Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Question

Does a thigh lift work well and is the scar very noticeable?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about whether a thigh lift works well, how visible the scars are, and if it can be done at the same time as an arm lift (brachioplasty).

Yes, a thigh lift can be performed at the same time as an arm lift, and both procedures are commonly done together in post-weight loss patients who want to remove excess skin from the upper and lower body. However, while it is technically possible, I generally do not recommend combining these two surgeries — and here’s why:

Recovery from a thigh lift requires you to rely heavily on your upper body to support yourself when standing, sitting, or using the restroom. At the same time, recovery from an arm lift requires you to limit the use of your arms, avoiding lifting, reaching, or pulling. So, when you combine both procedures, it becomes very difficult to move around, support yourself, or complete basic tasks without assistance.

That said, if you're healthy, have good support at home, and your plastic surgeon agrees, it can be done safely. Just know that you’ll need a dedicated caregiver for at least the first 10 days to help you with mobility, meals, personal hygiene, and getting in and out of bed or a chair.

Now, in terms of results — yes, thigh lifts and arm lifts work very well, especially when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in post-weight loss body contouring. These procedures remove excess skin and fat, smooth the contours, and restore a tighter, more proportional appearance.

Scars from these surgeries are long but placed strategically:

A thigh lift scar typically runs along the inner thigh (on the inseam) and may extend to the knee in more extensive cases.

An arm lift scar is usually placed along the inner arm or the back of the arm, so it’s hidden when your arms are at your sides.

With proper scar care and time, most patients find the scars fade significantly and are a worthwhile trade-off for the dramatic improvement in shape and skin tightness.

If you’re considering this surgery, please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed many combined body contouring procedures and can help guide you on whether staging the procedures or combining them is best for your unique case.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you move forward on your journey. Watch this video below of me performing an arm and thigh lift on an amazing patient.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Board of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alanalyric,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi alanalyric

Limited Incision Thigh Lift.
- Scar is located in the groin crease and difficult to see.

Extended or Vertical Incision Arm Lift.
-The extend thigh lift surgery uses a horizontal incision in the groin as well as a second vertical incision that extends from the groin to the knees along the inner thigh.   It is hidden along the inner thigh. To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

To some extent, this will depend upon individual needs and goals. If the arm lift and thigh lift are both extended, I would not do both at the same time. I perform these procedures frequently and quickly, but an extended arm lift will take 2.5 hours and the extended thigh lift will take 3 hours minimum. In addition, taking care of yourself can be an issue afterwards.
Consult via email, or Skype with a board certified PS who can evaluate whether staging would be better for you.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

I must let you acknowledge that it will definitely depends on how extensive both procedures could be.  
Technically there is not a problem. 
The final decision must be based on safety: your age, if you are already in a safe BMI below 30, your level of hemoglobine, your medical background, the need of liposuction associated to arms or thighs. 
Based on my experience as emperra on the After weight loss surgery (AWLS), thigh lift is the toughest recovery among all AWLS, so just imagine not being able to use your arms to move around having in mind you can not use much your legs. 
I have done it before and sometimes I regretted it. Because recovery is very rough. 
In young, very slender patients, healthy,  maybe recovery is more tolerable. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answer: Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answer: Combination of Thigh lift/Arm lift

Answer: Combination of Thigh lift/Arm lift

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Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answer: Can you do a thigh lift with an arm lift?

Answer: Combination of Thigh lift/Arm lift

Answer: Combination of Thigh lift/Arm lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.