I Lost Weight and Now Have Saggy Arms. Will An Arm Lift Help?

Are you healthy and at your ideal weight, but dealing with areas not looking fit or toned? Have you lost a significant amount of weight and are now struggling with flaps of loose skin hanging from your upper arms? A brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, or arm reduction minimizes an irritating condition after substantial weight loss, commonly referred to as "bat wings." An arm lift and arm liposuction are two body contouring options that can help target this problem. While one procedure focuses on removing excess arm fat, the other concentrates on removing excess arm skin and fat.

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen is a plastic surgeon and founder of J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills. He is well-known for his innovative skin removal techniques and surgical experience with a wide variety of cosmetic procedures offered at his private practice in Beverly Hills, CA. After a thorough consultation, Dr. Katzen will develop a surgical plan and explain the many benefits an arm lift procedure can provide. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can reshape the way your arms look, then we invite you to call our Beverly Hills, CA office today.

WHY IS ARM SKIN REMOVAL NECESSARY?

It is a great accomplishment to lose weight and reduce the risk of certain health conditions, like diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. However, men and women who achieve significant weight loss are often left with excess skin in certain areas, which can negatively impact their quality of life and appearance. Skin removal surgery is a common procedure for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight. Body contouring procedures can address loose skin on the arms, stomach, legs, and buttocks. These procedures can help individuals to reach aesthetically pleasing and more natural shape. Patients who take steps to get healthier and lose weight have succeeded in reaching a milestone. However after weight loss, the sagging, excess skin left behind can present new challenges. Skin removal surgery, like an arm lift or arm reduction, can help patients exercise with greater ease, improve their self-confidence, and enhance their appearance.

CAN ONLY LIPOSUCTION FIX SAGGING SKIN ON MY ARMS?

A brachioplasty helps patients to eliminate excess, loose skin from the elbow to the shoulder and restore a more aesthetically pleasing arm contour. Often, patients inquire about arm liposuction because there is minimal to no scarring left behind. While arm liposuction is effective at reducing fatty deposits, for a more sculpted appearance, arm liposuction cannot eliminate excess, loose arm skin. An arm lift and liposuction are often done at the same time since it is one of the best treatments for sagging upper arms, which is a frequent concern for patients after losing weight. A brachioplasty can:

• Reduce pockets of fatty arm tissue

• Give patients a more contoured appearance by eliminating loose arm skin

• Help boost confidence after weight loss

• Make buying clothes easier

• Eliminate the need for constant long sleeved shirts to hide large upper arms

WHAT DOES ARM SKIN TIGHTENING SURGERY INVOLVE?

As a person's skin expands to accommodate extra weight and fat. The skin stretches and loses elasticity. With the breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers, the result is loose, flabby skin that is unable to retract back to normal after weight loss. An arm lift or arm reduction offers a surgical option of tightening the arms and giving patients a sculpted, more toned appearance. Depending on the severity of each case, a mini arm lift is an option for patients who have mild to moderate amounts of loose skin. A small incision can be placed in the armpit area for skin removal and liposuction (if needed) for fat reduction. For more moderate to severe cases, a longer incision will be required to remove loose, saggy skin in the upper arms. The incision may extend from the elbow to the armpit. Dr. Katzen will be extremely conscientious about incision placement to give patients the best outcome with minimal arm scarring.

Arm lift results are long-lasting. However, our skin loses firmness and laxity with age. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight and exercising regularly will help retain the results or arm lift surgery. At J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills, individuals can get help if they are unhappy about how their upper arms look after weight loss. If you are considering brachioplasty, or need additional body contouring help in other target areas, we invite you to schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. J. Timothy Katzen. Dr. Katzen will listen to your concerns and help you achieve your aesthetic goals, so you feel more comfortable about showing your arms off again. Call our Beverly Hills, CA office today at 310-859-7770 to schedule a consultation.

BEFORE AND AFTER