Will an arm lift without lipo give the desired result? (Photo)

Question

Aftet losing a substantial amount of weight, I have a decent amount of loose skin on my arms, which I’ve decided to address with an arm lift. I’ve always had bigger arms, so I assumed I would add arm lipo to the arm lift to ensure the best result. During a consultation with a local plastic surgeon, I was told they do not do arm liposuction with arm lifts as the process makes the arm swollen/it makes it harder to get the arm lift as tight as possible. I’m worried my arms will still look big?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Energetic899319, Thank you for your question regarding "will an arm lift without lipo give the desired result?"  Thank you for your history.  This is a common question that armlift specialists get asked all the time, namely "should I combine arm liposuction with an armlift?".  To achieve the best results, arm liposuction should be included during an arm lift or arm reduction.  Arm liposuction during an armlift does not make the arm more swollen and does not make it more difficult to get the arm as tight as possible.  On the contrary, arm liposuction allows a plastic surgeon to get the arm even tighter. Please seek an arm lift consultation with an experienced, Board -Certified plastic surgeon who specializes in arm lifts.  A recent medical article published showed that arm liposuction improved arm lift results.  Please read, Commentary on: Incidence and Risk Factors of Major Complications in Brachioplasty: Analysis of 2,294 Patients.  I hope my answer helped to clarify "will an arm lift without lipo give the desired result"  Good luck.

Andrei Rios, MD · Answer

You will definitely hear different recommendations from different surgeons. We all work based on our previous experience and what makes sense to us to deliver the best possible results. Some surgeons will do minimal procedures, some will perform bigger ones, and that includes doing liposuction at the same time as skin resection in different areas of the body. Some of us always do liposuction to remove some volume, but also to release the skin and be able to tighten it up more, but in order to know what is the best procedure for you, an evaluation is needed. 
Hope you have a great day!

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not always needed with an arm lift but in some cases it can give an improved result. Its impossible to give a recommendation without seeing what your arms look like. In my experience, liposuction shrinks the arm which empties the skin a little more and allows additional removal of skin. I have included a video of an actual procedure which demonstrates this.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

That’s a plastic surgeon’s preference and depends upon each patient.

If mainly lose skin and not much fat can be treated with skin excision only.

In my experience, if there is extra skin and fat around the arm, then liposuction allows me to remove more skin and get a thinner, tapered arm in one surgery. (Liposuction of arm thickness area not removed with skin excision).

Most patients do not like the option of liposuction first, followed by skin excision months later.

Further discussions/ consults are recommended to feel comfortable with plan.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are concerned, do liposuction first and see how much fat can be removed. Then, have the lift done at 6 months later. The swelling from liposuction does limit how much skin can safely be removed with the tuck if both are done at the same time.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The need for liposuction in addition to the arm lift will vary depending on the needs of the patient.  You may wish to visit a few board certified plastic surgeons in your area to listen to varying recommendations to help you with your decision.

Lutgardo Caparas, MD · Answer

I would highly suggest to do a personal consultation first so I can better assess your concern and give proper treatment.

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