Arm Lift Revision (10 years later) and Bra line back lift - What are the pros and cons, & can they be done together?

Question

Had an arm lift 10 years ago, it needs to be redone, they have sagged and drooped again. Because this is a second time, am I at greater risk for any type of complications, if so what complications? What are the pros and cons of doing a bra line back lift at the same time as opposed to having separate surgeries? Has anything changed with the way arm lifts are done today from 10 yrs ago, or am I safe in relying on my knowledge of the procedure from my previous one?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest combining your arm lift surgery with your back lift or posterior upper body lift. These procedures are often performed together. I encourage patients to have the back lift or posterior upper body lift done with the arms because if there is excess skin and fat from the back lift around the armpit (dog ear), it can be corrected during the same surgery. I am uncertain as to the exact technique your prior plastic surgeon used for your arm lift. Most board-certified plastic surgeons with significant experience with arm lifts, perform arm liposuction at the same time as the brachioplasty. For your arm revision surgery, I would insist that arm liposuction be performed at the same time during your arm lift revision.Due to the fact that you were undergoing an arm lift revision, your general risks for complications are not significantly increased. However, since it is an arm lift revision, I would conscientiously wear your arm garment for at least 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. See a board certified plastic surgeon, and be evaluated for the procedure.  They can evaluate how much skin will need to be removed, and assess your benefit to risk ratio, and you can determine how much risk you want to take.  Back scars are typically not the best healing so take that into consideration. I hope this helps!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Assuming you in good health, you should be able to have both the procedures done together. Of course, this is  also  assuming that you are a good candidate for the procedures (for example, you  have reached your long term stable weight etc.). My best suggestions:  select your plastic surgeon carefully, based on significant/demonstrable experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully and learn as much as you can about the pros/cons/risks/ complications associated with  the planned procedures. Online consultants, without direct examination, would not be able provide you with specific enough information about your candidacy for the procedures and/or specific potential risks/complications in your individual case. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely!If one needs an armlift, by definition the tissues are weak.Therefore repair is dependent on the weak tissues.We can now repair and influence the quality of the tissue "clay" that we are scupting with...SERI, from Allergan, is a silk soft tissue implant that turns into your own collagen.In my pilot study on brachioplasties(armlifts) with SERI, and there was no recurrence and the scar quality was improved.No reason not do the backlift at the same time if you are healthy(anesthesia time) and have a lower risk BMI(BMI is a risk factor for anesthesia)....Best of luck.

Joseph M. Pober, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

There are more new pros than cons for combining revision brachioplasty with braline  back lift. The pros include extending the removal of excess arm pit skin together with removal of upperback rolls and excess recurrent flappimg arm skin.
 The aesthetic judgement for arm shape and minimal tension closure after back and axillary roll removal has not changed .from 10 years ago. The ability to more safely and expeditiously perform the procedure has. We now use new equipent (power assist lipo reduced time and ) and  advanced biocompatible materials (stronger longer lasting yet absorbable mesh and suture support).

These pros translate into reduced OR and anesthesia  time and safer surgery.Weight stable parients wit close to normal BMI rovitŕ( The look of the  results still are determined by the skill and talent of the board certified plastic surgeon.)
Best of luck.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Assuming that you are healthy and are near your ideal weight, there is no reason for you not to have arm lift surgery.  And if you are planning to have bra line back lift, having it as the same time as your surgery is even a cost-effective approach because you only have to pay for one surgical facility fee and anaesthesia fee.  Nevertheless, most plastic surgeons believe that keeping elective surgery under six hours is one way to minimize risk of complications. Good luck and best wishes.

Arm Lift Revision (10 years later) and Bra line back lift - What are the pros and cons, & can they be done together?

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