57 pound weight loss - is an arm lift the right procedure for bat wings? (Photos)

Question

I lost 57 lbs and went through menopause and took mounjaro. I have crepey upper arms, cannot wear short sleeves or tank tops. It looks horrible. I need help. I want to at least wear short sleeves.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Loving802781, Thank you for your question regarding a 57 pound weight loss and is an arm lift the right procedure for bat wings? Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedures.  According to your pictures, you 
have moderate cutis pleonasmus (excess skin) and moderate dermatocholosis (loose skin) with stretch marks (stria).  Also, you have arm lipodystrophy (excess fat).  
Because of your excess skin, arm liposuction alone is not the best answer.  Therefore, you need excision of arm skin.  There are six types of arm lifts or brachioplasties: crescent or mini, modified longitudinal, T-incision, longitudinal with the scar in the bicipital groove (between the biceps and triceps in the inner arm) , longitudinal with the scar along the back of the arm (triceps), and complete upper and lower brachioplasty with an incision from the armpit to the lateral wrist.  
Most plastic surgeons would recommend a longitudinal with the scar in the bicipital groove with arm liposuction.  Your arm reduction would take about 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia.  No drains are required.  Plan on a 2 to 3 week recovery.  You will need to wear your compression garments for about 6 weeks.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction, and specifically a 57 pound weight loss and is an arm lift the right procedure for bat wings?  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm scar revision, or arm crease fat grafting, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  To get an accurate assessment of what exactly you need, schedule a free virtual consultation.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.  Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures.  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, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS, FASBPS (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.)

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, arms can be stubborn after large weight loss.

An arm lift with small extension into armpit will remove excess skin, bat wings. This will restore arm thinness and shape.

Trade off will be scar. Remaining skin will still be crepey but arm will be tighter overall.

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for a brachioplasty.  The incision extends from the medial aspect of the elbow into the axilla.  This takes 2 hours to perform under general anesthesia and costs $8,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive 57lb weight loss; however, the combination of rapid volume depletion and menopausal changes often leads to the significant skin laxity and "crepey" texture you are experiencing. Because this is a structural issue involving a loss of skin elasticity rather than excess adipose tissue, non-surgical tightening treatments are unlikely to provide the dramatic improvement you're seeking. To achieve a contoured result that allows you to feel comfortable in short sleeves, a brachioplasty (arm lift) is the gold standard, as it surgically removes the redundant skin and tightens the underlying tissue. While this procedure results in a permanent scar along the inner arm, it is the most predictable way to restore a firm, youthful silhouette to the upper arms.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your post photos, you were a candidate for surgical arm lift. Best of virtual concert with to gain a better understanding and explanation. Expect fees to arrange from $5000-$8000.

57 pound weight loss - is an arm lift the right procedure for bat wings? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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