Would an arm lift get rid of my elbow fat? Is there a surgery that would? (photos)

Question

I have a significant about of elbow fat and wanted to know if an arm lift will address this issue. I see a lot of arm lifts where it makes it worse. I spoke to a surgeon who says that the arm lift does not address this issue. Is there a surgery that does?

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Based on photos, the fullness extends down to the elbow. My recommendation would be liposuction of the full upper arm, including the elbow. The skin tightening could then be extended down to the elbow to tighten that skin.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Jan Jan in Toronto.  Thank you for your question regarding would an arm lift get rid of your elbow fat and is there a surgery that would.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best arm procedure.  In examining your arm pictures, you have cutis pleonasmus (excess skin) and dermatocholosis (loose skin) without stretch marks (stria) of bilateral arms.  By classification, you have Type 3 arms with excess skin and fat to your elbows.  By analyzing your arms, your best arm surgery would be a longitudinal brachioplasty combined with arm liposuction.  During your arm reduction surgery, arm liposuction would be performed first.  Then, an incision would be made from the axillae (armpit) to the elbow, and a large elliptical piece of excess inner arm skin and fat would be removed.  In your case, at the inner elbow, near the olecranon, the incision would change and make a 90-degree turn toward the back of the arm.  This back-cut or hockey stick turn would remove the excess skin and fat around the elbows.  The back-cut incision length would be about 2-3 cm. Thank you for your interesting question.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding would an arm lift get rid of your elbow fat and is there a surgery that would.  
Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  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. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if the surgeon takes the incision beyond the elbow and a little on to the inner forearm area and does focal liposuction it should be possible remove some fatty tissue and to tighten the skin to some extent around the elbow.  You do need some excess tissue in this area in order for the elbow to have normal range of motion.

Maryam Zamani (Saheb-Al-Zamani), MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. From your concerns and your photos, you appear to be a good candidate for VASER (ultrasound) liposuction to remove the excess from your arm including above the elbow region combined with skin tightening using a minimally-invasive radiofrequency device (J-plasma/ Renuvion/ Bodytite). This combination of procedures allows for skin tightening to occur overtime without the long-scar of an arm lift. At one year, radiofrequency treatment can be repeated if you still require more skin tightening. I suggest you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in consultation who is well-versed in the aforementioned technologies to offer you a complete breadth of treatment options.
Best Regards,
Dr. Zamani

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photographs you are a good candidate for Vaser liposuction and an Arm lift ( Brachioplasty) procedure. This can address your elbow fat as well. If you find scars unacceptable, a liposuction procedure with ThermiTight or Body Tite is a good option, although the amount of skin tightening with a surgical arm lift is much better. Please find an experienced Board certified plastic surgeon who can help you with all your concerns.. All the best!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Your photo indicate some degree of sagging, you may benefit from liposuction and arm lift, some arm lifts can be done with a small incision, and others require a larger incision. This depends upon the location and degree of skin laxity and requires an exam to evaluate. Returning to sedentary work may take 1 to 2 weeks. Six weeks is usually needed for the scars to become strong enough to resist more strenuous activities. I recommend you to schedule an email, Skype or in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

In my years of experience, you appear to be a good candidate for Vaser ultrasound liposuction of the arms, including the elbow area. This will remove stubborn fat and tighten skin. Most patients will avoid large arm lift scars.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Liposuction at the time of an arm lift procedure can help reduce the fat that you are showing in the photo.  It will not eliminate it completely.
The other option for fat in this area is to treat the area with Coolsculpting.  In our practice, we have found that Coolsculpting of the upper arms does an excellent job at reducing the bulk present without leaving loose skin and without the need for surgery, so this may also be an option for you.   
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Judging from your photos, a liposuction with the Renuvion (formally called J-plasma) would both remove excess fat and tighten the skin in your arms. This is an excellent minimal surgery combination also with minimal recovery time needed, except for the need for a compression garment for a few weeks. The procedure can be done under either local or general anesthesia. The scars are small puncture scars, which are hardly visible when mature.Again, thank you for your question and photos, and best wishes.E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and questions. Based on these photos, you may be a candidate for liposuction of the arms and BodyTtite. Liposuction will remove the extra fat and sculpt the arms into a beautiful shape. Body Tite is a radiofrequency device that shrink wraps the tissues. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. They will be able to assess your specific anatomy and develop a plan that is right for you. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck.

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