Would a mini arm lift remove excess skin and stretch marks while delivering a natural look? (photo)

Question

Im a 30 year old active female that had a 100lb weight loss several years ago. im considering a mini arm lift to get rid of a small amount of loose skin close to my armpit and also stretch marks behind my armpit - i am concerned the results wont look natural, please advise

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Valiantefforts, thank you for your question "would a mini arm lift remove excess skin and stretch marks while delivering a natural look?"  Thank you for your picture and your history.  In regards to your picture, you have minimal excess armpit skin.  The mini-arm lift will get rid of some excess upper arm/armpit skin, fat, and stretch marks.  However, the mini-arm will not remove as much upper arm skin as you think--maybe about 4-5 cm. Because the incision is hidden high in the armpit, the mini-arm lift can achieve a natural result.   Most plastic surgeons would agree that if the armpit area bothers you, go for it and have the mini-arm lift.  Good luck!  I hope that i have answered your question regarding "would a mini arm lift remove excess skin and stretch marks while delivering a natural look ?"  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

In my experience, mini arm lifts do not deliver on expectations. Think carefully and ask for photos prior to proceeding with any excisional procedure. Thank you.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Instead of a mini arm lift, I would consider a more moderately invasive procedure such as a BodyTite, Renuvion, SMARTLipo, or other device. Based on the amount of laxity and your perceived skin quality, one of these procedures is likely to yield good results.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Interesting question. What you are looking for is not going to be corrected with any version of a brachioplasty as the skin is not actually on the arm. It may be amenable to skin tightening with something surgical like J-Plasma or Renuvion. It may need a small direct excision. In either case I’d suggest having a consultation with an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon to be examined and get a better sense of what your options are. Hope that helps!

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for asking, better quality photos are needed to evaluate the amount of excess skin, if you require an extensive or short skin cut in the armpit, they must be photos from the front and back where the entire arm appears, thank you

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A mini arm lift uses a transverse incision hidden in the axilla.  It can tighten up the skin but not as much as the longer arm lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

With such a significant weight loss, your arm appears to have rebounded nicely without an extreme amount of lax skin.

As such, in my experience, Vaser ultrasound liposuction may give optimal results to your arm and axilla areas.  Mini arm lifts tend to have limitations to results as opposed to traditional arm lifts with small extend into the axilla (arm pit).

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.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your one photo is limited so I cannot be specific. However, you might do very well with Renuvion for tightening and Morpheus to treat the stretch marks.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

A mini arm lift, also known as a limited incision brachioplasty, is designed to remove excess skin and some fat from the upper arms, typically resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance. Here's what you can expect regarding excess skin, stretch marks, and achieving a natural look:
1.	Excess Skin: A mini arm lift effectively removes a moderate amount of excess skin from the upper arms. If you have a significant amount of excess skin, a traditional arm lift (full brachioplasty) might be more suitable.
2.	Stretch Marks: Stretch marks are often found in the excess skin that is removed during an arm lift procedure. While a mini arm lift can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by removing some of the affected skin, it may not eliminate them entirely. The remaining skin can still have some stretch marks, but they might be less noticeable after the procedure.
3.	Natural Look: Achieving a natural look depends on the skill of the plastic surgeon and the extent of the surgery. A mini arm lift is less invasive than a full brachioplasty and typically results in shorter scars and a more subtle improvement, which can contribute to a more natural look. The incision is usually placed in a less conspicuous location, such as the armpit or the inner arm.
It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific situation and desired outcome. They can assess your skin quality, amount of excess skin, and location of stretch marks to recommend the most appropriate procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for a mini arm lift.  It addresses excess skin of the under arm and and just under.  You may do well with less invasive skin tightening such as BodyTite.  See my website or a provider near you to learn more.

Would a mini arm lift remove excess skin and stretch marks while delivering a natural look? (photo)

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