight patient. Thank you also for your pictures. Based on your photos and history, I highly suggest a longitudinal brachioplasty or an arms reduction. The arm reduction takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. I would include arm liposuction and an incision from the armpit to the elbow. I do not use drains. Compression garments will be required six weeks after the surgery to help minimize swelling and flatten the scar. You should be able to return to a sitting-type job in approximately 2-3 weeks. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure. Please seek a board-certified surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts. Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift for an overweight patient.

Leyla Arvas, MD · Answer

If patient lost weight with an unhealthy feeding program, sagging may occur in the arm area. Along with sagging on the arm, skin cracks may also occur. While losing weight, losing weight regularly can make it easier for the skin to shrink by adapting to it. You can be candidate for arm lift but i always reccomend full health check up before surgeries under general anastesia especially for patient with high BMI . If you dont have any restrictions according your health condition , no risks like high blood pressure or hormonal disorders or diabetis , you may go for Brachioplasty.

Chris Funderburk, MD · Answer

I would encourage you to go forward with your weight loss despite skin laxity. Having a BMI in the 32+ range can impact your overall health and potentially shorten your lifespan. We have so many treatments available for loose skin--everything from Brachioplasty (arm lifts), tummy tucks or body lifts, face and neck lifts to mild, non surgical tightening options like radio frequency microneedling.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, an arm lift can be done. However, I would suggest liposuction with radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion would be a better choice and with a tiny scar.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Your photos show only excess fatty tissue with skin tone. If you don’t have stretch marks, then excess fatty tissue can be addressed with liposuction. The skin would then nicely tighten afterward. Even if the skin hangs after liposuction alone, you haven’t burned any bridges and can have the excess skin removed, all be it, using a shorter scar.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is recommended for have a BMI of 30 or under when considering elective plastic surgery.  Correction of the sagging skin and excess fat can be corrected with the arm lift, but it is important to keep the arms in harmony with the rest of your shape.  If you are considering further weight loss I encourage you to complete that journey first for optimal results.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

Based on the photos you submitted I think you would be a good candidate for an arm lift. It looks like you have some stretch marks on your upper arms so I do not think lipo alone would be a good option for you. A physical exam would be needed to fully evaluate you but as stated previously I believe you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Arm lift for overweight patients? (Photo)

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