Hanging skin after arm lipo?

Question

Is there a specific technique I should be asking the doc for that would minimize the skin on the arms? Or is the hanging inevitable ? I ask because im really scared to have a full on brachioplasty.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Liposuction of any area of the body requires skin of good quality to work properly. After the fat is removed the skin must be elastic enough to rebound. If a patient within skin that is not elastic has liposuction, it will leave the skin loose or uneven. Patients with loose skin require excision to obtain a good outcome.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Pictures or an exam would be necessary to better evaluate your concerns.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If redundant skin is an issue of the upper arm, there is nothing you can do at the time of, or after, liposuction to address the problem.  A brachioplasy would be the only way to eliminate excess skin.

John D. Smoot, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and loose skin can be a problem after lipo but it depends on how much skin you have, the laxity of your skin and how much fat is removed.  You might do better with surgery to remove skin and fat but if you don't have that much loose skin you might benefit from a procedure called Thermi-RF which can shrink your skin.  You would need to see a surgeon who does this and can make sure you are a candidate for this procedure.

Louis Potyondy, MD · Answer

So the downside to any lift or tightening procedure is that there will be some scar. The length of scar on arm lift really depends on how much looseness there is. Techniques range from small minimal scars with laser liposuction to wider excision a down to area above the elbow, and really vary from patient to patient. The key really is to sit down with a plastic surgeon and come up with a solid plan that will maximize outcome.

W. Bryant Walker, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, liposuction cannot address excess skin on the arms.  Some people are very happy with results after liposuction of the arms, while others are bothered by excess skin.  The treatment of excess arm skin requires excision of arm skin (brachioplasty).  I understand your concerns about brachioplasty, but I would encourage you to speak with your plastic surgeon and look at before and after photos to see what results could be expected.  You may be pleasantly surprised.  Good luck!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Yes, if you have loss of skin elasticity and do liposuction, loose hanging skin is unavoidable. Better to do the right procedure or none at all. If a scar would bother you more than the size and shape of the arms then do nothing. And don't let someone oversell you on the skin shrinkage with laser lipo - it is minimal.

Hanging skin after arm lipo?

Answers (7)

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