Is it possible to get arm liposuction before an arm lift? (photos)

Question

I had an arm lift 2 years ago and will be doing a second arm lift in a couple of months. I know that liposuction can be done together with the surgery but is it okay to get full arm lipo a couple months before proceeding with an arm lift? This is because I assume that getting an arm lipo with an arm lift at the same time will cause more swelling hence the surgeon would not be able to be remove as much skin due to scarring during the healing process. I would like as much skin removed as possible.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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Thank you for your question regarding whether it's possible to get arm liposuction before an arm lift. Yes, it's possible to get arm liposuction before an arm lift. Typically, I perform arm liposuction at the same time as an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. The reason I perform arm liposuction at the same time as the arm lift is that during arm liposuction, arm fat can be directly removed. Arm fat can also be removed from areas that cannot be resected with a scalpel. All liposuction also aids in surgery dissection. When doing arm liposuction at the same time as the arm skin and fat resection i.e. brachioplasty, there is minimal swelling during the procedure. Swelling after liposuction takes several hours to begin. During that window of time, I am able to dissect the field and reapproximate the skin. There is not so much swelling in the arm that the skin cannot be closed and it will not jeopardize the results. I have hundreds of cases to prove this.

Personally, I do not think you need arm liposuction performed before your arm lift. I believe your arm liposuction can be performed at the same time as your secondary arm lift or revision. If, however, you are fixed on having arm liposuction before your brachioplasty, I would suggest you have VASER arm liposuction. This is the best form of liposuction for scar tissue as well as to aid in sculpting the arms. In addition, I would suggest you probably wait 4-6 months after arm liposuction and before having your arm lift revision. It will take several months for the healing of the arm liposuction to completely heal. During that time, it may be unwise to operate because of swelling from the liposuction as well as scar formation. Therefore, again, I would suggest that the arm liposuction be performed at the same time as your arm lift/revision. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether arm liposuction can be performed before your arm lift.

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 rkawk25,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You might get liposuction prior to arm lift. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Yes, liposuction can be done by itself, and minimally noninvasive radiofrequency skin tightening can be added.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically liposuction and the arm lift can be done at the same time to reduce recovery time for the patient.  If you want to stage them it is possible.  You will want to wait until you are completely healed from the liposuction before having the arm lift revision surgery.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns.

Anmol Chugh, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

Hi, arm lift is always accompanied by arm liposuction. First step we do is arm liposuction to thin out the excess and remove the excess. Going for two procedures simultaneously will be a better option as it will not affect final result and recovery will be faster.

Is it possible to get arm liposuction before an arm lift? (photos)

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