Arm Liposuction with Renuvion vs Arm Lift - Best option for me? Not sure of Renuvion candidacy (Photo)

Question

I’ve had 2 consults to discuss arm lift VS lipo/Renuvion to avoid scars. Neither could definitively tell me if Id be a good or bad candidate for Renuvion. Both said maybe. I have some skin laxity and crepey-ness (Im 39yo, 5’5”, 167lbs, recently lost 28lb, want to lose about 10-15lb more). Always had big arms for my body. I felt good about the 2nd surgeon who said I could expect good results from an arm lift. But before I accept the scar, Id love a really experienced Renuvion surgeon’s thoughts.

Eric Wright, MD · Answer

For the most skin tightening to be obtained, the arm lift would be the best option.  Skin is removed during this surgery.  As you have mentioned, this requires an incision/scar.  The incision is typically placed along the inside part of your arm towards your elbow.    For some patients, they want to avoid having this scar.  In this scenario, liposuction/Renuvion is the best option.  No skin is removed, but below the skin tightening of the arm is performed with Renuvion.  
Younger patients with good skin quality do great with liposuction/Renuvion.  It is difficult to give you an answer based upon the photos alone of what results you could expect from either procedure. Nothing in the photos would rule out Renuvion.
Consider both options and discuss with your surgeon your goals.

Dr. Eric Wright

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

I think arm lipo with renuvion is a reasonable option based on your photos. The arm lift will provide better results with the obvious downside of a long visible scar. At your age I would lean towards lipo and renuvion.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

An arm lift will give you the most shrinkage and contouring but it obviously comes with a large scar. The scar is typically a deal breaker. Liposuction with renuvion will result in a smaller version of what you look like now but with the risk of some element of deflation of the skin. Although I expect improvements and satisfaction with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction of your arms, you will likely desire more of a result but knowing that it would require a brachioplasty scar. You can always undergo the lipo and see how you like it. If you desire more of a result then you could proceed with a brachioplasty later.

Carey Nease, MD · Answer

Based on the photos and your age, I think you would get a good result with a combination of liposuction and Renuvion for skin tightening. I've been using that device for about 3 years and get very nice results in most patients. The down time is very short and there are no scars. A Brachioplasty (upper arm lift) is also a good procedure but the scar is very visible and some patients don't heal well, especially near the armpit. You can also always do the arm lift down the road if you still have some loose skin that bothers you. Hope that helps!

Michael S. Kluska, DO · Answer

I use Renuvion everyday in my practice and very familiar with the results that are achievable in your situation. That said, if you want to avoid the scar, I would try Renuvion with liposuction first. Worst case scenario, you aren’t happy with the results you can always get the arm lift. Conversely, if you are happy&hellip; you avoided an unpleasant scar. An experienced surgeon who uses Renuvion should be able to help you achieve a good result. Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely posted photos, you are one of those borderline cases. Using J plasma with superficial lip sculpting of the arms could give an acceptable result, but the risk of dented creepy skin is higher. A full arm, lift or brachioplasty does have a permanent scar. my option would be a mini brachial plasty arm lift with Lipo reunion as a combination alternative. Fee for that is $12,000. Best to virtual consult with.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The two procedures you are contemplating do very different things.
The arm lift removes skin, but will not address subcutaneous fat in the rest of the arm.
Liposuction will address excess subcutaneous fat, but will not adequately tighten your skin.
Personally, I would skip using Renuvion a.k.a. J plasma. I am first-hand experience, and did not find any skin tightening that was noticeable by myself or any of my patience I treated.
The only thing I noticed using Renuvion was that patient had more pain during and after surgery.
My personal recommendation is you have Liposuction first, and then see if you like the results.
If you judge the out, with your arms straight out in the air, like on your pictures, then you’ll always see the skin laxity, unless you have an arm lift.
 The scar from an arm lift tends to be somewhat unforgiving. 
To get the contour, correct the scar would also need to go down to your elbow.
Delivering consistent quality, liposuction results is more difficult than most people realize.
Upper extremity liposuction is technically more difficult than other areas.
It is very very important that you select a provider who has a proven track record doing arm liposuction.
You should look at lots and lots of before and after pictures of work done by this provider treating arms Previously.
Poorly done Liposuction Can leave people disfigured, and this can be permanent.
My personal approach is to treat arms circumferentially often blending some fat removal into that forearm when indicated. I find it’s better to judge arms, including the results with the arms in a down position.
It shows the results better, and it is how most people present to the world.
Nobody likes skin laxity, but getting rid of the skin laxity in your case comes at a big price.
There is no in between the treatment that is going to address your excess skin.
 Renuvion isn’t going to do anything. It’s either skin surgery or nothing in regards to your skin.
If you really want to have a good looking arms, then it would generally require first having liposuction and then addressing the skin laxity if you need it.
I take care of a lot of people who look just like you do.
Once I explain what Liposuction can, and cannot accomplish usually with Liposuction and most of them do not have skin surgery.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of provider selection.
The number of plastic surgeons who mastered Liposuction is really small.
Most plastic surgeons think they’re much better at Liposuction than they actually are.
If you look under my profile on this website, you should be able to find some before, and after pictures of patients who had circumferential arm liposuction.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the right provider.
Considering how much variation there is in Liposuction skill among plastic surgeons, I would probably consider having five or six consultations before considering selecting a provider.
This is because the variation in skill for this procedure is significant.
 The outcome is also permanent and reversible.
I have unfortunately met too many people with disfigured arms from well intended plastic surgeons, who just did not have the skill to do this. Kind of work well.
To find the right provider, I suggest multiple consultations.
During each consultation, bring pictures of your arms, including pictures with your arms in a down position.
Ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures of previous patients, who had similar arm characteristics to your own.
For commonly performed procedures, I believe an experience provider should have no difficulty showing you the before, and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients.
Being shown a handful of pre-selected images, representing only the best results of a providers career may be insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider.
 Liposuction is not at all straightforward, and not an easy procedure to do well.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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