Should I be unhappy with my arm lift? (Photo)

Question

I had a brachioplasty in 9/2014 and so far am very disappointed. The arms still seem quite flabby and large, and the scar is oddly curved, with a big pooch at the elbow end. I realize it is early, but I haven't noticed any swelling in a couple of months, and over that period of time my arms actually seem worse, not better. My surgeon seemed quite irritated with me when I expressed concern that perhaps this was not the best result.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Happiness
is very relative and subjective.  One
patient may be thrilled with the results you display, whereas another patient
may be quite upset with your arm lift results. Fantastic arm lift results do
not necessarily mean a very happy patient. 
Great surgical results are nice, but as plastic surgeons we “aim to
please”.

If
you are unhappy with you results, please discuss your thoughts with your
plastic surgeon.  Discuss with your plastic
surgeon the areas of your arms that you believe need revision.  For arm revisions, I would allow 4-6
months.  The longer you wait the better.

If
I were to perform your arm revision, I would suggest much more aggressive arm
liposuction and arm skin removal.  These
procedures should be combined at the same time. 
Post-operative arm compression garments are essential for 3-4
weeks.

Good
luck with your arm lift or brachioplasty surgery

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You have gotten significant improvement in your arm contour.  Given the contour of your arm on your photos adjunctive liposuction and a scar revision would be beneficial to further improve your brachioplasty result.  Discuss this matter further with your surgeon.  I am certain that your surgeon would be willing to help you get the result you desire.  All the best.

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

From your pictures it would appear that you may have some
extra skin and subcutaneous tissue laxity.  This may be due to some relaxation you may have had after your
brachioplasty, or a conservative resection.  Either way, if it is still bothering you, then I would recommend that
you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to help with you with a
brachioplasty revision.  If your original
surgeon is not willing to perform the revision, then I would recommend you find
someone who is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or
the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry to say it appears as very very conservative arm lifting operation. Best to address this with your surgeon in person...

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

One of the things we try to  get clear with the patient before brachioplasty is they will always wish it was tighter because these tissues always stretch out. But in your specific case I think you could get significantly more improvement with a revision.

Should I be unhappy with my arm lift? (Photo)

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Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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Should I be unhappy with my arm lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

Answer: Should I be unhappy with my arm lift?

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.