I do a lot of body contouring. In my earlier years, I was very possibly the most experienced plastic surgeon in New York City when it came to post-bariatric body contouring for loose skin. Times have changed, but I’m still glad that I have these skills, and I still do a fair number of arm lift cases … just not quite as many as I used to.
Yesterday, I had yet another patient come in asking about her loose arm skin. She is a young woman and is still in the process of losing weight, so I suggested that she complete her weight loss before she proceeds with any body contouring procedures, but especially her arms.
Arm Lift Surgery
For arm lift procedures, I typically suggest two things. First, patients should be at their leanest for an arm lift. This is different than other operations where I just ask patients to be at their “normal” or long-term weight goal. In arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty), I want to be able to pull that skin as tight as possible without risking a postoperative complication such as dehiscence (the wound comes apart). Second, in patients who are already at their goal weight but the arms are still kind of spongy, I will perform liposuction to de-bulk the arms first. Then, about 3 months or so later, we can perform the arm lift and are much more likely to get a satisfactory result. You can learn more about the actual arm lift surgical procedure from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Arm Liposuction
So, this brings us to the concept of liposuction for the arms instead of an arm lift. There is a group of patients who can do very well with the Smartlipo technique in the upper arms.
The theory is that the 1320 laser wavelength from the Smartlipo treatment seems to enhance the loose skin quality—some would say that Smartlipo tightens the skin, but I’m wary of that term. In any case, there is clearly a positive effect, and many of my patients have opted not to have an arm lift after having the arm liposuction alone. The Smartlipo is less expensive, does not require anesthesia since I do it in my office, and doesn’t create the scar that a formal arm lift would. I explain more about liposuction in my related blog post.
Having said all of that, there are some patients who will go on to have the brachioplasty because they are still not satisfied. In that case, they are set up for a much better result with their arm lift procedure than they would have had without the liposuction.
Learn More About Arm Lift and Arm Liposuction
If you are troubled by excess arm skin or fat, we are happy to talk with you about your body contouring options. You can request a consultation using our online form or call us at (212) 249-4020 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Sterry you have totally cheangd my life. I was a size 8 and now I’m a 4. Not only is my body smaller but it is sculpted, I never had a waist and now I do. You are truly amazing. Thank you, I never dreamed of such results, it’s perfection. If your thinking about it, do it. The doctor has the hands of an artist. The pain was very minimal for the results. I was back to work in two days.