Is a mini arm lift a good solution for removing stretch marks near the armpit? (Photo)

Question

I do have "bat wings," (Picture 1), but I think that's normal for a woman nearing 40, so I don't mind too much. My concern is the wrinkly texture of my stretch marks when my arms are at my sides (Picture 2). This makes me ashamed to wear anything sleeveless. I love to dance I'm longing to wear all the strappy numbers everyone else wears in dance competitions! The long scar from a normal arm lift seems like too much of a tradeoff, so would a mini arm lift solve my problem?

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

There should really never be a standard procedure in plastic surgery.  If your surgeon only does something one way then there will be a lot of patients that are not getting the best treatment.  Your question about doing a mini-arm lift (brachiaplasty) is a great example.  If you have too much skin near the arm pit and the upper arm but are fine elsewhere then you may be able to have a considerably shorter scar.  There is no question that the long scar, no matter how perfect it heals, is present once placed.  For many patients that have a "bat-wing" that goes down to the elbow (or beyond), it is worth it to them to trade the scar for the improved contour.  If you don't need that much skin removed then shorten the scar.  Perhaps the trade off is a less tight contour further down the arm, but that may be a great choice in you or others with a similar situation.  Plastic surgery to me is really about defining the problem unique to an individual, deciding which options are available, and then helping them to choose the best option for them.Dr Rodger Shortt, Plastic Surgeon in Oakville, Ontario.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding armpit stretch marks and their removal with a mini arm lift. Based on your pictures, I think a mini-arm lift would remove the areas in the upper arm that bother you.There are two types of mini-arm lifts: a crescent and a “T” arm lift. In a crescent mini-arm lift, a crescent area of skin is removed. In the mini-T arm lift, an excision is made in the shape of a T and a little bit of the armpit and the upper inner third of the upper arm skin is removed. The mini-arm lift should remove excess skin and fat in the upper inner third of your arm lift. The benefit of the mini-arm lift is that the incision and resulting scar is well hidden in the armpit. When seeking a mini-arm lift or an arm lift, please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts in their career. Travel out-of-state if you must. You do not want to be someone's experiment. Thank you for your questions, if you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I believe an in person consultation would give you the best answers and a detailed exam and evaluation, always see a board certified PS.

Joseph Michaels, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. An in-person consult will be needed to best determine the optimal procedure, but looking at your pictures I do not think that an arm lift incision limited to your arm pit region (mini) will give you the result that you want. These incisions can be placed towards the lower/inner as pect of the arm to make them as discrete as possible.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

I think an arm lift could help you because it will tighten your skin.  Although you are not a typical candidate for an arm lift, it will remove your stretch marks and give you tightened skin.  The problem is that you will end up with a rather significant scar.  Talk to your plastic surgeon to decide if it is the right procedure for you.  The upper arms are often impacted by the aging process and may hold onto deposits of fat long after weight has been lost elsewhere on the body. If diet and exercise just aren’t cutting it, and you have a desire for arms that look toned and more attractive, then you’re in the right place. During this body contouring procedure, your plastic surgeon will trim away excess, hanging skin and remove stubborn deposits of fat. Then will pull your skin taut so that it conforms to the new contours of your arm. You will emerge from surgery looking firmer, fitter, and more youthful, with arms that better complement the rest of your figure.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks. I don't think a mini arm lift is the best operation for someone active like you and with the trouble areas shown in the photos. I would go with a posterior incision. I would also specifically design the length of the incision to whatever you're comfortable with in terms what can show while dancing and outdoor activity in short sleeves. All arm incisions show to a certain degree, but the posterior incisions show quite a bit less. With Embrace Scar Defense the scar quality can be better than average.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, any brachiaplasty is a trade off of scars, even mini arm lifts.An option may be Vaser ultrasound liposuction to remove small fat and tighten skin to a degree, which may lessen the appearance of stretch marks there.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.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, the best shape and contour could be achieved with an arm lift with a modified short scar approach.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello Dear
 An arm lift is a surgical procedure that:
Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downwardTightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper armReduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm regionFluctuations
 in weight, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to 
have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be 
corrected through exercise.
Arm lift surgery may be right for you 
if the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full
 due to excess skin and fat.
In general, arm lift candidates include:
Adults with significant upper arm skin laxityAdults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweightHealthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgeryNon-smokersIndividuals
 with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.... I recommend to 
make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a person 
evaluation and to talk about your goals. Good luck :)

Praful Ramineni, MD · Answer

Although difficult to tell without an in person examination.  You may be a candidate for a limited incision brachioplasty in the armpit area, or even possibly J Plasma which uses radiofrequency and a helium based plasma to tighten skin without brachioplasty scars.

Is a mini arm lift a good solution for removing stretch marks near the armpit? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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