Do I need an arm lift? (Photo)

Question

I used to be 250 at my heaviest in 2018. I managed to lose about 100 lbs in 2020 and toned up really good but still had some saggy skin .... i then gained 30 lbs and am working on losing 20 more lbs to get to my goal. I am weight training and eating macros and being healthy. I am very self self conscious because I have stretch marks and saggy skin under my armpit area. I would love to be confident and see my muscle and be able to wear tank tops and short sleeves. Do I need an arm lift to remove?

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

judging by your photographs, it seems you need neither and arm lift nor liposuction.liposuction would tend to make them more flabby  can leave very disturbing scars which are sometimes difficult to improve. In many garments, these scars would be obvious to the public. Basically, not often a good trade-off.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss of 100 pounds! Based on your history and the photos you've provided, it sounds like an arm lift might be the best approach for your situation. Your arm stretch marks and the considerable weight loss indicate that your skin has lost some elasticity. Therefore, solely relying on liposuction might not provide the results you desire, as the skin might not retract adequately.
A brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, would involve an incision from the armpit to the elbow and could also include liposuction for optimal contouring. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes around three hours. Recovery usually takes about two weeks, with recommendations to wear arm compression garments for roughly six weeks post-surgery. You'd also need to avoid strenuous arm exercises for about a month.
I'd highly advise consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get a personalized assessment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!    It is hard to determine the amount of skin laxity in the photos. There are other options that might get the result you are looking for.  We would love to sit down with you and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, congratulations on the effort to lose all that weight, you are an example to follow, I love your story, in your case from the photos it does not seem that you have much excess skin, that you need to remove it with surgery, I think morpheus or bodytite would be perfect in your case.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears there is not much saggy or excess skin. If the amount you do have is that bothersome to you though, it can definitely be removed. If you would like to be seen here at Smith Plastic Surgery so we can go over the procedure in more detail, please feel free to reach out to my office to arrange consultation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There are 2 types of arm lifts: transverse arm lift which will hide the scar in the axilla and long arm lift which the scar goes from the axilla down to the elbow. Your tone appears to be pretty good. An arm lift will excise skin and stretch marks in the area that is being excised will be removed but stretch marks outside the area will not be removed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Burak Pasinlioglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, arm lift surgery can be performed for a much tighter arm, but your situation seems a little early for this surgery. We generally recommend liposuction at this level, but you should know that there will be no tightening of your skin with liposuction. If the problem is entirely skin, an arm lift may be planned. It is useful to know that there will be a permanent scar on the inner arm after arm lift. Here, the action to be taken can be planned according to your expectations.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your arms are fine. Liposculpture may improve and part that has excess fat but it is hard to tell from the picture. They look like a lipo candidate to me. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to know for sure.

good luck

Andrew Cohen , MD

good luck

Andrew Cohen , MD

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  With what you have now, I don't think you would be happy to trade for a long scar. I suggest doing Renuvion, minimally invasive skin tightening with radiofrequency and small scars.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! An exam would be needed for the best recommendation but it appears from your photos that you have good skin tone.  You may be a candidate for BodyTite which uses RF technology to tighten skin.  The procedure does not require general anesthesia.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  If the exam reveals you are not a good candidate for BodyTite you can still consider an arm lift to remove excess tissue.

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