After major weight loss, your upper arms may become smaller while stretched tissue continues to hang or fold. Patients considering brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery in Cleveland, OH, can meet with Daniel A. Medalie, MD, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose clinical interests include body contouring and post-weight-loss body sculpting. At Cleveland Plastic Surgery, we explain how an arm lift differs from liposuction, where scars are likely to fall, and what to consider before choosing surgery.
Why Loose Upper-Arm Tissue Can Remain
Skin expands as body size changes. After losing a substantial amount of weight, it does not always contract enough to match the arm’s smaller shape. This can leave folds that move during activity, rub against clothing, or cover the muscle definition underneath.
Remaining fullness can come from localized fat, lax tissue, or a combination of the two. During an examination, Dr. Medalie can identify what is contributing to the arm’s shape and recommend an approach based on those findings.
When Liposuction Is Not Enough
Liposuction reduces localized fat, but it cannot correct a significant amount of hanging tissue. It can work well when fullness comes primarily from fat and the surrounding skin still has enough elasticity to contract.
When laxity is the main concern, removing fat alone can make the area appear even looser. Brachioplasty addresses the excess directly by trimming away stretched tissue and reshaping the upper arm. Dr. Medalie also uses liposuction as part of his arm lift technique to reduce retained fat and refine the contour. A previous arm lift patient example shows how these methods were combined following substantial weight loss.
What Determines the Length of an Arm Lift Scar?
The incision depends on the amount and location of the excess. Limited laxity near the underarm may allow for a shorter scar hidden within the armpit. More pronounced sagging can require an incision along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, sometimes extending from the underarm toward the elbow.
Arm lift scars are permanent, although they generally soften and fade as healing progresses. Before surgery, Dr. Medalie can show you where the incision is likely to sit and discuss how visible it could remain. This helps you decide whether the improvement in contour is worth the resulting scar.
Planning Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Good candidates are generally at a stable, healthy weight, in good overall health, and willing to stop smoking before and after surgery. It is also important to understand that brachioplasty improves shape by removing excess tissue rather than simply reducing arm size.
When similar concerns affect the abdomen, thighs, chest, or other areas, post-bariatric body contouring can help you consider the body as a whole. Depending on your priorities, an arm lift may also be coordinated with other body contouring procedures.
Discuss Arm Lift Surgery in Cleveland, OH
The right procedure depends on your skin elasticity, remaining fat, and the amount of excess tissue present. To find out whether liposuction, brachioplasty, or a combined approach makes sense for you, contact us or call 216-393-9924 to meet with Daniel A. Medalie, MD, at Cleveland Plastic Surgery in Beachwood, near Cleveland, OH.
